The Downtown Revitalization Project, economic development incentives for Mill Scale and Revival Cycles, 130 Industrial Park land sale to the Ziegenfelder Company, grants from the LCRA and Firehouse Subs, a zoning change, and solid waste collection schedule changes were discussed in Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Downtown Revitalization Project UPDATE: The City’s consulting engineer and architects, TRC Engineering and Rialto Studio, respectively, presented their Final Conceptual Design Report on the Downtown Revitalization Project to the Council. The report contained results from community input from both the downtown project’s public open houses. Council wanted to review the report further, consider additional traffic circulation options, and directed Staff to calculate the cost of a plaza to be included in the plan, which will be presented in the next Council Meeting, May 3^rd.

Mill Scale, LLC: Council approved a resolution on Mill Scale, LLC’s performance agreement with the LEDC, along with incentives from the City. Both agreements provide short-term tax incentives for the company as it invests at least $1.5 million into the project and hire and maintain 15 jobs over the first three years for the duration of the term. Mill Scale, which creates custom smokers, intends to purchase 1.3 acres north of Kreuz Market to establish a new manufacturing facility and retail store front.

Revival Cycles, Inc.: Council approved a resolution on Revival Cycles, Inc.’s performance agreement with the LEDC and awarded incentives from the City. Both agreements will provide short-term tax incentives for the company, along with a rebate grant to assist with upgrades for the historic Masur Building on Church and W. San Antonio Sts. Revival Cycles, a custom motorcycle manufacturing company and retailer of motorcycle apparel, accessories, and art, is considering to move its entire operations from Austin to Lockhart with the purchase of the Masur Building. The move would create up to 50 jobs in Lockhart.

LCRA Grant: Councilmembers approved LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program grant awarded to the Lockhart Fire Department. The grant amounts to $6,649 with a 20% City grant match. The grant will help the Fire Department purchase rescue and personal protection equipment used in swiftwater or low angle rescue incidents.

Firehouse Subs Grant: Council approved the $33,615 Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant awarded to the Lockhart Fire Department. The money will allow the Fire Department to purchase a set of battery-powered automobile extrication tools—which include spreaders, cutters, and telescoping ram—that will help firefighters increase the safety, reliability, and efficiency of their service when responding to motor vehicle accidents.

Zoning Change: Jim Meredith’s request, made on behalf of Robert A. Schmidt, for a zoning change from Commercial Heavy Business to Residential High Density for 14.57 acres at 101 E. China St. has been tabled to the June 7^th City Council meeting.

Ziegenfelder Company: Council approved the LEDC’s property sale agreement with Ziegenfelder Company for 6.788 acres in the Lockhart Industrial Park III (130 Industrial Park). The West Virginia-based private, family-owned frozen novelty manufacturer produces high quality frozen ice treats, which include the Budget Saver Assorted Twin Pops. Before the agreement is finalized, the Ziegenfelder Company’s application for the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant is pending approval by the Office of the Governor. The potential Lockhart facility is estimated to be a $30 million investment and would create up to 100 jobs in a 42,000 square foot facility.

Solid Waste Collection Schedule Change: The City’s solid waste collection contractor, Central Texas Refuse (CTR), informed Council of its plans to convert the waste collection schedule from four days per week of rear-load (RLT) service to three days per week with additional collection trucks starting June 13, 2022. Those three days will be Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. There will be no changes in the recycling service schedule, which will remain at every other week on Wednesdays. Waste collection route schedules have not been adjusted for 20 years and, to keep up with the city’s growth and to balance collection routes, schedule changes are necessary.

Overall, approximately 2,000 customers will experience a day of service change. Starting in May, customers will be receiving a series of print and digital notices from CTR and the City reminding them of the changes leading up to June 13.

City Manager’s Report:

• City-wide Cleanup is on Saturday, April 30, 7 a.m. Bulky item charges will not be applicable on appliances (washers, dryers, stoves), carpeting (less than 4 ft. long), furniture, scrap metal (less than 4 ft. long), treated wood, and mattresses.
• The Splash Pad opens for the season, also on Saturday, April 30. To improve safety and aesthetic appeal, the splash pad’s surface will be painted with a blue, non-stick, waterproof coating. Signage will also be enhanced to make it easier for the community to use and enjoy.
• The City’s proposed Redistricting plan will be back on the agenda on the May 3^rd City Council meeting.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the April 19, 2022, meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).