June 20, 2023

A revised LEDC target business strategy, social service agency funding, GBRA proposed budget, federal lead and copper rule revision implementation plan, Public Improvement District policy, Red Oak Development Group, CAPCOG solid waste grant, impact fee report, proposed county wide emergency services district, and zoning ordinance amendments 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

July 4 – Meeting CANCELLED for Independence Day

July 18 – Regular Session

August 1 – Regular Session

Revised Target Business Strategy:

Mr. Jay Garner of Garner Economics, LLC provided an update to Council on the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation’s (LEDC) updated targeted business strategy. Given the accelerated pace of development in Caldwell County and Lockhart, an update to the 2020 plan was warranted. The updated target industries are:

• All Things Mega (Ideal large-scale manufacturers)
• Industry 4.0 (Auto parts, metal, and electronic manufacturing)
• Food Processing (Food and beverage manufacturing)
• Experience Lockhart (Experiential tourism and hospitality)

Non-profit Funding Requests:

Representatives of the following non-profit social service agencies made presentations before City Council requesting funding for FY 2023 – 2024:

• Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center
• Combined Community Action, Inc.
• Lockhart Senior Citizen Center
• CASA of Central Texas, Inc.
• Caldwell County Food Bank

Council will consider funding allocations at the July 18 Council meeting.

GBRA FY 2023-2024 Budget:

Council accepted the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority’s (GBRA) proposed Water and Wastewater Treatment Budgets for FY 2023-2024.

U.S. EPA Lead and Copper Rule Revision Implementation Plan:

            Council approved the Lead and Copper Rule Revision Implementation Plan Engineering Services Agreement with TRC Engineering. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently revised its Lead and Copper Rule, which must be implemented on or before October 16, 2024. The revised regulations intend to strengthen treatment requirements, proactively identify and remove lead service lines, expand testing in schools and childcare facilities every five years, and require water systems to notify customers of samples exceeding action levels within 24 hours.

The City of Lockhart is in compliance with the current Lead and Copper Rule and lead level results have remained under action levels (>0.015 mg/l).

Public Improvement Districts:

            Council adopted the Public Improvement District (PID) policy. A PID is a designated area where property owners pay a special assessment for improvements and services within that area. The services must benefit the PID area and are supplemental to services already provided by the City.

Red Oak Development:

                Council approved a Professional Services Agreement between the City and Red Oak Development Group. The Agreement provides that the City’s costs for consultants to review the technical aspects of the proposed development will be paid by the developer.

CAPCOG Solid Waste Grant:

                Council approved a resolution allowing the City to submit an application for the Capital Area Council of Governments’ (CAPCOG) solid waste grant program to purchase a new cardboard baler.

Impact Fee Semi-Annual Report:

                Council accepted the October 1, 2022 to April 1, 2023 semi-annual report from the Impact Fee Advisory Committee.

Proposed Emergency Services District No. 5:

                Council determined Councilmember Jeffry Michelson will represent the City of Lockhart to offer testimony at the Caldwell County Commissioners June 26 public hearing regarding the proposed Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 5.

Zoning Ordinance Amendments:

                Council approved text amendments to the zoning ordinance to include residential and landscape design standards.

City Manager’s Report:

• SH 142 Truck Re-Route: TxDOT informed Staff that its Traffic Division accepted the truck route signage plan revisions last week. Payment for sign fabrication has been submitted.
• Lockhart Municipal Airport FBO: One of the two co-owners of Martin & Martin, LLC—a Fixed-base Operator (FBO) at the Lockhart Airport—has been replaced. Ken Reine transferred his share of ownership to Sam Carr. Keith Uhls will remain a 50% partner of the FBO. Martin & Martin, LLC’s lease term of the FBO space ends December 31, 2030, with the option to extend for two additional five-year terms.No changes to services are expected at this time.
• Dr. Eugene Clark Library receives $100K donation: Mr. Ronald A. Seeliger bequeathed the Dr. Eugene Clark Library $100,000 from his estate. The restricted gift is to be used exclusively to acquire books, periodicals, recordings in either printed, analog, or digital formats.
• Movies in the Park: The next Movies in the Park is Saturday, June 8, 8:30 p.m. featuring Super Mario Bros. Admission is free.
• Fireworks Extravaganza: In celebration of Independence Day, there will be a Fireworks Extravaganza at Lockhart City Park on Monday, July 3. Festivities begin at 5 p.m., fireworks at dusk. Admission is free.
• No City Council Meeting on the 4^th of July: City offices will also be closed Tuesday, July 4. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for July 18.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the June 20, 2023, meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).