The Downtown Revitalization Project, redistricting, zoning change requests, a new ambulance and EMS gear, ISO rating, and Texas BBQ Fest were discussed in Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Downtown Revitalization Project UPDATE: Councilmembers accepted the Final Conceptual Design Report and authorized Staff to proceed with the Downtown Revitalization Project’s design phase, favoring Option 1B. The design, which was drafted after additional community input and Council review, consists of two-way traffic around the Courthouse, one-way traffic on Commerce and Main Sts. in the blocks north and south of the Courthouse, all-way stops, additional parking spaces, preserves all median trees, curb bump-outs and pedestrian refuges. The plan does not include a plaza on the north side of W. San Antonio St./SH-142.

You may view the Final Conceptual Design Report by visiting the Downtown Revitalization Project’s dedicated webpage.

Redistricting: Council tabled discussions on the City’s proposed redistricting plan to the next City Council meeting, May 17.

New Ambulance and Medical Equipment: Council approved an ordinance for a budget amendment enabling Lockhart EMS to purchase a new Frazer Type I ambulance. Council also approved for the new ambulance to be outfitted with a “powered loading and cot system,” which helps manage stretcher loading and unloading.  The new ambulance will replace one of two front-line ambulances currently in service. It is anticipated one half of the cost will be shared by Caldwell County.

ISO Rating: Council approved an ordinance allocating funds for services provided by an Insurance Services Office (ISO)—which collects information on a community’s public fire protection--to help prevent the City’s Public Protection Classification (PPC) from regressing. Insurance companies use the City’s PPC rating to establish appropriate premiums for residential and commercial properties. Should the City’s PPC rating drop, the cost of property insurance could rise 9% for commercial properties and 3% for residential properties.

Texas Monthly BBQ Fest: Council approved the Texas Monthly 2022 BBQ World Fair Event Sponsorship Agreement for the November 5-6, 2022 BBQ World’s Fair Event.

Zoning Changes:

• Council approved Srinivasa Prasad Kunche’s request, made on behalf of CAM-TX Holdings, LLC, for a zoning change from Commercial Heavy to Residential High Density on 0.613-acre property located at 1203 Blackjack St./FM-20. The applicant is looking to build multi-family homes on the property.
• Council approved Rosario Rodriguez’s zoning change request from Agricultural-Open to Residential Medium on 5.001 acres at 2011 FM-1322 to allow for a manufactured home.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the May 3, 2022, meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).