March 19, 2024

A proclamation recognizing Cesar Chavez Farm Worker Appreciation Day, FY 2022-2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, activation of emergency outdoor warning system annual review, new wastewater utility and cost participation agreement, interlocal cooperation agreement for failure to appear program, Techline Project #5B, lighting ordinance, child safety zones, and Texas GLO CDBG grant update were discussed in Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Back row (L-R): Councilmember at-large Brad Westmoreland, District 1 Councilmember Juan Mendoza, District 4 Councilmember Jeffry Michelson, District 2 Councilmember John Castillo

 Front row (L-R): Mayor Pro-Tem Angie Gonzales-Sanchez, Mayor Lew White, Councilmember District 3 John Lairsen

Upcoming Meetings

April 2 - Regular Session

April 16 – Regular Session

May 2 – Regular Session

Proclamation presentation:

               The Mayor and Councilmember Castillo presented a Proclamation to representatives of Lockhart ISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program designating March 19, 2024 as Cesar Chavez Farm Worker Appreciation Day.

Annual Comprehensive Financial Report FY 2022-2023:

Council accepted the audited FY 2022-2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

Emergency Warning System Annual Review:

               The Fire Chief presented Council an update on the City of Lockhart’s Emergency Warning System, which includes the Outdoor Warning Sirens and Regional Notification System, also known as WarnCentralTexas.org. Outdoor warning sirens are activated under the following conditions:

• Tornado warning
• Potential for destructive winds of 70 miles per hour (mph) or greater
• Observed hail of 1.5 inches in diameter or greater, or
• Other hazardous weather conditions

No changes were recommended.

Wastewater Utility Cost Participation and Easement Agreement:

                Council entered the Cost Participation and Easement Agreement with Stich Interests, LLC for the development of a new wastewater utility easement, replacement collection line and authorizing City participation in the project at 519 W. San Antonio St.

Interlocal Cooperation Contract for Failure to Appear Program:

               Council renewed an Interlocal Cooperation Contract with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for the Failure to Appear Program. The program allows the Municipal Court to put a hold on and prevent offenders from renewing their driver’s license until they complete their obligations with the court.

Techline Construction:

               Council approved an agreement with Techline Construction, LLC for Project 5B as part of the City of Lockhart’s five-year System Study and Capital Plan to replace single strand copper conductors. Project 5B will rebuild approximately 3,200 ft. of power line beginning at Pecos St/Willow St. north to F.M. 2001.

Lighting Ordinance:

               Council approved a resolution declaring intent to seek certification from the International Dark Sky Association and to regulate outdoor lighting in accordance with the Texas Local Government Code.

Child Safety Zones:

               Council approved an ordinance prohibiting registered sex offenders from loitering within 2,000 feet of a Child Safety Zone—places where children 17 years of age or younger congregate:

• A child sex offender cannot loiter on a public way within 300 feet of a Child Safety Zone.
• It will be unlawful for a person who owns, rents, leases a property to knowingly allow a child sex offender to establish a residency within 2,000 feet of a school, child daycare, park or playground, or other places where children regularly congregate.
• A child sex offender cannot establish a permanent or temporary residence within 2,000 feet of any premises comprising a school, child daycare, park or playground, or other places where children regularly congregate.
• Exemptions are provided in the ordinance (e.g. grandfathering, etc.)

Texas GLO CDBG Grant UPDATE:

               Council awarded grant administration services to Liberty Hill-based Langford Community Management Services (LCMS) to assist the City in the application, implementation, and administration of the proposed waterline replacement project on Bois D’Arc St. submitted to the Texas General Land Office (GLO).

               Furthermore, Council authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Austin-based Doucet & Associates, Inc. civil engineering services firm to assist in the project implementation, including design and construction oversight.

City Manager’s Report

• Police Lieutenant Exam: The Lockhart Police Lieutenant promotional exam was held Wednesday, March 20, 2024
• Kid Fish 2024: The next KidFish Tournament will be held at City Park Pond on Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. No pre-registration required. Admission is free.
• City-wide Bulk Cleanup: The next City-wide bulk cleanup has been scheduled for Saturday, March 23. This event is FREE and open to Lockhart residents ONLY. Republic Services, the City’s solid waste contractor, requires participants to place bulk items at the curb by 7 a.m. the day of collection. The bulk cleanup event DOES NOT include apartment complexes and commercial businesses. For a list of eligible and non-eligible items, head over to the City’s website: https://www.lockhart-tx.org/page/article/580
• Splash Pads Open: Splash pads at City Park and Maple St. Park open for the season on Saturday, March 30, 2024. They are open all seven days of the week 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Animal Shelter Improvements UPDATE: The City is receiving proposals and qualification statements from interested firms to provide architectural services for kennel improvements at the Lockhart Animal Shelter. The deadline to receive proposals is Friday, April 19, 11 a.m.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the March 19, 2024, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).