May 7, 2025
Mental Health Awareness Month, the annexation of property at FM 1322, a zoning change, Food Pantry lease renewal, professional services agreement for a proposed residential/mixed use development, a tax abatement for senior housing project, gateway monument signage purchase agreement, request for qualifications for design services for the future recreation center, and scheduling of special council workshop regarding a visitor center were discussed at the May 6 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
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Mental Health Awareness Month
The Mayor presented a proclamation to Samuel Marquez of Bluebonnet Trails Community Services recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Public Hearing on Annexation of 85 Acres and Zoning Change
City Council approved Ordinance 2025- 03, annexing 85 acres located east of the intersection of FM 1322 and Centerpoint Rd., addressed as 2500 FM 1322. City Council also approved a zoning change application filed on behalf of Blackjack Block, LLC for the same property. The 85-acre property was previously zoned as an Agricultural-Open Space District. It is now zoned as a Residential Medium Density District. The applicant is planning to build approximately 360 DR Horton homes at this site.
Caldwell County Christian Ministries Lease Renewal
City Council approved the request from Caldwell County Christian Ministries (CCCM) to renew their lease for five years at 901 Bois D' Arc St., known as the Food Pantry, including land leased for the Community Garden.
Professional Services Agreement for Proposed Residential Development
City Council approved a professional services reimbursement agreement regarding a development agreement for a proposed master plan residential/mixed use development on approximately 966 acres located east of U.S. 183 near the intersection with SH 130. The agreement calls on Hillwood Enterprises to reimburse the City for expenses incurred for engineering, legal, and financial reviews.
Tax Abatement for Senior Housing Project
City Council passed Resolution 2025-13, requested by JES Dev Co and Maple Park Manor, LP for a partial City ad valorem tax abatement and proposed Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for the development of a senior housing project with 30 units located on 2.2 acres, near City Line Rd. and Clearfork St. As part of the agreement, the developer will fully construct Lincoln Lane from Clearfork to Maple St.
Gateway Monument Signage Purchase Agreement
City Council approved a purchase agreement with Mello Signs for the fabrication and installation of three community gateway monument signs. The signs will be placed at key entrances to Lockhart:
- Highway 183/SH-130 from the north
- Highway 142 from the west
- SH-130 from the south
Request for Qualifications for Future Recreation Center
City Council provided input and authorized the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for architectural services regarding the remodel of the newly acquired recreation center building.
Special Council Workshop Regarding a Visitor Center, Tourism Efforts
City Council approved scheduling a special Council workshop to discuss the visitor center and tourism efforts within the community. The special workshop will take place on Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m at City Council Chambers, 217 S. Main St., 3rd Floor.
Acquisition of Utility Easements
Following an executive session regarding the acquisition of multiple utility easements between S. Main St. and S. Commerce St., the Council returned into open session and authorized the City Manager and Right of Way agent to send final offers based on the appraised values of the easements. Further, the City Attorney was directed to prepare a resolution finding public convenience and necessity and authorizing eminent domain, if necessary. This matter will be placed on the May 20 Council agenda for consideration.
City Manager’s Report
2024 TxDOT Road Safety Data
New data gathered by TxDOT over the past three years shows the leading causes of traffic incidents in Caldwell County, including Lockhart:
- Impaired driving
- Speeding
- Intersection
- Motorcycle
To help decrease the number of crashes, TxDOT's Austin District has implemented a “STEP Grant” with Caldwell county to bring awareness and inform individuals of ways they can be safer on Texas roadways. Officers conducting STEP enforcement focus on the following violations:
•Driving While Intoxicated/Driving Under the Influence
•Failure to Use Occupant Restraint, including child-passenger safety seats
•Intersection Traffic Control
•Speed Enforcement /Control
Caldwell County Road Bond Project
The road bond package approved by voters in the November 2024 election consists of 22 projects, ranging from roadway design, corridor studies, low water crossing improvements, and road construction valued at $150 million. the bond proceeds are expected to be available in mid-June 2025. A Request for Proposals will be completed within 100 days after the funds become available.
Projects within the City of Lockhart include:
- Corridor Study of SH 142 from SH 130 to U.S. 183
- Realignment of the FM 20 intersections with US183 from S. Main to S. Medina St.
- Design of improvements on SH 142 at SH 130 to Borchert Lane for a five-lane road section with continuous two-way left turn lane
- Design and construction of City Line Rd. from W. San Antonio to Clearfork St as a three-lane roadway.
City staff is recommending that City Line Rd. take priority.
Rosenwald-Carver School Restoration Project
The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas and Jurisdiction hosted the first town hall regarding the restoration project on April 26. The Lockhart school is the last two-story Rosenwald-Carver School remaining in Texas. Carter Design Association completed a Condition Rehabilitation Report. The report found that some challenges in the restoration project include:
- An elevator to the second floor
- New mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) needed
- Meet Texas Historic Commission (THC) guidelines for restrooms
- Remnants of other historical buildings from Camp Swift on site
- $3 million grant from THC may not cover project expenses
Other future planning and organizational issues were identified, including:
- How can the site (2.9 acres) be used to generate income to help maintain the building?
- How can it complement uses at City Park?
- Identify heritage tourism opportunities.
- Identify local community partners and events.
Lone Star Logistics Ribbon Cutting
The new 14 million cubic foot facility, located at 1925 Silent Valley Rd., will house RealCold and will be used as a staging location for products coming through Gulf ports and across the border.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
The annual event will take place on Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at City Park, 504 E. City Park Rd. Used electronics will not be accepted. A full list of eligible items and instructions is available at Lockhart-TX.org.