December 19, 2023

An update on the Parks Master Plan, impact fees semi-annual report, RealCold Cold Storage, police vehicle replacements, animal shelter advisory board, a petition of release from the City’s ETJ, the creation of Clear Ranch MUD, and a zoning change were discussed in Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

January 2 -- Regular Session

January 9 – Special Session

January 16 – Regular Session

Parks Master Plan UPDATE:

Halff & Associates, the City’s Parks consultant, provided an update on the existing Parks Master Plan, adopted in 2018. This five-year update, which includes results of the Parks survey, a demographic update, park system inventory, level of service and gap analysis, conditions assessment, and a list of six priority projects, illustrated below:

The Parks Master Plan is updated every five to eight years to remain relevant and qualify the City for grants, which also complies with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) recommendation that parks master plans retain validity for ten years and include a five-year update. City Council will hold a special work session in January/February 2024 to further review the report.

Impact Fees:

 Council accepted the April – September 2023 semi-annual report concerning the status of implementation of Chapter 31 “Impact Fees” of the Code of Ordinances.

RealCold Storage UPDATE:

            Council approved a resolution setting the date of a public hearing on the voluntary annexation of a 53-acre tract located on the south and west sides of FM 2001, approximately 1060 feet north of SH 130, on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. The property is the future location of RealCold Storage.

Police Patrol Vehicle Replacements:

            Council authorized Staff to move forward with a 36-month lease for six new replacement police patrol vehicles through the Enterprise Fleet Management Program. The vehicle procurement will be finalized at a future Council meeting.

Animal Shelter Advisory Board:

            Council directed Staff to amend the proposed ordinance to clarify the composition and responsibilities of the Animal Shelter Advisory Board to be considered at a future meeting.

Zoning Change:

Council approved Caroline Eckert with Wuest Group’s request, made on behalf on Lockhart 130 North/South LTD for a Zoning Change from RHD Residential High Density District to CHB Commercial Heavy Business District for a 2.1 acres located at 2500 West San Antonio Street (SH 142).

Executive Session:

• Petition for Release from Lockhart ETJ: Council took no action on a Petition for Release of 224.7 acres of land from the City’s ETJ by Chisholm Hill, LP, and petitioners William J. Morgan and Edward D. Morgan.
• Clear Ranch MUD: Council approved the amendment in the Consent Agreement for creation of the Clear Fork Ranch Municipal Utility District (MUD) for Perry Homes (Juniper Springs) development.

City Manager’s Report

• Special City Council Meeting: A Special City Council meeting will be held Tuesday, January 9, 2024 to discuss growth management issues regarding water and sewer utilities and transportation matters.
• GFOA Recognition for Excellence: Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to City of Lockhart for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. This is the fourth time the City of Lockhart has received the accolade.
• Downtown Revitalization Project Construction Survival Guide: Hardcopies of the Downtown Revitalization Construction Survival Guide will be delivered to downtown business owners. A digital copy of the guide is also available for download on our website (www.Lockhart-tx.org).
• CTR Acquired by Republic Services: The City of Lockhart’s solid waste collection and curbside recycling contractor, Central Texas Refuse, LLC (CTR) has finalized the transfer of ownership to Republic Services®, one of the largest waste management companies in the nation, effective immediately.
  • As CTR continues its transition to Republic Services®, here are what customers can expect:
    • Trash collection services will continue as scheduled along the same routes.
    • The existing rate structure with CTR/Republic Services® will remain as outlined in its contract with the City. Customers will also continue to utilize the existing payment methods through the City’s Utility Department.
    • Existing CTR personnel will remain with the company, which includes the solid waste collection team.
    • No changes in the existing services are expected, which include current recycling services.
    • Maintain free access to the 130 Environmental Park landfill for drop-off during its regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Eligible drop-off items also stay the same.
    • No immediate changes in solid waste receptacles or fleet vehicles. These may be systematically replaced over a period of time to Republic Services-branded receptacles and vehicles.
  • CTR’s local office, located at 205-A S. Main St., will continue to serve as the contractor’s Lockhart hub. For additional information, call (512)243-2833.
• Live Christmas Tree Recycling: The City offers free live tree curbside recycling. Call the Public Works Department at (512)398-6452 to arrange for collection. Make sure the tree is free of ornaments, lights, tinsel, nails, screws, or tree bases before placing it curbside.
• City Office Closures: City offices closed Friday, December 22, and Monday, December 25 for Christmas. Trash collection services for that week will be shifted one day. City offices will reopen at regular hours Tuesday, December 26.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the December 19, 2023, special Council meeting/work session. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).