April 16, 2025

A proclamation for Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month, Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Allocations for FY 2025, an amendment to historic districts and landmarks regulations and procedures ordinance, a tax abatement agreement extension, a proposed residential development in the ETJ, and a feasibility study for the implementation of railroad quiet zones were discussed at the April 16 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

Upcoming Meetings

Historic Preservation Commission – April 23

Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month

The Mayor presented a proclamation to Riley Kennedy of Roxanne’s House and Diane Flores of the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center recognizing the month of April 2025 as Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month.

Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Allocations for FY 2025

The City levies a local Hotel Occupancy Tax on persons who pay for the use of hotel rooms, bed and breakfasts, and short term rentals. City Council approved the HOT Advisory Board recommendations for a funding allocation of $225,000 for FYE 2025. The allocation provides funding to the following applicants:

Amendment to Historic Districts and Landmarks Regulations and Procedures Ordinance

City Council approved an amendment to Chapter 28 "Historic Districts and Landmarks.” This effectively allows the timeline to be tailored to the requirements for the specified work. The amendment replaces a maximum one-year timeline. Properties in the Historic District are eligible for tax relief in order to encourage improvement and preservation of distinctive architectural features.

Tax Abatement Agreement Extension

City Council approved a request from Spellerberg Associates, LLC to extend the one-year timeframe set forth in the approved tax abatement agreement to accommodate the 17-month construction timeline for interior, HVAC, roofing, and rear façade improvements at 103 S. Main St. These improvements are now complete.

Amendment to the Seawillow Development Agreement Located on FM 1322

City Council approved an amendment to the Seawillow Development Agreement. The amendment changes the site of a future junior high school and future elementary school sites. The amendment also makes minor roadway alignment changes and the location of a future water tower.

Professional Services Agreement for a Proposed Development on Robin Ranch Rd.

City Council approved a professional services agreement for engineering, legal, and financial review for a proposed residential development on approximately 280 acres located on Robin Ranch Rd., approximately 4,800 feet west of S. Colorado/U.S. 183 and within the city’s ETJ.

Feasibility Study for the Implementation of a Railroad Quiet Zone

The City Engineer provided City Council with an update on the feasibility study for the implementation of a railroad quiet zone. The Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) will require a $75,000 fee to review the City’s conceptual plans. No action was taken.

City Manager’s Report

Project 5C: LCRA Electric System Study

Techline began work on this project during the first week of April. Crews are replacing poles and power lines on N. Pecos, Ash, Comal, and Pine Streets, between N. Pecos and Blanco Streets. The copper lines that are currently in use date back to the 1930s. This system rehabilitation will shorten outages and decrease the size of areas impacted by outages, including the area of Pride High School.

Gateway Monument Signs

City staff have received four competitive bids for the sign fabrication and installation of new gateway monument signs. The bids range from $90,993 to $254,997. The bids are currently under review. City staff will present a recommended contractor to City Council at the May 6 meeting.

Lockhart Municipal Airport Runway Paving

The Airport Runway Paving Project begins on Monday, May 5. The City and TxDOT will repave the airport runway and taxiway. Access to the airport will still be available during this time. However, the runway and taxiway will not be accessible. Information will be updated using the FAA Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) system.

City Holiday Closure

City offices will be closed on Friday, April 18 for Good Friday. Regular hours will resume on Monday, April 21.

First Courthouse Nights of 2025

The first Courthouse Nights event of the year is scheduled for Friday, April 18 on the Caldwell County Courthouse Lawn. The free event begins at 7 p.m., with Ellis Bullard performing at 8:30 p.m.

18^th Annual Kiwanis 5K Stampede

The 18^th Annual Kiwanis 5K Stampede will take place on Saturday, April 27 at 7:40 a.m. It will begin at First Lockhart Baptist Church, 315 S. Prairie Lea St. All proceeds will benefit the Kiwanis Scholarship Program.

15^th Annual Cinco de Mayo 5K/10K

The 15th Annual Cinco de Mayo Run is hosted by the Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The run will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 3 at 202 E. Prairie Lea St. All proceeds will fund scholarships for high school graduates in Caldwell County.

Recent Awards and Acknowledgments

Lockhart was recently recognized by two national magazines. Country Living Magazine named Lockhart one of America’s 10 Best Small Towns of 2025. Wildsam Magazine named Lockhart one of the Coolest Small Towns of 2025.

LCRA Steps Forward

Eighteen volunteers worked at Lions Park last week and re-mulched two playgrounds, installed fresh granite around Brock Cabin, and completed several landscaping improvements. The City of Lockhart thanks the LCRA volunteer team for their time and efforts!

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 ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the April 15, 2025, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).