The Lockhart City Council voted on a rezoning case, a downtown mural, a new police chief’s appointment, impact fees, annual audit, the summer recreation program and a hangar ground lease agreement at Lockhart Municipal Airport.
Mural: The mural that adorns a wall at the corner of Commerce and Market Streets will remain a fixture in Lockhart after Council voted 6-1 to let it stay. The mural was originally added for the Texas Monthly barbecue festival in 2022, with the magazine applying for a temporary permit to paint the mural and later remove it. The Lockhart Historical Preservation Committee had earlier denied an application by the building’s owner to allow the temporary mural to remain permanent. The owner appealed the decision and council voted to rule in his favor.
Chief of Police: Council approved a motion to confirm the city manager’s appointment of Gary Williamson as Lockhart’s new police chief. Williamson will head the police department beginning April 10. Read the city’s full announcement here.
Impact fee hearing: Council approved a resolution setting May 2, 2023 as the date for a public hearing regarding the 2023 water/wastewater and roads impact fee reports, including land use assumptions, capital projects, and fee adjustments. The previous update of the City's impact fees was adopted in April 2017.
City/EDC Audit: Council voted to accept the City's and Lockhart Economic Development Corporation’s annual financial audit conducted by BrooksWatson & Company, PLLC, an independent accounting firm. BrooksWatson & Company issued an unmodified (clean) opinion, which is the highest level of assurance.
Rezoning: Council voted in favor of the landowner on an appeal to a denial by the Planning and Zoning Commission for a specific use permit to allow a manufactured home on her lot zoned Residential Medium Density District at 405 Neches Street.
Summer Camps: Approved a motion to allow the city to proceed with Skyhawks Sports Academy as a youth sports camp provider this summer. This summer will be the first opportunity for Skyhawks Sports Academy to provide programs in Lockhart and will serve as a trial run for potentially offering year-round sports programs.
City Parks: Council approved the first two work authorizations for Halff Associates under the Master General Services Agreement to renovate the city parks. Work Authorization 1 provides the scope of work for the update of the city’s Open Space Master Plan, and Work Authorization 2 provides the scope of work for current projects that include Maple Street splash pad amenities, skatepark repairs, and aquatics facility project guidance/support.
Airport: Following executive session, Council approved a resolution terminating the Hangar Ground Lease Agreement dated February 3, 2021 between the City of Lockhart, Texas and Lockhart Hangar Partners, LLC.
City Manager’s Report
2023 Sidewalks Project: A pre-construction meeting was held and the contractor is set to begin next week on rehabilitating some of the city’s sidewalks.
KidFish: Inclement weather led to KidFish being rescheduled for 9 a.m.-Noon Saturday, March 25 at Lockhart City Park pond. The weather forecast for Saturday is much more favorable.
Citywide Spring Cleanup: This event starts at 7 a.m. Saturday, March 25. Click here for details.
Cemetery Cleanup: Faded, weathered decorations will be removed from grave markers from March 28-29.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection: This event will be held rain or shine on Saturday, April 1 at Lockhart City Park for Lockhart residents only to dispose of items like cleaners, batteries, varnish and paint. Click here for more information.
Maple Street splash pad: Site preparation is underway.
Comprehensive plan: The city manager and staff are interviewing three consulting firms that are interested in helping the city update its comprehensive plan.
Building Permits: Building permits — including new construction, trades and renovation — are up approximately 40% across the board in Lockhart since January 2021.
Body Cameras: Updated body-worn cameras for police officers that were obtained with a grant were received and have been deployed. The new units have a much better battery life and the footage can be stored to the cloud, making it easier to retain videos and make them available to the district attorney's office.
Car Seat Checks: Dell Children’s is leading an effort to come to Lockhart on a monthly basis to educate people about proper car seat safety and install car seats for families who need it. The first event will be held April 12 at Fire Station No. 2. Click here for details.