A Downtown Revitalization Project design update, Economic Development Administration grant project, annexation public hearing, police hiring incentives, and a zoning change were discussed in Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Downtown Revitalization Project 30% Design Phase: Council accepted the Downtown Revitalization Project’s 30% Design Phase Report as presented by TRC Engineering, the City’s consulting engineer, and architect. The progress report included:

• The geotechnical (soil) report, surveying, and photometric (lighting) outcome
• Updated cost estimate
• Refined project limits
• Stakeholder meeting input
• Proposed construction phasing

Council will receive another update at the 60% design milestone in February 2023. It will include utility plans, identifying potential conflicting components, and to refine the material quantities needed for the project.

To view the 30% Design Phase Report, visit the Downtown Revitalization Project’s webpage.

Economic Development Administration Grant Project: Council approved a professional services agreement with Grant Development Services. This firm will help us in processing and tracking the grant award and compliance with reporting requirements regarding the installation of an approximately 2.5-mile wastewater line between the Larrimore Wastewater Treatment Plant and SH 130 Industrial Park. The project is funded by the $2.1 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Annexation: Council set the date for a public hearing on the annexation of 197 acres in the southwest part of the city for Tuesday, December 6, 2022. The property is located south of State Park Road (FM 20), west of Twin Island Drive, and east of Arena Road.

Police Officer Incentives: Council approved an ordinance to improve police officer recruitment by establishing payment of a monetary incentive for new police officer hires. The ordinance increases the hiring incentive from $5,000 to $10,000 for new officer hires to be paid out in two payments: $5,000 at the time of hire and $5,000 after successful completion of the department field training program. Officers are also obligated to remain with the department for two years. The new incentive is effective immediately.

Zoning Change: Councilmembers approved Ben Tolson of Aquila Commercial’s zoning change request, made on behalf of Clifton Jones of 142 Partners, LLC, from Agricultural Open to 8.06 acres Commercial Medium Business, and 54.56 acres Residential High Density on a total of 62.62 acres at 132 Clark Loop to accommodate a mix of commercial and multifamily development.

City Manager’s Report:

• Dia de los Muertos Celebration: The annual Dia de los Muertos celebration, organized by Feria de Culturas, will be held Friday, November 4, 5 – 10 p.m. at the Dr. Eugene Clark Library lawn. There will be a community altar, a la Catrina costume contest, luminarias, kids’ crafts, and live music. If it rains, activities will be moved inside the library.
• Texas Monthly BBQ Fest: Texas Monthly’s BBQ Fest is on Saturday, November 5 (BBQ World’s Fair) and Sunday, November 6 (Top 50 Picnic). Saturday’s event, BBQ World’s Fair, will be held at the Courthouse Square, 12 – 7 p.m. Sunday’s event, Top 50 Picnic, will be held at City Park, 12 – 4 p.m. For tickets, visit www.texasmonthly.com
• November 8 General Election: Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, with polls open between 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Four City Council seats will be on the ballot for the November 8 General Election: District 1, District 2, and two At-Large City Council positions.
• Veterans’ Day: City offices, including the recycling center, will be closed Friday, November 11 for Veterans’ Day. Trash services will remain as regularly scheduled.
• Interim Police Chief: Upon the former Lockhart Police Chief’s retirement, Lt. Danny Williams has been serving as Lockhart’s Acting Police Chief. The City is currently interviewing two external potential interim police chief candidates while a permanent appointee is sought.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the November 1, 2022, meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).