December 20, 2024

Electric distribution engineering design and construction agreements, the Impact Fees Semi-Annual Report, a new settlement related to the opioid crisis, a Civil Service Commission reappointment, and appointment to the Community Action Board were all discussed at the December 17 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

Public Hearing on Annexation of 84.9 Acres

Planning staff informed council members that the landowner of 84.98 acres located east of the intersection of FM 1322 and Centerpoint Road has requested to postpone the public hearing regarding the annexation of the property. Council members approved this request to postpone the hearing to Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Public Hearing on Zoning Change Request

The same property owner also requested to postpone the public hearing date for the zoning change request, made on behalf of Blackjack Block, LLC. The space is currently zoned as an Agricultural-Open Space District. The landowner is requesting to change this to a Residential Medium Density District. City Council approved the request to postpone the public hearing to Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Construction Agreement with Techline Construction

City Council approved a construction agreement with Techline Construction for a project that is part of the City of Lockhart's five-year System Study and Capital Plan, as prepared by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the City’s wholesale power provider. This project will replace copper power lines on Ash, Pecos, Comal, and Pine Streets, with upgraded conductors to improve the city’s electric distribution system’s operation and resilience.

Engineering Services Agreement with M&S Engineering

City Council approved an engineering services agreement with M&S Engineering for a project that is part of the City of Lockhart's five-year System Study and Capital Plan. This work will design electric distribution system upgrades for:

• Live Oak
• Neches
• San Saba
• Sabine

Construction for these upgrades will occur after the project design is complete.

Impact Fees Semi-Annual Report

City Council received an update on the status of the City’s Impact Fee Revenues and related Capital Improvement Projects (CIP.) The update covers the April-September 2024 reporting period. The majority of the fees were received from the 71 new houses permitted during the six-month reporting period, with the rest coming from commercial projects. The City now has a record balance for the four impact fee accounts (water, wastewater, and two roadway service areas) and is reviewing eligible capital projects, so that the financial responsibility of expanding infrastructure is shared with developers, rather than being fully borne by the city.

The Impact Fee Advisory Committee recommended acceptance of the report with no further action at this time.

Kroger Settlement Related to Opioid Crisis

Lockhart City Council adopted a resolution approving the City’s participation in the Kroger settlement related to the statewide global opioid settlement. As a result, the City of Lockhart is estimated to receive a total of $3,800 from the settlement. The funding must be used to support opioid overdose treatment, drug use prevention and education programs.

Civil Service Commission Reappointment

Council members confirmed the reappointment of Civil Service Commission member Ms. Worlanda Neal for a new three (3) year term as recommended by the City Manager and Civil Service Director.

Appointment to the Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas Board of Directors

Council members voted to appoint Mayor Pro-Tem Angie Gonzales-Sanchez to the Community Action Board of Directors for a five (5) year term. She may serve up to ten years or two consecutive terms on the Board.

City Manager’s Report

Downtown Revitalization Project Updates

ADA and regular pavers have been installed along Main, Walnut, and Church Streets. Storm drain lines were installed on N. Commerce, between San Antonio and Walnut. Concrete was poured for sidewalks on Church St, between San Antonio and Walnut. 

Construction will pause beginning Friday, December 20. Work will resume on Monday, January 6.

Blue Santa 2024

The annual Blue Santa event will take place on Saturday, December 21, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m at the Lockhart High School Cafeteria, 906 Center St. No application is needed, but children must be present to receive a gift. Families must also bring proof of Lockhart residency. It can be in the form of a utility bill or ID to participate.

Holiday Closures

City offices will be closed December 24 and December 25 in observance of Christmas. City offices will also be closed January 1 in observance of New Year’s Day.

Free Live Christmas Tree Recycling

Residents may recycle their live Christmas trees after the holiday. To request this service, please call Public Works at 512-398-6452 to arrange collection. Residents are asked to remove the following items before placing the tree on the curb:

• ·ornaments
• light
• tinsel
• ·nails
• screws
• tree bases

This service will be available to residents until the end of January 2025.

Lockhart ISD Collecting Pet Supplies for Lockhart Animal Shelter

Lockhart ISD is collecting pet supply donations for the Lockhart Animal Shelter. Needed supplies include:

• Blankets
• Dog treats (no raw hides)
• Dog and cat toys
• Dog and cat food

Donations will be accepted until Thursday, December 19 at the MLC front office, 419 Bois D’Arc St.

Carrizo Water Treatment Plant Ribbon Cutting

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Carrizo Water Treatment Plant took place on December 5 in Southern Bastrop County. The water treatment plant is now active and will provide long-term daily water supply to all participants, including Lockhart.

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ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the December 17, 2024, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).