Impact Fee semi-annual report, runway and taxiway improvements at the Lockhart Municipal Airport, high service pump station expansion, police strength of force, Construction Board of Appeals and Historical Preservation Commission appointments, and zoning changes were discussed in Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Impact Fees: Council accepted the Impact Fee Advisory Committee’s semi-annual report for the six-month period of April 1 to October 1, 2022. Impact fee revenue helps pay for up to half of the cost of water, wastewater, and road capital improvement projects associated with new development.

Lockhart Municipal Airport: Council approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Advance Funding Agreement (AFA) with TxDOT for runway and taxiway improvements at the Lockhart Municipal Airport. The agreement also identifies the City’s match responsibility of 10% of the project, with 90% financed with federal funds.  

High Service Pump Station Expansion: Council awarded Prota, Inc. of Austin, Texas the $989,000 bid for the 2022 High Service Pump Station Project at the Lockhart Water Plant. The project includes the installation of two generators for backup power and two larger high service pumps to increase supply capacity in accordance with TCEQ requirements.

Strength of Force: Council adopted an ordinance reducing the number of police lieutenants from three to two, while increasing the number of police officers from 20 to 21.

Construction Board of Appeals: Councilmembers moved Mr. Ian Stowe’s appointment from the Electric Board to the Construction Board of Appeals.

Lockhart Historical Preservation Commission: Councilmembers appointed Mr. Kevin Randy Thuerwaechter to the Lockhart Historical Preservation Commission.

Zoning Change:

• Council approved Alan Balser’s zoning change application from Agricultural Open and Residential Low Density to Residential Low Density on 17.2 acres at 1107 Silent Valley Road (FM 2001).
• Council approved Diane Bernal’s application, made on behalf of Michael Wes Masur and Mandy Masur Holcomb, for a zoning change from Residential Low Density to Commercial Medium Business for 2.2 acres at 1708 W. San Antonio St. (SH 142).

City Manager’s Report:

• City Council/Planning and Zoning Commission Joint Meeting Recap: City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission met for a joint workshop on Tuesday, December 13. TxDOT representatives and City Staff provided updates on State Highway projects and City utilities, planning, and capital improvements at the workshop. The next workshop is scheduled for Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at the City Council Chambers. DETAILED RECAP: https://www.lockhart-tx.org/page/article/460
• Live Christmas Tree Recycling: The City offers FREE live Christmas tree recycling. Call the Public Works Department at (512) 398-6452 to arrange for collection. Prior to curbside pickup, make sure the tree is free of ornaments, lights, tinsel, nails, screws, or tree bases. This program only applies to live Christmas trees. Artificial trees will not be accepted.
• Free COVID-19 Rapid Tests Available: Due to an expected COVID-19 surge during the holidays, the federal government is again providing free COVID-19 rapid tests through the U.S. Postal Service. People may request free tests by visiting www.covid.gov/tests/. These tests will begin shipping at the end of the month.
• City offices Closed: City offices will be closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (observed) Friday, December 23, and Monday, December 26.
• Upcoming Cold Snap: The U.S. National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio is forecasting a strong arctic front to move into the Central Texas area—including Lockhart—late Thursday. Friday morning lows could reach 10-20 degrees with wind chill values even lower. Highs will remain below freezing. Residents were encouraged to take precautions to protect people, plants, pets, and pipes. Safety tips are available on the City’s website: www.Lockhart-tx.org/page/article/461

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the December 20, 2022, meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).