Council honors community volunteer Bruce Maulding, advances zoning updates

GONZALES, Texas — The Gonzales City Council met Thursday evening with a full agenda and a full audience, voting unanimously to rename the city’s youth practice field in honor of longtime community supporter and volunteer Bruce Maulding while also advancing zoning updates, senior-service funding, and several fall event announcements. 

City Manager Tim Crow opened the meeting by recognizing Main Street Director Tiffany Padia for her tireless efforts coordinating events during the city’s Bicentennial and Come & Take It Celebration. He also commended Police Chief Audry and the Gonzales Police Department, along with the Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Rangers, for their cooperation and swift response during a shooting incident at the festival that was quickly resolved. 

Crow concluded his report with reminders of upcoming community events, including Witches Night Out on Oct. 30, the Downtown Boo-tacular Community Trick-or-Treat Trail on Oct. 31, and the Purple Cactus Art Festival and Market at J.B. Wells Park Nov. 1–2. 

The highlight of the night came when council members approved the resolution renaming the youth practice field on North Avenue between Tate and William streets in honor of Maulding. Several residents, coaches, and former students filled the council chamber to speak in favor of the dedication, describing Maulding as a steady presence for Gonzales youth. Speakers recalled his years of volunteering, mentoring children, supporting school activities, and helping shape a generation of young people through teamwork and encouragement. 

The resolution also authorizes safety improvements at the field, including installation of cable barriers along the north and south ends to prevent vehicles from entering the play area. The materials will be repurposed from existing city supplies, creating no additional cost. A gate will also be added at Tate and St. Paul streets to provide emergency and maintenance access. Council discussed possible parking concerns near the field but agreed that child safety and preservation of the space for youth activities should remain the priority. 

Council next voted to schedule a series of community workshops to gather input on potential rezoning for manufactured and mobile homes within city limits. City Secretary Kristina Vega explained that a new state Senate bill will soon take effect, changing zoning requirements for such housing. The workshops will help bring the city into compliance while allowing residents and property owners to voice their opinions. No final determinations will be made until the issue is reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission. 

During consideration of the consent agenda, Resolution 2025-114 was separated for individual discussion. The measure, which allocates $15,000 from the city’s 2026 budget to the Gonzales County Senior Citizens Association, was unanimously approved. The funds will be used exclusively for meal services after transportation duties were subcontracted to another provider. City staff reported that meal costs average about $8,000 per month, meaning the allocation will be fully utilized. 

The council also approved several land-use and zoning ordinances following unanimous recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Property at Water and Home streets was rezoned from Single-Family Residential to Light Commercial to accommodate plans for a new Masonic Lodge. Property at 631 South Street, Fair Street, and St. Andrew Street was changed from residential to Heavy Commercial to support construction of a new church campus. Downtown parcels at 702 St. Joseph Street and 409–413 St. Francis Street were rezoned from Light Commercial to Downtown Mixed-Use District, aligning zoning with existing historic buildings and easing restrictions for renovation and business development. 

The meeting reflected a mix of community pride and practical city business — from honoring a resident whose lifelong volunteerism helped shape Gonzales youth, to preparing for the next chapter of growth and revitalization throughout the city.