November 21, 2023

Library check presentation, aquatics facility update, annual tree trimming program, nominations for CAPCOG General Assembly, Caldwell County Appraisal District Board, and Civil Service Commission, TxDOT airport maintenance program, body-worn cameras grant for LPD, specific use permit, historic landmark designation, zoning request, and a zoning ordinance amendment were discussed in Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

December 5 -- Regular Session

December 19 -- Regular Session

January 2 -- Regular Session

Library Check Presentation:

            Representatives of the Evening with the Authors program presented the City with a $10,000 check to be used for general library programs.

Aquatics Facility UPDATE:

            Council approved a resolution directing Staff to coordinate with consulting firms and the citizen Aquatics Committee to evaluate at least three potential locations for a future aquatics facility, which include a pool-only option requiring 4-5 acres, or a co-location site with a future City Recreation Center of approximately 10 acres. Staff will bring a site recommendation back to Council for additional consideration at a future meeting.

Tree Trimming Program:

            Council approved the annual agreement with LCRA and McCoy’s Tree Service to continue the tree trimming program in the right of way and utility easements for the City’s electric distribution system.  McCoy’s advised they can begin pruning January 2024.  Trimming oak trees during the winter months (December-February) is an industry best practice to mitigate potential causes of oak wilt. Additional information on the City’s tree trimming program can be found in the City’s website.

CAPCOG General Assembly:

            Council appointed Mayor Lew White and Councilmember Jeffry Michelson to represent Lockhart on the Capital Area Council of Governments’ (CAPCOG) General Assembly.

CCAD Board of Directors:

            Council cast their votes for Ms. Sally Daniel and Mr. Alfredo Munoz to serve on the Caldwell County Appraisal District’s Board of Directors.

Airport Maintenance Program:

            Council approved the Lockhart Municipal Airport’s participation in TxDOT’s Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP), authorizing the Public Works Director/Airport Manager to submit the required documents for the grant. The grant will allow for more substantial improvements at the airport and advance future projects, such as wildlife fencing upgrades and lighting/safety improvements.

Civil Service Commission:

Council confirmed Mr. Carl Cisneros to serve on the Civil Service Commission and to fill the remainder of the unexpired term of Ms. Yolanda Strey, expiring January 1, 2024 and for a three year term of January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2026.

Body-worn Cameras:

            Council approved an ordinance to amend the FY 2023-2024 Adopted Budget to complete the purchase of the Lockhart Police Department’s body-worn cameras and receive reimbursement from the previously awarded Office of the Governor’s Body-worn Camera Program funding.

Specific Use Permit:

            Council denied Shiva Shankar of Paradise Engineers’ application for a Specific Use Permit to allow a Multifamily Residential Development Type 2 (MF-2) on 13.099 acres at 1000 Valdez St. and 1325 Blackjack St. (FM 20). MF-1 Multifamily Development is still permitted on the site.

Historic Landmark Designation:

            Council approved an ordinance granting Lauren Siegel of The Judge’s House, LLC’s request to remove the Historic Landmark designation of a single-family residence and detached garage at 703 W. San Antonio St. and amending the Official Zoning Map and Historic Overlay Zoning Map.

Zoning Change:

            Council approved a request by Monte J. Guidry for a zoning change from Commercial Heavy Business to Residential Medium Density on 0.216 acres at 1013 N. Colorado St. (U.S. 183).

Zoning Text Amendments:

            Council approved an ordinance revising Planned Development District (PDD) zoning requirements to increase the standard for higher quality master planned mixed-use developments and expand application requirements to include a sufficient level of detail to ensure a clear expectation of the proposed built environment. Revisions include a clear definition of a PDD, details on qualifying development standards, the inclusion of conceptual images of buildings on the PDD plan and requiring City Council approval for any changes to approved PDD districts/development plans.

City Manager’s Report

• Thanksgiving holiday closure: City offices are closed Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24 for Thanksgiving. Trash collection services for Thursday will be shifted to Friday. City offices reopen at regular hours on Monday, November 27.
• Christmas Tree Lighting: The Mayor’s Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will be held at the Courthouse lawn on Friday, December 1, at 7 p.m.
• A Christmas to Remember Lighted Parade: A Christmas to Remember Lighted Parade will be held on Saturday, December 2, at 7 p.m. The parade will be rolling through Lockhart’s historic district to the Courthouse Square. The event is free to the public.
  • The Lockhart Chamber of Commerce is currently inviting Lockhart residents and businesses interested in participating in the parade to sign up through the Chamber’s website. The deadline is Friday, November 24.
• Comprehensive Plan UPDATE: The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee and consultants will provide a progress report during the December 5 regular City Council Meeting.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the November 21, 2023, special Council meeting/work session. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).