January 2, 2024

Conversion of an outdoor basketball court to a mini soccer pitch, Fire Station No. 1, GLO Grant, police patrol vehicle replacements, 2023 Certified Property Tax Roll, animal shelter advisory board, city boards, commissions and committees procedures, Historical Preservation Commission appointments, and petition for release from the City’s ETJ were discussed in Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

January 9 -- Special Session

January 16 – Regular Session

February 6 – Regular Session

Outdoor Basketball Court Conversion:

                Council approved a memorandum of understanding authorizing the conversion of one outdoor basketball court into a soccer mini-pitch at the LaFleur Soccer Complex. This is a joint project between the City of Lockhart and Lockhart ISD, with grant funding provided by Soccer Assist, St. David’s Foundation, 4ATX, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2024 with an anticipated opening in April 2024.

Fire Station No. 1 UPDATE:

                The Assistant City Manager and Fire Chief provided updates on the planned renovation of Lockhart Fire Station No. 1, including results of an Asbestos Inspection Report. The inspection identified asbestos content in several areas planned for renovation. The consulting architects and City Staff are working with abatement contractors to incorporate asbestos removal and project management in a revised Scope of Work and update project cost estimates. Lockhart Fire Station No. 1 renovations include fire suppression system upgrades, kitchen and restroom updates, and improved living and working quarters for firefighters.

Hazard Mitigation Project GLO Grants:

            Council discussed eligible projects for $1.89 million of grant funding appropriated to the City from the Texas General Land Office for hazard mitigation projects.  Council provided staff direction to develop a preliminary list of street improvement projects, in addition to proposed public safety facility upgrades and traffic safety improvements at the SH 142 and Mockingbird Ln. intersection, and return to Council for further discussion. The project grant application deadline is February 29, 2024.

Police Patrol Vehicle Replacements:

Council appointed the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Controller as Authorized Signers for Motor Vehicle Leases between Enterprise Fleet Management and the City of Lockhart. Council also approved the Lease Terms for six new replacement police patrol vehicles.

2023 Certified Property Tax Roll:

            Council approved the 2023 Certified Property Tax Roll.

Animal Shelter Advisory Board:

            Council approved an ordinance creating an Animal Shelter Advisory Board. Nominees for appointment to the newly established Board will be considered at a future meeting.

City Boards, Commissions, and Committees Procedures:

            Council provided Staff direction regarding amendments to a proposed resolution clarifying an administrative procedure for the nomination of members of City Boards, Commissions, and Committees. The amended resolutions will be considered at a future meeting.

Historical Preservation Commission Appointments:

• Council appointed Mr. Jerry Haug to the Historical Preservation Commission for a term to expire in November 2026.
• Council received the proposed nomination of Mr. Frank Gomillion from the Electric Board to the Historic Preservation Commission for a term to expire November 2026. The appointment will be considered for approval at a future meeting.
• Council received the proposed nomination of Ms. Marcia Proctor from the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals to the Historical Preservation Commission for a term to expire November 2026. The appointment will be considered for approval at a future meeting.

Petition for Release from the City’s ETJ:

            Council denied the Petition for Release of 224.692 acres of land, located north of SH 130 along County Roads 217 and 218, from the City’s extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) by Chisholm Hill, LP, William J. Morgan, and Edward D. Morgan.

City Manager’s Report

• 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.
• Special City Council Meeting: A Special City Council meeting will be held Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 6 p.m. to discuss growth management issues regarding water and sewer utilities and transportation matters.
• City Office Closures: City offices are closed Monday, January 15 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Trash collection services will proceed as regularly scheduled. City offices will reopen at regular hours Tuesday, January 16.
• ESD No. 5 UPDATE: The Caldwell County Commissioners Court approved an order to create Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 5 and appointed the following to its inaugural board of commissioners:
  • Precinct 1: Rebecca King
  • Precinct 2: Larry Schnautz
  • Precinct 3: Sheralyn Adcock
  • Precinct 4: Jeremy Driver
  • At-Large: Danny Rogers
• Tree Trimming UPDATE: The City’s contractors, McCoy Tree Surgery, are scheduled to begin trimming tree limbs in the right of way and utility easements for the City’s electric distribution system the week of January 16^th. They will start near the intersection of San Jacinto St. and Center St. and continue north to San Antonio St.
  • Residents affected by tree trimming will be notified with an informational pamphlet and door hanger.
  • Additional information on the City’s tree trimming program can be found on the City’s website.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the January 2, 2024, special Council meeting/work session. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).