February 20, 2024

Proclamations recognizing domestic violence awareness and career and technical education month, 2023 Racial Profiling Report, LCRA contract, temporary severe weather shelter expenditures, animal shelter advisory board, nomination and appointment for the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals, City boards and commissions reappointments, Texas GLO Hazard Mitigation Project application, a zoning change, lighting ordinance, specific use permits, and Public Improvement District policy amendments were discussed in Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

March 5 – Regular Session

March 19 – Regular Session

April 2 - Regular Session

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation:

               The Mayor presented a proclamation to Ms. Ashley Rios of Roxanne’s House recognizing the month of February as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Career and Technical Education Month Proclamation:

               The Mayor presented a proclamation to Ms. Rachel Sotelo of Lockhart ISD’s Career and Technical Education Center recognizing the month of February as Career and Technical Month Proclamation.

2023 Racial Profiling Report:

               Council accepted the Lockhart Police Department’s 2023 Racial Profiling Report, which was submitted to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) as mandated by state law. The report provides comprehensive analysis and data relating to motor vehicle stops--in which a ticket, citation, or warning is issued--and arrests made in those stops in relation to a person’s race.

LCRA Contract:

               Council renewed the contract to Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) allowing the company to continue maintenance, monthly testing, and regular inspections at the FM 20 and Clearfork Electric Substations.

Temporary Severe Weather Shelter Expenditures:

               Council approved a resolution authorizing expenditures for a temporary shelter during extreme winter and summer weather events and reimburse churches who opened temporary shelters at the request of the City’s Emergency Management Act. Providing financial assistance to defray the incremental costs of voluntarily operating as a temporary shelter will facilitate the effective implementation of shelters for future severe weather events. Eligible costs include, but are not limited to, utility expenses (water, wastewater, electricity, natural gas), food, water, blankets and other supplies.

Animal Shelter Advisory Board:

               Council appointed 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

Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals Appointment:

               Council appointed Mr. Patrick Stroka to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals for a term to expire in November 2026.

Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals Nomination:

               Mr. Arnold Proctor was nominated to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals for a term to expire in November 2025. Council will consider his appointment in the March 5 Council Meeting.

City Board and Commission Reappointments:

               Council reappointed the following individuals as requested by Councilmember Michelson:

• Airport Board: Jake McCullough

• Board of Adjustment: Wayne Reeder

• Board of Adjustment Alternate: Lucy Knight

• Construction Board: Ian Stowe

• Lockhart Economic Development Corporation: Doug Foster

• Historical Preservation: Marcia Proctor

• Library Board: Donaly Brice

• Parks and Recreation: Russell Wheeler

• Planning & Zoning: Rick Arnic

               Council also reappointed the following individuals as requested by Councilmember Lairsen:

• Construction Board: Jerry West

• Lockhart Economic Development Corporation: Sally Daniel

• Electric Board: John Voight

• Historical Preservation: Jerry Haug

• Library Board: Jean Clark Fox

• Parks and Recreation: Warren Burnett

• Planning & Zoning: Philip McBride

Texas General Land Office Hazard Mitigation Project Update:

               Council authorized Staff to formally submit a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Application to the Texas General Land Office’s Hazard Mitigation Project for the proposed $1.9 million waterline replacement project along Bois D’Arc St.

Zoning Change:

               Council approved Blake Reed’s request for a zoning change from Commercial Heavy Business and Agricultural-Open Space to Commercial Heavy Business and Industrial-Light on 11.011 acres at 1820 S. Colorado St./ U.S. 183.

Lighting Ordinance:

Council approved an ordinance amending the City’s current lighting requirements. 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 new residential, commercial, and industrial developments.

Specific Use Permit:

               Council approved Ben and Lauren Siegel’s request for a Specific Use Permit for a Lodging and Boarding House but denied the Specific Use Permit for a Special Events Center on 0.925 acres at 703 W. San Antonio St.

Public Improvement District (PID) Policy:

               Council approved amendments to the City’s Public Improvement District (PID) Policy.

City Manager’s Report

• Kid Fish 2024: The next KidFish Tournament will be held at City Park Pond on Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m.
• City-wide Bulk Cleanup: The next City-wide bulk cleanup has been scheduled for Saturday, March 23. CTR/Republic Services will provide an updated list of eligible and non-eligible items at a later date.
• 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.
• New Building Official: Mr. Andrew Devaney has accepted the position as Lockhart’s new Building Official. He brings nearly a decade of experience, most recently serving as the City of Alpine, Texas’ Director of Building Services/Building Official and Interim Director of Utilities. He earned certifications through the International Code Council (ICC) and Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). He starts February 26.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the February 20, 2024, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).