January 9, 2025
Recognition of the new CAPCOG Executive Director, an update on traffic signal timing on SH 130 and SH 142, an update on traffic signal and intersection improvements at Mockingbird Ln. and San Antonio St., and an amendment to the Mill Scale Ch. 380 Agreement were all discussed at the January 7 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
Recognition of CAPCOG’s New Executive Director
Mr. Chris Miller was selected as the new Executive Director of the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG), replacing retiring Director Betty Voights. Mr. Miller began his new role as director in September 2024.
CAPCOG is a voluntary association that represents member local governments in the ten-county Capital Area. It works directly with its member local governments to recognize opportunities for cooperation and eliminate unnecessary duplication in emergency communications, elderly assistance, law enforcement training, criminal justice planning, solid waste reduction, homeland security planning, infrastructure development, transportation planning and economic development.
Mr. Miller expressed that he looks forward to working with Lockhart, as well as working with state and federal partners to tackle challenges in our region.
Update on Traffic Signal Timing on SH 130 and SH 142
Representatives from SH 130 Concessions gave City Council an update on the traffic signal at SH 130 and SH 142 (W. San Antonio St.) Traffic consultants and TxDOT last adjusted the signal timing in May 2024. SH 130’s Traffic Management Center (TMC) monitors traffic at this intersection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
SH 130 representatives are working with TxDOT to find a short-term solution to alleviate congestion during peak hours and possible long-term lane reconfigurations and expansions.
SH 130 will update Council in approximately 60 days with their findings.
Update on Traffic Signal and Intersection Improvements on Mockingbird Ln. and San Antonio St.
City Council received an update from TxDOT regarding a previously approved Advance Funding Agreement (AFA) for improvements to the traffic signal and intersection of Mockingbird Lane and W. San Antonio Street. The project improvements aim to alleviate bottlenecking during peak traffic times.
Currently the project is at the 60% design phase. Additional components of the paving project include restriping SH142 from Borchert Lane to downtown to incorporate a new continuous center turn lane from Medina Street to Guadalupe Street.
TxDOT will competitively bid the project in August 2025. Work is likely to get underway in November 2025.
Mill Scale Chapter 380 Economic Development Performance Agreement Amendment
City Council approved an amendment to its Chapter 380 Agreement with Mill Scale. The agreement, approved in November 2024, granted Mill Scale a 3-year sales tax rebate and an electric transformer as long as Mill Scale maintained 15 jobs annually, for 3 years. Due to a changing economic job forecast, the amendment reduces the number of required jobs.
This agreement better aligns and mirrors the recently amended Mill Scale economic development performance agreement between the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation and Mill Scale, that also reduced the number of jobs.
Mill Scale manufactures offset smokers and live fire grills for competition, commercial, and residential use. Each grill is custom built to suit the pitmaster’s needs. Mill Scale’s facility, 800 N. Commerce, has a showroom and retail component with product that is shipped worldwide.
City Manager’s Report
Winter Storm Preparations
Based on developing severe weather forecasts from the National Weather Service over the past week, City personnel prepared for inclement weather by preparing to bring in additional public safety staff, checking equipment and supplies, winterizing vehicles, and producing community messaging.
City staff is still in contact with GBRA, Republic Services, TxDOT, SH 130, Lockhart ISD, and Calvary Chapel Church to prepare for possible inclement weather.
Hillwood Communities Workshop
A City Council Workshop is scheduled for Monday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m. at City Council Chambers. Council members and City staff will hear Hillwood Communities’ proposed land use, infrastructure, and a proposed special financing district requests. The City Engineer’s Office and City staff are currently reviewing preliminary infrastructure, including water, wastewater, drainage, and transportation.
Hillwood is proposing to develop a master planned community on approximately 966 acres, located east of SH 130 near Dry Creek Rd, partly in Lockhart and the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) as well as unincorporated Caldwell County.
Music Friendly Community Designation
Lockhart is now the 72nd city in the state to earn the Music Friendly Community designation from the Texas Music Office. The designation will further support Lockhart musicians and artists. The designation aims to support small businesses, create jobs, and attract tourism.
Lockhart Fire Dept. Receives New Ladder Truck
The Lockhart Fire Department’s new ladder truck has been delivered. It is equipped with a 75’ ladder, 1,500-gpm fire pump, 475-gallon water tank, 500’ supply fire hose, and ground ladders.
The new truck will assist the city in maintaining an ISO Public Protection Classification of 3/3X, which is expected to have a positive impact on commercial property insurance premiums.
Lockhart firefighters will receive training before using the new ladder truck.
2024 Blue Santa
More than 50 volunteers – including Lockhart High School students, student athletes, and coaches – helped distribute 1,400 toys to 400 children. We appreciate the Lockhart Police & Employees Association for hosting and coordinating this event.
2024 Comprehensive Plan Published
The new comprehensive plan, known as Lockhart Looking Forward, is available on the city website at lockhart-tx.org/page/2024CompPlan. The new plan will guide the future growth, development, and improvement of our community.
Austin Community College (ACC) Purchases Ford Building
ACC purchased the historic Ford Building, 303 W. San Antonio St, in December 2024. The 20,000 square foot building has ample space for classrooms and learning facilities. ACC is currently assessing workforce and educational needs in Lockhart.
Students who graduated high school in 2024 can immediately receive free tuition benefits. Spring classes will begin January 21, 2025.
City Offices Closed on MLK Jr. Day
City offices will be closed on Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
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ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the January 7, 2025, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).