February 6, 2024
TX CDBG grants, advance funding agreement with TxDOT, police laptops and ballistic shields, Parks Master Plan, First Quarter Financial Report FY 2023-2024, hazard mitigation projects, nominations and appointments for the newly created Animal Shelter Advisory Board, Airport Advisory Board, and Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals, a zoning change, lighting regulations, ESD No. 5 Interlocal Cooperation Agreement and ETJ petition for release were discussed in Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.
Upcoming Meetings
February 20 – Regular Session
March 5 – Regular Session
March 19 – Regular Session
SH 142/West San Antonio St. Signal/Traffic Improvements UPDATE:
Council entered an Advance Funding Agreement (AFA) with TxDOT authorizing a partnership agreement for signal/traffic improvements to the intersection of SH 142/W. San Antonio St. and Mockingbird Ln. to alleviate bottlenecks.
Patrol Laptop Technology Improvement Project Grant:
Council approved a resolution authorizing the Lockhart Police Department to apply for the Patrol Laptop Technology Improvement Project grant through the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) to replace laptops for patrol cars and designating the City Manager as the authorized official. The current laptops are aging.
Ballistic Shield Project Grant:
Council approved a resolution authorizing LPD to apply for the Ballistic Shield Project Grant through the Office of the Governor for ten ballistic shields to use in any possible response to an active shooter or barricaded subject situation. The resolution also designates the Police Chief as the authorized official.
Lockhart Park, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan Five-Year UPDATE:
Council adopted the 2024 Lockhart Park, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan Five-Year Update.
First Quarter Financial Report:
Council accepted the First Quarter Financial Report for FY 2023-2024.
TX GLO Hazard Mitigation Project UPDATE:
Council approved a proposed waterline replacement project from N. Blanco to Bois D’Arc St. for the Texas General Land Office’s Hazard Mitigation grant. A public hearing and final action have been scheduled for February 20, 7:30 p.m.
Animal Shelter Advisory Board:
Council nominated the following individuals for the Animal Shelter Advisory Board:
- Ms. Susan Falgout
- Ms. Alexandra Worthington
- Ms. Andrea Theriot
- Dr. Morgan Siewert, DVM
- Caldwell County Commissioner B.J. Westmoreland
- Lockhart Police Chief Gary Williamson
- Lockhart Animal Shelter Supervisor Nikole Lockard
Council will consider the final appointments of these nominees at the next Council meeting, February 20.
Airport Advisory Board Appointment:
Council appointed Mr. Nigel Gusdorf to the Airport Advisory Board for a term to expire in November 2025.
Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals Nomination:
Mr. Patrick Stroka was nominated to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals for a term to expire in November 2026. Mr. Stroka’s appointment will be considered by Council on the February 20 Council Meeting.
Petition for Release from Lockhart’s ETJ:
Council denied Donald A. O’Neil’s Petition for Release of 101.8 acres of land from the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), located at 542 FM 672.
ESD No. 5 UPDATE:
Council authorized the City Attorney to negotiate an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the Caldwell County Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 5.
Zoning Change:
Council approved Pamela McClain Madere of Jackson Walker, LLP’s request for a Zoning Change from Agricultural-Open Space to Planned Development District on 53 acres at 1925 FM 2001 to develop an industrial park anchored by RealCold Storage’s future facility.
Lighting Ordinance:
The Planning Director presented the proposed code amendments to the City’s current lighting requirements to Council. These amendments would permit an amount of outdoor lighting that is appropriate to allow for the safe use and enjoyment of outdoor areas while mitigating light trespass and glare to abutting property and the public at large, reducing light pollution, and promoting public energy conservation. The proposed amendments will apply to residential, commercial, and industrial developments. Council will consider the ordinance on the lighting code amendments on the February 20 Council Meeting.
City Manager’s Report
- ESD No. 5 UPDATE: The ESD No. 5 Board of Commissioners held their first public meeting on Thursday, February 1st. Board action included the following:
- Appointed Commissioner Jeremy Driver as Board President;
- Future Board meetings will focus on establishing the organizational functions of the ESD to include the procurement of legal, accounting, and administrative services.
- New Recycling Center Hours: The Lockhart Recycling Center extended its hours by opening on Mondays to accommodate increased customer drop offs at the facility. Here are the new hours:
- Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Closed for lunch 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.)
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Sunday: CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
- January 20 Police Exam UPDATE: On Saturday, January 20, 23 candidates took the Police Officer Entry Test. 20 of them qualified, then passed the physical agility test. Background checks are ongoing.
- Comprehensive Plan UPDATE: The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee met recently. They participated in breakout sessions to discuss the impact of environmental threats to Lockhart and the preferred transportation approach to take as the city grows. The meeting ended with a discussion of the future of the city’s economy, tourism development, and arts and culture offerings. The next Comprehensive Plan Public Workshop will be held in March.
- Kid Fish 2024: The next KidFish Tournament will be held at City Park Pond on Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m.
ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the February 6, 2024, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).