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Lockhart Community News
City Council Recap April 6, 2021
04/07/2021

A full City Council agenda led to approval of the creation of a new Parks and Recreation Department, a joint summer recreation program with Lockhart ISD, and a third-party evaluation of the Lockhart Animal Shelter.

But the biggest take away from Tuesday’s council meeting is how the City plans to pay for the additional unbudgeted $3.5M power expenses due to Winter Storm Uri.

 

 City Council decided to alleviate the burden of the winter weather's cost impact from its customers. In doing so, the following direction was given to staff to help manage costs:

  • Transfer $1.3M from the Electric Rate Mitigation Fund for emergency relief.
  • Transfer $500,000 for emergency relief through the Electric Fund Balance as a one-time expenditure.
  • Finance the remaining cost by borrowing from the City’s Water Fund Balance for a period not exceeding three years.

 

After further discussion, these items were also approved:

 

Animal Shelter Evaluation: Council awarded Animal Control & Care Academy a contract to conduct an independent assessment of the Lockhart Animal Services Division and Shelter. The City ensured that hiring a third party to assess the shelter is not uncommon and is a necessary means to find ways to improve operations. The ACCA report is expected to be available early summer.

 

City of Lockhart and Lockhart ISD joint summer recreation program: The City of Lockhart and Lockhart ISD recognized the need for a summer recreation program for local youth, aged 13-18 years old. The City and LISD partnered up and created the “Lockhart Summer Teen Center.” The free program includes activities like indoor soccer, basketball, cornhole, horseshoes, and board games. Free lunch will also be provided. The City will contribute 50-percent of the cost, which will help pay for personnel, supplies, and utilities.

 

“I was very pleased with the school district’s reaction to this request,” Mayor Lew White said. “They were enthusiastic and eager to get going.”

 

The Mayor added that summer programs, like the Lockhart Summer Teen Center, provide a much-needed safe haven for teenagers through educational support, physical activity, and socialization, while also giving working families peace of mind.

 

The Lockhart Summer Teen Center officially kicks off June 7.

 

New Parks and Recreation Department: City Council voted unanimously to create the new Parks and Recreation Department and commence the search for a new Parks director. The City determined the new Parks director will report to the City Manager, instead of the Public Works director. The new department will focus on developing a strong recreation program, well maintained, and aesthetically pleasing park and recreation facilities as outlined in the citizen-based 2018 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan.

 

Other agenda items approved by council, include:

  • Submission of a Texas Community Block Grant application for $350,000 to replace 1,500 residential water meters, which consists of 30-percent of the entire water metering system.
  • Hiring Progressive Aquatics to refurbish the Don R. Brice Swimming Pool Filtration System.
  • Waiving City Park fees for Lockhart High School’s Project Graduation event in 2021.
  • The A.A. Storey House, 515 South Main Street, given a Historic Landmark Designation, making it the 12th home to have the distinction.

 


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