May 16, 2023

The Downtown Revitalization Project, Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, FY 2022-2023 Council Goals, and a zoning change were discussed at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Pictured left to right (front row): Mayor Pro-Tem Angie Gonzales-Sanchez, Mayor Lew White, Councilmember District 3 Kara McGregor. Pictured left to right (back row): Councilmember District 1 Juan Mendoza, Councilmember At-Large Brad Westmoreland, Councilmember District 4 Jeffry Michelson, Councilmember District 2 John Castillo.

Upcoming Meetings

June 6 – Regular Session

June 20 – Regular Session

July 4 – Meeting CANCELLED for Independence Day

Downtown Revitalization Project UPDATE:

                The City’s consulting engineer and architects, TRC Engineering and Rialto Studios, respectively, provided an update on the Downtown Revitalization Project. Since the 60% Design Phase’s acceptance in the February 22^nd Council Meeting, Staff received an updated cost estimate, a draft of the arborist report on downtown trees, prepared State Antiquities Landmark (SAL) permit to be submitted to the Texas Historical Commission, parking count update, revised curb bump-outs to accommodate delivery/service trucks, and an update on the truck re-route on SH 142.

                Engineering consultants will present the 100% Design Phase to Council in July.

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee:

Council tentatively adopted the size and membership of the citizens Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee as recommended by the City’s consultant’s, Freese & Nichols. The Steering Committee, which will represent various aspects of the community, will hold public meetings on the current state of the city and gather community input regarding goals, objectives, and strategies to guide the next 20 years of the City’s growth. The committee will include representatives from the following:

• City Council
• Planning and Zoning Commission
• Lockhart ISD
• Lockhart Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Lockhart Economic Development Corporation
• Downtown Business Association
• Parks Board
• Lockhart Historical Preservation Commission member
• Community leaders from various areas in Lockhart

Councilmembers will consider appointments at the next Council meeting. The updated Comprehensive Plan—once adopted by City Council—will serve as a guide for policy decisions relating to the physical development of Lockhart in the next 20 years.

2022-2023 Council Goals UPDATE:

                The City Manager updated Council on strategic planning goals for FY 2022-2023, which included city facilities, human resources/staffing, parks and recreation programs, infrastructure, modernization and communications, development and quality of life and revenue sustainability.

Zoning Change Request:

                Council postponed Monte Guidry’s zoning change request from Commercial Heavy Business to Residential Medium Density District on 0.205 acres at 1013 N. Colorado St./U.S. 183 to the June 20^th meeting.

City Manager’s Report:

• Lockhart Municipal Airport UPDATE: There are two updates at the Lockhart Municipal Airport:
  • TxDOT is attempting to advance funding for the Lockhart Municipal Airport’s game fencing project to FY 2024 due to recent wildlife encounters on the runway.
  • Long time operations manager of Martin and Martin Aviation (Fixed Base Operator, or FBO)—Ms. Cheryl Burrier—retires at the end of this month after a 25-year stint at the Lockhart Municipal Airport.
• Maple St. Splash Pad UPDATE: Plumbing has been installed and concrete has been poured for the Maple St. Splash Pad. Seating, shade canopies, and sidewalk connections to the shade structure and playscape have yet to be built before the facility opens.
• McCoy Building Supply Groundbreaking: McCoy’s Building Supply kicks off construction of its 25,300 square foot building with a groundbreaking Wednesday, May 17, at its future location on 1600 S. Colorado St.
  • The future Lockhart location will have a large, covered drive-thru lumberyard, a fleet of delivery trucks, and an interior retail area that will offer tools, paint, and other household essentials.
  • McCoy’s—which is based in San Marcos—is one of the nation’s largest privately held building supply retailers.
• TxDOT FM 2720 Public Hearing: TxDOT will hold a public meeting on the FM 2720 Improvement Project on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be conducted both virtually and in-person. The in-person meeting will be held at Lockhart Junior High School (500 City Line Rd.)
  • The project aims to widen the two-lane road to four lanes, add right turn lanes at various intersections, and upgrade traffic signals to enhance safety along FM 2720 between SH 21 and SH 142 in Hays and Caldwell Counties.
  • For more information, visit: FM 2720 improvement project from SH 21 to SH 142 (txdot.gov)
• National Police Week: For National Police Week, Lockhart Police, Fire Department, EMS, and the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office are hosting a family-friendly event on Wednesday, May 17, 4-7 p.m. at the Caldwell County Justice Center (1204 Reed Dr.). The event is an opportunity for law enforcement, emergency personnel, and members of the community to interact.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the May 16, 2023, meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).