A proclamation recognizing Black History Month, expanding a utility assistance program with Community Action Inc., safety and reliability improvements for the electric system, zoning change request, City Council meeting schedule, City Board and Commissions nominee qualifications, HOT advisory board members, and juvenile curfew restrictions were discussed in last night’s City Council meeting.
Black History Month Proclamation: Mayor Lew White issued a proclamation designating the month of February as Black History Month to members of the Progressive Club.
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program: City Council authorized the City Manager to sign a one-year agreement with Community Action, Inc. for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The new program provides emergency assistance to eligible low-income households that pay a high proportion of household income for water, storm water, and sewer services. It can be used for:
- Current expenses
- Prevention of service disconnection/rates and fees associated with reconnection
Previously, the program was limited to electric services—the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)—which assists Lockhart residents with the electric portion of their bills prioritizing low-income families with children under five years old, and/or elderly, disabled, or veteran family members. The inclusion of the Water Assistance Program expands financial utility support to include water services.
Electric System Update: Councilmembers approved the agreement with Techline Construction to make certain safety and reliability improvements to the City’s electric system.
Zoning Change: Curtis Thigpen of Paravel Capital’s zoning change request from Residential Medium Density to Residential High Density in the 19.91-acre property on the 1900 block of N. Cesar Chavez Parkway/SH-130 North was tabled to the April 12 City Council meeting. The Planning and Zoning Commission has not made a final recommendation on the project.
City Council Meeting Schedule: Councilmembers approved the City Council meeting schedule for 2022 after discussing potential scheduling conflicts on Council meetings this year. The October 4, 2022, regular Council meeting has been cancelled due to conflicts with National Night Out.
City Boards and Commissions Qualifications: Council passed the ordinance clarifying and expanding qualifications and rules appointing members of City Boards and Commissions.
Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Advisory Board: Council reappointed members of the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Advisory Board. They are Alfredo Munoz, Ray Sanders, Archana Gandhi, Steve Lewis, Sally Daniels, and Janet Grigar (alternate). They will represent Lockhart for calendar year 2022.
Juvenile Curfew: Council approved an ordinance continuing the existing juvenile curfew ordinance requirements. City Code imposes daytime and nightime curfews, exceptions, and establishes parental responsibility. Texas Law requires cities statewide to review its curfew ordinance every three years after adoption.