Recognizing Tree of Angels® Week, a grant from Meals on Wheels of Central Texas, a special meeting for the parklet program, a zoning change request, building code amendments, the high service pump station expansion, and animal services department change were discussed in last night’s City Council Meeting.
Tree of Angels® Proclamation: The Mayor issued a Proclamation declaring December 1-7, as “Tree of Angels®” Week to the Lockhart Police Department’s Victim Services. The Tree of Angels® program was formed by People Against Violent Crime, a statewide organization, to provide communities a means to remember those who lost their lives in violent crimes by hanging an angel to the tree with the name of the victim, along with an accompanying ceremony. Due to COVID-19, the ceremony in Lockhart was virtual.
Meals on Wheels of Central Texas home repair grant: Meals on Wheels of Central Texas’ Charles Cloutman provided details on a $1-million grant awarded by the “Just Keep Livin’ Foundation.” The grant will help fund home repairs due to damage from Winter Storm Uri for low-income homeowners in Caldwell County. To qualify, homeowners must:
- Be a homeowner
- Provide copies of income and assets
- Meet gross income guidelines
- 80% median family income or below:
|
MFI (Gross Income)
|
Number of Household Members
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
|
80%
|
$55,400
|
$63,300
|
$71,200
|
$79,100
|
$85,450
|
$91,800
|
$98,100
|
$104,450
|
For more information or to apply, call Meals on Wheels of Central Texas at (512) 678-8171.
Eligible repairs include window/door repairs or replacement, roof repair/replacement due to ice damage, water pipes and well heads, home interior/exterior repair, and preventative repairs if potential weather damage could pose health and safety issues. However, it’s important to note that some repairs may require a building permit.
High Service Pump Station Expansion: The Public Works Director updated City Council on the High Service Pump Station Expansion at the Lockhart Water Treatment Plant. The project entails the addition of two (2) new large pumps with an estimated project cost of $570,000. The High Service Pump Station distributes water to the entire city. The expansion will be paid for by funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. Construction starts next year.
Building Code Amendments: City Council approved an ordinance amending Chapter 12 of the City of Lockhart’s Code of Ordinances, regarding Buildings and Building Regulations, to adopt the 2018 International Building Codes--which involves the following: Building Code, existing Building Code, Residential Code, Plumbing Code, Fuel and Gas Code, Mechanical Code, Energy Code, Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and the 2017 National Electrical Code. These new amendments go into effect in 30 days.
Zoning Change Request: Keith Schauer P.E.’s zoning change request, on behalf of Jesco Construction Inc., for a 9.186-acre property on 920 Trinity St. was withdrawn from the December 7th meeting. However, it will be taken up at the December 21st City Council meeting.
City Manager’s Report:
- A special Council meeting has been scheduled regarding the parklet program for next Tuesday, December 14, at 6:30 p.m. City Council directed City Staff in the October 19th Council meeting to revise the proposed parklet ordinance to possibly provide for a long-term parklet program. Keep Lockhart Beautiful, the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Business Association are invited to attend and provide feedback.
- The Lockhart Animal Services Division has been transitioned from the City’s Public Works Department to the Lockhart Police Department, as recommended by a consultant with the Animal Control and Care Academy (ACCA). Interim Sgt. David Martinez is serving as supervisor.