City Council opened the meeting with a recognition of the Lockhart High School baseball and softball teams, then dove into a packed agenda addressing nonprofit funding, the CAMPO transportation study, the American Rescue Plan Act spending guide, a first look on the Wayfinding Plan, and an update on the City’s masking policy.
City Council congratulates Lockhart High School’s Baseball and Softball teams: City Council awarded the Lion Baseball team and Lady Lion Softball team with certificates of recognition. The Lady Lions won the bi-district playoffs. The Lion Baseball team brought Lockhart back into the playoffs after a 30-year drought.
Wayfinding Plan: The chairman of the Wayfinding Committee proposed the addition of entryway signage along major Lockhart roadways. The committee is working to finalize the designs to present to Council on a later date.
CAMPO’s Western Caldwell County Transportation Study: Representatives of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, or CAMPO, updated council on the Western Caldwell County Transportation Study. The group has been gathering public input on east-west connections between major highways, including SH-130, SH-142, SH-21 and I-35. Four routes are currently under consideration. City Council took no action on this item at this time. The deadline for public comment is June 1.
City of Lockhart funds for Nonprofits: Council asked for detailed information about the number of clients served from Lockhart and whether there is duplication of resources. Representatives of seven local and area nonprofits went before Council to make their case in requesting financial support from the City. The nonprofits were:
- CARTS
- Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center
- Cenikor Foundation
- Combined Community Action-Sr. Nutrition
- Lockhart Area Senior Citizen Center
- CASA of Central Texas, Inc.
- Caldwell County Christian Ministries
American Rescue Plan Act Spending Guidelines: The City of Lockhart has been allocated $3.08M from the American Rescue Plan Act. According to criteria, Lockhart is considered a smaller city and will receive its disbursement from the State rather than directly from the U.S. Treasury. That money will come in two cycles over 14 months or more. The first cycle consists of 50-percent of the allocation, with the second cycle providing the rest of the funding no earlier than 12 months after the first portion is received. City Council asked if this money can be used to help improve broadband access. It is to be determined, for the money must be used for eligible purposes as stated in the Treasury’s guidelines.
COVID-19 Masking Requirements: Pursuant to Governor Abbott’s new Executive Order, City Council voted to rescind local mask orders, emphasizing that fully vaccinated people may keep masks off in outdoor and most indoor settings, unless businesses choose to keep their masking policies in place. Prior to the meeting, the governor issued an executive order prohibiting local government entities—including cities, counties, school districts, and public health authorities—from requiring masks. Last week, the CDC announced fully vaccinated people no longer need masks in most indoor settings, unless required by federal, state, and local governments, along with respective businesses.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Central Texas Refuse solid waste collection contract: City Council moved to have City Staff continue negotiations with Central Texas Refuse. This item will be taken up in a Special Council Meeting next Tuesday, the 25th, at 7: 30 p.m.