CITY COUNCIL RECAP: May 21, 2024

Broadband, PID and TIRZ administration and management, police lateral pay, Seawillow Ranch Project, and a specific use permit appeal were discussed in Tuesday night’s meeting.

June 4 -- Regular Session

June 18 -- Regular Session

July 2 -- Regular Session

Rise Broadband:

               Officials from Rise Broadband provided a presentation to Council regarding residential and non-residential high-speed fiber internet and digital services provided by the company. The presentation shows the provider’s initial plan for Lockhart to provide approximately 5,000 homes and businesses with the option to access to fiber connectivity. In addition, the presentation reviewed the communications plan for upcoming installation work with City Staff and residents, the construction process, and service costs dependent on connection speed. Rise Broadband is a certified SPCOA (Service Provider Certificate of Operating Authority) with the Texas Public Utilities Commission, which means it has met certain technical, financial, and service requirements outlined by Texas Administrative Code Section 26.111.

PID and TIRZ Administration for Master-Planned Developments:

               Council approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with P3Works to provide Public Improvement District (PID) administration services to manage PIDs and related Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) districts regarding master-planned developments within Lockhart city limits for a term of three years.

Police Department Lateral Pay:

               Council approved an ordinance clarifying the Lockhart Police Department’s lateral entry pay criteria. The clarification involves the number of years police officer applicants must have to be eligible for Special Seniority Pay.

Seawillow Ranch Project UPDATE:

               Council provided guidance on additional revisions to the proposed Development Agreement with RODG DT SeawillowPropCo LLC to authorize the development of the Seawillow Project, consisting of approximately 586.778-acre property located east of FM 1322 and south and west of Seawillow Road, approximately 2,000 feet southeast of Lay Road.

Specific Use Permit Appeal:

               Council approved 4H Hatters’ appeal of a Specific Use Permit (SUP) to allow Commercial Outdoor Recreation, Entertainment, and Amusement with the stipulations of allowing live outdoor music for two events--First Friday from 7 p.m.-10 p.m., and third Sunday, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., of every month—and, for one year, subject to a review of the permit by the Planning and Zoning Commission prior to renewal.

City Manager’s Report

• Summer Fan Program: The Summer Fan Program begins May 22. The program provides free box fans to eligible Lockhart residents to manage upcoming hot temperatures. Those in need of a fan may stop by Lockhart City Hall (308 W. San Antonio St.) during business hours, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. A government issued ID or utility bill to prove Lockhart residency is required. To prove disability, bring your letter from the Social Security Administration.
  • Qualifications:
    • Must be a Lockhart resident
    • Aged 65 or older
    • Have a disability
    • Did not receive a fan from the 2023 program.
• City Pool Opens: Lockhart City Pool opens for the season on Saturday, May 25, 12 p.m.
  • Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.; CLOSED MONDAY FOR MAINTENANCE
  • Admission:
    • Adults: $2
    • Children: $1
    • Children under 1: FREE
  • Reservations? Call the Parks Department at (512)398-6452
• Soccer mini-pitch update: The community is invited to a grand opening ceremony for the Soccer mini-pitch on Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m. at the Jason K. LaFleur Soccer Complex (1507 Maple St.).
• Downtown Revitalization Project Update: Bids for the Downtown Revitalization Project were opened last week where Staff received a total of five bids from Central Texas contractors ranging from $10.8 million to $12.8 million. The City Engineer’s Opinion of Probable Construction Costs was $9.6 million. The City Engineer, TRC, is checking references of the apparent low bidder and reviewing areas where potential savings can be achieved. This project award is scheduled for Council consideration in June.
• Lockhart Farms Subdivision Update: Public infrastructure for Lockhart Farms Subdivision Phase 2 is completed and the Acceptance Letter has been issued. City Staff and the developer are finalizing the platting process with the Planning Department. Lockhart Farms is located between the Stanton Apartments and Windridge Subdivision on W. San Antonio Street and is comprised of 147 single-family lots and two apartment lots.
• Masonwood Development Update: City Staff received a Public Improvement District (PID) application from Masonwood Development for a new single-family residential development, Everly subdivision. Specifically, the proposed development provides for two phases of development and approximately 539 detached single-family lots. The project is located west of SH-130, between Borchert Loop and Maple Street and adjacent to Boggy Creek.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the May 21, 2024, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).

Click here to download the recap.