Texas Monthly BBQ Fest, CARTS new bus service, surplus city personal property disposal, board/commission/committee nominations, BIG Grants for William Dodd Fowler, LLC and Commerce Café, Sabre Commercial, Inc., zoning changes, and a new airport advisory board member were discussed in last night’s City Council Meeting.

Texas Monthly BBQ Fest: City Council approved the Texas Monthly’s request to move its annual BBQ Fest to Lockhart, long-term. The event will be held at the Courthouse Square and City Park on November 5-6, 2022. Council also directed the City Manager to continue discussions with Texas Monthly on including the City as a sponsor in its promotional materials as part of in-kind services.

CARTS New Service: The Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) informed City Council of an upcoming new service for Lockhart, called CARTS NOW. The new service is a low-cost, on demand ride service that allows Lockhart citizens to travel on their own time within the city. CARTS NOW rolls out in Lockhart March/April 2022 with the first six months considered a pilot period, consequently free of charge. After that, rides will be $2 each way. There will be two vans dedicated within Lockhart, both will have ramps/lifts. CARTS NOW currently provides service in Manor, Bastrop, and Taylor.

Disposal of surplus City Personal Property: City Council approved a resolution that allows a Lockhart Police Officer to purchase their duty weapon at fair market price upon retirement after honorable service.

Procedure for City Board, Commission, and Committee nominations: City Council approved the resolution establishing an administrative procedure for the nomination of members of City Boards, Committees and Commissions. Council also directed Staff to draft a new ordinance adding requirements for nominee qualifications.

BIG GRANTS: City Council approved the LEDC’s performance agreement with William Dodd Fowler, LLC and Commerce Café, LLC for a BIG Grant. Both businesses plan to update the façade of their buildings. BIG Grants provide a 50-percent rebate to downtown façade improvements for up to $20,000 per business. Upon approval, both businesses now have 60 days to complete their improvement projects.

Sabre Commercial, Inc.: Council approved LEDC’s performance and property sale agreement with Sabre Commercial, Inc. for a 20,000 square foot speculative building on five acres of land in Lockhart’s Industrial Park II.  

Zoning Changes:

• Council granted Alan Balser’s zoning change request for a 40-acre property on 1601 Silent Valley Road from an Agricultural Open to a Residential High-Density district to make way for apartments.
• Balser’s second zoning change request, this time for a 6.52-acre property on 2100 N. Cesar Chavez Pkwy., from an Agricultural Open to a Residential High-Density district was also approved for apartments.
• Council approved Earnest and Albert Yanez’s zoning change request, on behalf of Trinity Street Properties, LLC, from Commercial Heavy Business to Residential High-Density for 0.614 acres on 1201 Blackjack St. to allow for a multifamily duplex or four-plex.
• Council approved Sarah Corona of PSCE, Inc.’s zoning change request, on behalf of Najib Wehbe, from Agricultural Open to Commercial Heavy Business on 5.484 acres at 1507 N. Cesar Chavez Pwy. The new classification would make way for a commercial building consisting of a convenience store with a gas station and market.
• All the above zoning changes have received recommendation for approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Airport Advisory Board: City Council appointed Mr. Jake McCullough to the Airport Advisory Board.