April 16, 2024

Railroad quiet zones, ESD No. 5 leases, drought contingency and water conservation plans, hotel occupancy tax board reappointments, fire safety system tracker, and the Second Quarter FY 2024 Investment Report were discussed in Tuesday night’s 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

May 7 – Regular Session

May 21 -- Regular Session

June 4 -- Regular Session

Railroad Quiet Zones:

               Council directed Staff to prepare a scope of work for a feasibility report on the establishment of railroad quiet zones within Lockhart city limits. Railroad quiet zones are sections on a rail line at least half a mile long where locomotive horns are not required to routinely sound through at-grade crossings that have implemented Federal Railroad Administration-approved alternate or supplemental safety improvements.

ESD No. 5 Leases:

               The City Manager updated Council on a proposed interlocal agreement for short-term ground leases for City of Lockhart EMS Stations Nos. 1 and 2 with Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 5. The ESD’s Board indicated its desire to assume operational management of the County EMS system by January 1, 2025.

Drought Contingency Plan:

               Council adopted the Drought Contingency Plan (DCP), Water Conservation Plan (WCP) and Utility Profile Compliance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). Both agencies require updates on these plans every five years.

The City has been abiding by voluntary Stage 1 water restrictions since 2008 and had not reached conditions necessary to achieve Stage 2 Water Restrictions since.

Hotel Occupancy Tax Advisory Board:

               Council reappointed the following individuals to serve on the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Advisory Board to a two-year term that ends on April 15, 2026:

• Sally Daniel
• Archana Gandhi
• Steve Lewis
• Alfredo Munoz
• Ray Sanders

Lockhart Fire Safety System Tracker:

               Council entered into an agreement with Brycer, LLC, also known as The Compliance Engine, to provide a cloud-based tool to assist the Lockhart Fire Department in collecting, organizing, and tracking fire and life safety systems compliance.

Second Quarter FY 2024 Investment Report:

               Council accepted the Second Quarter FY 2024 Investment Report.

City Manager’s Report

• Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Funding Application Process: City Staff has begun accepting Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funding applications for 2024. The deadline for submission is Friday, April 19th.The HOT Advisory Board is tentatively scheduled to review these funding applications soon. Applicants are encouraged to attend the City Council Meeting and make formal presentations.
• Soccer Mini-Pitch Update: Next week, the U.S. Soccer Foundation will begin converting one of the basketball courts at LaFleur Soccer Complex into a mini soccer pitch. A mini soccer pitch is the smaller version of a regulation-sized field designed for recreational or amateur play. This is a joint project between the City and Lockhart ISD, with grant funding from U.S. Soccer Foundation, St. David’s Foundation, and 4ATX Foundation.
• LCRA Steps Forward: LCRA volunteers spent the day at North Pecos Park on Friday, April 12, performing community service for their annual Steps Forward Day program. Volunteers painted pavilions, restrooms, and picnic tables at the park.
• Civil Service Entrance Exams:
  • Police Officer Exam: Friday, April 19
  • Firefighter Exam: Saturday, May 4
• Real Cold Storage Update: Last week, contractors started installing off-site water and wastewater utility extensions for the Real Cold Storage Project, located on FM 2001 near Cesar Chavez Blvd. This utility project consists of extending approximately 4,000 LF of 16” water main and 6,550 LF of 12” wastewater main. The water main extension could take approximately four weeks to complete, which will then be followed by the wastewater utility extension’s completion.
• Courthouse Nights: The first Courthouse Nights Music Series is Friday, April 19, 7 p.m. at the Courthouse south lawn. Courthouse Nights live music performances will be held every third Friday until August.
• Kiwanis 5K Stampede: The Lockhart Kiwanis 5K Stampede has been scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 8 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Kiwanis Scholarship Program.
• Cinco De Mayo 5K/10K:The Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Cinco de Mayo 5K/10K on Saturday, May 4, 7:30 a.m. All proceeds will benefit a scholarship fund for local high school graduates.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the April 16, 2024, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).