February 5, 2025

The Lockhart Freedom Act, expansion and enhancement of sidewalk routes, SH 142 highway striping, the Caldwell Valley Development Agreement, and an interlocal agreement pertaining to Juniper Springs Subdivision were discussed at the February 5 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

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

Resolution 2025-03 Relating to the Lockhart Freedom Act (LFA)

City Council held a discussion regarding Resolution 2025-03, which would have repealed Resolution 2024-37. Council rejected Resolution 2025-03 and Resolution 2024-47 still stands, which recognizes the City is prohibited by state law from adopting a policy that does not fully enforce all drug laws.

Caldwell Valley Development Agreement Terminated

Resolution 2025-04, which terminates the Caldwell Valley Development Agreement with Walton Texas LP, was passed. The Development Agreement was originally approved with the intent of a primarily residential MUD being created on the property located in the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction southwest of the intersection of FM 2720 and County View Rd, spanning 426.8 acres. The request to terminate the development agreement was made by Tract, who is proposing to develop the site as a data center and industrial campus.

Expansion and Enhancement of Sidewalk Routes
Council approved the City’s application to the TxDOT’s 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside grant. The City of Lockhart qualifies for the program at the 20% match level. Council members authorized a $2 million sidewalk project package. If the grant request is approved, funding would not be available until 2027.

SH 142 Improvements Project – Highway Striping

Council passed Resolution 2025-05 requesting that TxDOT preserve the current configuration of highway striping along State Highway 142 from Medina St. to Blanco St. Should TxDOT accept the request, highway lane markings will remain the same and a continuous left turning lane will not be added. The proposed changes are part of the current SH 142 improvements project.

Interlocal Agreement (ILA) Pertaining to Juniper Springs Subdivision

Council passed Resolution 2025-06, which approves an interlocal agreement with Caldwell County for subdivision regulation of phases 9, 10, and 16 of Juniper Springs (formerly Clearfork Ranch) at 3000 Borchert Loop.

Public Hearings Postponed

The public hearing on Ordinance 2025- 03, which proposes annexing 84.981 acres out east of the intersection of FM 1322 and Centerpoint Rd. was postponed until Tuesday, March 18.

The public hearing on on Ordinance 2025-04 for a zoning change from Agricultural-Open Space District to Residential Medium Density District on 84.981 east of the intersection of FM 1322 and Centerpoint Rd was postponed until Tuesday, March 18.

Both public hearings were postponed at the applicants’ request.

City Manager’s Report

Lockhart EMS Transition to ESD No. 5 Completed

Effective as of Saturday, February, all EMS response for Caldwell County will be handled by ESD No. 5. Lockhart residents may still request emergency medical care by calling 9-1-1 EMS response times will remain unchanged and EMS will continue to respond to calls in Lockhart. The Lockhart Fire Department will continue to respond to priority medical calls (heart attack, stroke, difficulty breathing, etc.)

Texas Parks & Wildlife (TP&W) Awards Grant to Lockhart for Aquatic Facility

TP&W awarded a $750,000 grant to the City of Lockhart for phase one of the aquatic facility project. Phase one will consist of building a leisure pool, bath house, parking, and structures. The next step for the City is to schedule a meeting with the TP&W Grant Coordinator and review the project timeline.

The City will apply for another $750,000 grant before August 1 for phase two, which would consist of building a competitive pool.  The City is currently soliciting a Request for Qualifications to select a design firm.

Timmerman Power Plant Construction Update

Construction on the LCRA’s Timmerman Power Plant near Maxwell continues. The plant, which consists of two units, will be fueled by natural gas and provide about 380 megawatts, which is more than enough power for 100,000 homes during periods of peak demand. The first unit is on track to be operational in 2025. The second unit is scheduled to be operational in 2026.

The Timmerman Power Plan will be available to grid operators to call upon when renewable energy and other thermal generation are not sufficient. An electric substation will also be added to the site to support new generation resources.

Coffee With a Cop (January event)

Lockhart Police hosted Coffee with a Cop at First Lockhart National Bank in January. The event was well attended by community members, high school students, and even the Lockhart Fire Department.

###

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the February 4, 2025, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).