An additional School Resource Officer, proposed property tax rate, animal shelter policy, CCAD FY 2023 budget, parks and recreation priorities, sidewalks, and a zoning change were discussed in Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. The first public hearing on the City’s proposed FY 2022-2023 budget was also held.

School Resource Officers: Council approved an agreement between Lockhart ISD and the City of Lockhart for an additional School Resource Officer from the Lockhart Police Department. This will increase SROs assigned to LISD Campuses from two police officers to three. The additional SRO will supervise existing SROs and provide additional support in the elementary schools. This supervisory position will allow current SROs to spend more time on their designated campuses, increase presence and visibility, and work closely with the school district to further improve existing security measures, help implement new measures, and coordinate safety training.

Proposed City Budget for FY 2022-2023: Council conducted the first public hearing on the City’s proposed FY 2022 -2023 budget. The final public hearing will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 7:30 p.m. at the City Council Chambers.

Proposed Property Tax Rate: Council set the proposed City ad valorem tax rate to 0.6006/$100 valuation rate. The final vote on the 2022 tax rate will occur on September 6 following a public hearing.

Animal Shelter and Animal Control Policy Update: Councilmembers accepted the Police Chief’s Animal Shelter and Animal Control Policy Update report. In the report, the Police Chief noted that a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is being prepared to contract with a local veterinarian to provide professional services. Upon acceptance of the report, Council also requested a list of actions completed in response to the 2021 shelter evaluation. Following the Police Chief’s report, the Council also authorized one additional full-time shelter position and expanded one part-time position to full-time to better serve the community. The Council also authorized the creation of one additional police sergeant for improved supervision and management at the shelter and field operations.

Caldwell County Appraisal District FY 2023 Budget: Council approved a resolution disapproving the Caldwell County Appraisal District’s (CCAD)’s proposed FY 2023 budget.

Parks and Recreation Capital and Recreational Priorities: Council directed the Parks Director to bring back an action plan, funding, and implementation schedule for proposed Parks facilities improvements.  Those improvements include renovating existing park facilities, the addition of amenities—such as a Splash Pad for Maple Park and restrooms, and improvements for athletic fields.

Sidewalks: Councilmembers authorized Staff to prepare a bid package to replace and rehabilitate existing sidewalks found deficient. As of this time, sidewalks that are located in the public right-of-way or dedicated sidewalk easements and containing 1.5” or greater vertical trip hazards between panels, 1” or greater width separation between panels, and/or structural damage through the entire depth of the sidewalk panel will be considered. Work on the project is expected to begin Spring 2023, with a budget of $350,000.

Zoning Change: Council approved James Travis Krause’s request, made on behalf of Patton 3, LLC, from Residential Low Density to Planned Development District—including a PDD Development Plan for Lockhart Place Townhomes Planned Development—on 19.798 acres at 903 State Park Rd. (FM 20).

City Manager’s Report:

• Caldwell County Community Collection Event: Caldwell County is hosting a Community Collection Event on Saturday, August 20, at 8 a.m. – noon, or when dumpsters are full. It will be held at 423 San Marcos Hwy, west of downtown Luling. Open to Lockhart residents. Proof of residency is required to participate.
• Carrizo Groundwater Project Update: CSGP/ARWA bore under U.S. 183 south of the Summerside Subdivision to install a 60-inch pipe casing. This is part of the water transmission line that connects the regional water plant to the Lockhart distribution system and Alliance Booster Pump Station near San Marcos.
• New EMS Director: The City welcomed Lockhart EMS’ new Director Cean Charles. He joins Lockhart EMS with a wealth of experience and knowledge of emergency medicine. Most recently, he served as Operations Section Chief for Ascension Texas Medical Response Team.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the August 16, 2022, meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).