The Farmers’ Market, funding for nonprofits, a potential new housing development and homelessness were all discussed at Tuesday night’s regular meeting of the Lockhart City Council.
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
July 16 – Regular Session
Aug. 20 – Regular Session
Council approved a Professional Services Agreement between the City and Masonwood Development Group. The Agreement provides that the City’s costs for professional engineering and legal expenses to review the technical aspects of the proposed development will be paid by the developer.
The proposed residential housing development is located on 156 acres west of the city limits, south of Borchert Loop and north of Maple Street/Boggy Creek. The project would potentially involve building more than 500 single-family homes and provide for voluntary annexation into the Lockhart city limits.
The Lockhart City Council approved a total of $49,000 in funding for seven nonprofits for FY 2024-2025:
• Caldwell County Food Bank - $5,000
• Ascension Seton Hays Foundation Care-A-Van - $5,000
• CASA of Central Texas - $12,000
• Combined Community Action - Meals on Wheels - $8,000
• Hays-Caldwell Women's Center - $10,000
• Lockhart Area Senior Citizen Center - $4,000
• Take Me Home - Advocates for Transport - $5,000
An eighth applicant, the Capital Area Rural Transit System (CARTS), asked for $40,000. CARTS will make its presentation at a future meeting.
Council approved amendments to the zoning chapter of Lockhart’s code of ordinances following a public hearing. The amendments to the zoning code clarify definitions for numerous land uses and other terms. The amendment also includes new important land uses that were not included in the zoning ordinance.
Council directed the Lockhart Police Department to prepare a budgeting and operational plan to create a homelessness outreach team. This police department-led team will require a partnership with community-based organizations, behavioral health providers and Workforce Solutions. LPD Chief Gary Williamson said Lockhart police officers have encountered about 20 unhoused people in Lockhart but acknowledged that the actual number is likely higher. The council’s direction followed a presentation by Chief Williamson, who shared insight from the department and feedback obtained at community focus groups held in December 2023 and January 2024.
Caldwell County Capital Improvement Plan Update: Open houses to discuss the county’s capital improvement plan were held in Luling and Lockhart over the past week. The plan includes road improvements and expansions throughout the county – including in Lockhart – and public safety projects that include bridges and low water crossings. The county has until Aug. 19 to decide whether to ask voters to approve a bond issue to pay for some or all of the projects. Citizens can visit www.caldwellcountycip.com to learn more.
Independence Day Extravaganza: The Lockhart Chamber of Commerce is presenting their Independence Day celebration Wednesday, July 3 at Lockhart City Park. People were encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs and brace themselves for a hot, dry evening, with the show set to start at 9:15 p.m.
Monthly First Friday in Downtown Lockhart: Lockhart’s July First Friday celebration backs up to a national holiday this month. Residents are encouraged to partake in the festivities and support local businesses from 4-8 p.m.
FM 2720 Update: TxDOT’s 30% design plan has been completed. The project will involve expansions to lanes and the projected timeline targets bidding for 2030, although this could be fast-tracked.
Rise Broadband Update: The private company installing broadband fiber throughout Lockhart should get work underway soon, with installation beginning in an area bounded by the Union Pacific Railroad, Blanco St., San Antonio Street, and Medina Street. Right of way permits have been approved and city utility crews have been marking locations in the field.
Lockhart Municipal Airport Update: TxDOT opened bids on June 13 for the project to resurface the 4,000-foot taxiway and runway at the Lockhart Municipal Airport. TxDOT received just one bid for $2.44 million. Lockhart's portion of the project would be approximately $244,000. The amount is higher than projected by about $56,000 due cost of materials being higher than anticipated. If council votes to proceed, completion of the project is anticipated to take place this year.
Movies in the Park: Lockhart’s July film is Wish. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13 at Lockhart City Park.
ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the July 2, 2024, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org). You can download a copy of this report here.