December 5, 2023

The City’s Comprehensive Plan, CAPCOG’s Regional Solid Waste Program, Clean Air Coalition representative, animal shelter advisory board, Fire Station No. 1 update, City Council Meetings for 2024, and the Mayor Pro-Tem were discussed in Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

December 19 -- Regular Session

January 2 -- Regular Session

January 16 – Regular Session

Comprehensive Plan:

Freese and Nichols, the City’s Comprehensive Plan Consultant, presented the Lockhart Community Snapshot to Council, which covered city history, regional context, physical features and existing conditions, summary of existing planning work, and demographic trends and projections in relation to the comprehensive planning process. The presentation also provided data from community input gathered from various public engagement activities, which included the citizens Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee meetings, focus groups, Comprehensive Plan survey results, and the Public Land Use Workshop. The community input gathered in these activities helped define the vision statement and guiding principles for the Plan, along with the type of housing, businesses, and services Lockhart residents want for the future.

City Staff and consultants will continue drafting the Future Land Use Chapter through the end of 2023. The next major public engagement event is anticipated in the Spring of 2024.

For more information on the Comprehensive Plan, visit www.PlanLockharttx.com.

CAPCOG Regional Solid Waste Program Grant:

            Council authorized the filing of a grant application for CAPCOG’s regional solid waste program. The grant would enable the City to purchase 25 new commercial grade trash and recycling receptacles for the Downtown Revitalization Project.

Clean Air Coalition:

            Council appointed Mayor Lew White to represent Lockhart in the Clean Air Coalition of the Capital Area Council of Governments. His term continues until December 2025.

Animal Shelter Advisory Board:

            Council directed Staff to draft an ordinance outlining the responsibilities and membership concerning the establishment of an Animal Shelter Advisory Board to be considered at a future meeting.

Fire Station No. 1 Update:

            The Fire Chief and Assistant City Manager provided an update on the planned renovation of Lockhart Fire Station No. 1, which include fire suppression system upgrades, kitchen and restroom renovations, along with remodeling living and working quarters for firefighters.

City Council Meetings 2024:

            Council approved a meeting schedule for 2024.

Mayor Pro-Tem:

City Council re-elected At-Large Councilmember Angie Gonzales-Sanchez to be the Mayor Pro-Tem as required by City Charter. The Mayor Pro-Tem performs the duties of the Mayor in his/her absence or disability through November 2025.

City Manager’s Report

• Hansford Subdivision Update: Staff issued an acceptance letter for the Hansford Subdivision Phase 2 after its public infrastructure was completed. Prior to the sale of lots, the developer will be finalizing the plat with the planning department. This subdivision west of the Windridge Subdivision on the north side of SH 142 and yields 99 single family lots.
• Downtown temporary park Update: The downtown temporary park on the corner S. Commerce and Market Sts. has been decommissioned this week to make way for the construction of a multi-use building (retail, business, and office).
• ESD No. 5 Update: The Caldwell County Commissioners Court will consider an order for the creation of Emergency Services District (ESD) no. 5 at its December 12 meeting. Commissioners will also discuss the potential appointment of ESD Commissioners by the end of the year.
• Downtown Revitalization Project Guide: The City, along with the Lockhart Downtown Business Association, have prepared a guide on the Downtown Revitalization Project to serve as a resource to downtown businesses and property owners who will be affected by the upcoming construction. It will also be available on our website (www.Lockhart-tx.org) by the end of the week.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the December 5, 2023, special Council meeting/work session. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).