A resolution addressing a Councilmember’s remarks, election services, LPD’s state mandated Racial Profiling Report, Emergency Warning System annual review, Hotel Occupancy Tax allocations, short-term rentals, load shedding notifications, and an Airport Advisory Board appointment were discussed in last night’s City Council meeting.

Executive Session: Following an Executive Session, Council approved a resolution denouncing Councilmember David Bryant’s antisemitic remarks from a recent sermon, resulting in his censure and a call for his resignation.

Election Services: City Council agreed to contract the Caldwell County Elections Administrator to conduct the City of Lockhart’s General Election on November 8, 2022.

Lockhart Police Department’s 2021 Racial Profiling Report: Council accepted the Lockhart Police Department’s 2021 Racial Profiling Report, which was submitted to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) as required by state law. The report provides comprehensive analysis and data relating to motor vehicle stops--in which a ticket, citation, or warning is issued--and arrests made in those stops in relation to a person’s race.

Lockhart Emergency Warning System Annual Review: Council conducted an annual review of the current Emergency Warning Guidelines, which include Outdoor Warning Sirens and the Regional Notification System. No changes were made going into the 2022 storm season.

Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Allocation: Council approved the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) allocations for historical recipients, along with a small portion for the new Feria de Culturas event. They will be distributed as follows:

• Lockhart Visitors’ Center: $50,000
• Chisholm Trail Round Up: $40,000
• Cinco de Mayo: $6,500
• Diez y Seis: $6,500
• Gaslight-Baker Theater: $15,000
• Texas Swing: $12,500
• Caldwell County Jail Museum: $5,000
• Feria de Culturas: $1,000

Short-Term Rentals: Council approved an ordinance that establishes a registration process for short-term rental units. The ordinance provides the City a tool to track and regulate short-term rental units in order to protect the health and safety of occupants, and to preserve the integrity of the neighborhoods where these units operate. Under the new ordinance, short-term rental unit owners are required to pay a registration fee, provide the property owner’s contact information and a local emergency contact’s information, have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in the unit, working fire extinguishers, and maximum occupancy and parking standards approved by the Planning and Zoning Department.

Load Shedding Notifications:  The Finance Director informed Council that the City will implement the provisions of S.B. 3—which addresses energy load-shed notifications to municipally-owned utility customers. The City’s Utility Department will implement the notice provisions of the new law in the March 2022 newsletter and in the last quarter of 2022. Load shed notifications will also be available on the City’s website under the Utility Billing Department and social media.

Airport Advisory Board Nominee: Council approved Mr. Benny Hilburn’s appointment to the Airport Advisory Board.

City Manager’s Report:

• The Downtown Revitalization Project’s second public open house will be held on Thursday, March 3, 6:30 p.m. at the FLBC-Connection Center (200 S. Blanco St.)
• The Redistricting public hearing will be held in the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m. A dedicated webpage has been created, which details the proposed redistricting plan, along with supporting documents from previous redistricting meetings and drawing session.
• The Household Hazardous Waste Collection event will be held Saturday, March 26, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the City Park Main Pavilion. It’s free for Lockhart residents. Those interested are asked to bring their utility bill or any other proof of Lockhart residency.
• Kid Fish will be held Saturday, March 12, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the City Park Pond. Participants may register on-site. Fishing poles and bait will be provided, as available, along with light snacks.