October 23, 2025
A zoning change, noise standards amendment, warranties for body-worn cameras and in-car cameras, the rebidding of the animal shelter improvements project, and an economic development incentive agreement were discussed at the October 21 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
Pedestrian and Traffic Safety on Residential Streets
City Council received a presentation on pedestrian and traffic safety in residential areas. The presentation provided an overview of existing sidewalk infrastructure, current traffic-calming measures, and the procedures used to evaluate and prioritize neighborhood safety requests.
Staff outlined a range of traffic safety tools and strategies that combine engineering, enforcement, and education - including radar speed signs, directed police patrols, and potential long-term infrastructure improvements such as new crosswalks and sidewalks.
Next steps include updating the City’s website to provide residents with clear information about traffic-calming request procedures and available tools. City staff will also develop a formal policy for Council consideration to ensure a consistent process for evaluating, prioritizing, and implementing neighborhood traffic-calming measures.
Warranties for Body-Worn and In-Car Cameras
City Council approved agreements with Motorola Solutions, Inc. to extend warranties for the Police Department’s body-worn and in-car camera systems. The extensions, which secure current pricing through 2031, ensure continued maintenance, cloud storage, and equipment replacements.
Rebidding of Animal Shelter Improvements Project
City Council voted to reject all bids received for the Animal Shelter Improvements Project and authorized staff to rebid the project. Eight bids were received, ranging from $913,661 to $2.7 million, all exceeding the available project funding of $650,000 provided through the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation.
Following a review by the City’s engineer (TRC Companies) and project architect (Connolly Architects & Consultants), it was recommended that all bids be rejected and the project be rebid to achieve more competitive pricing.
The Animal Shelter Advisory Board supported the recommendation, advising that the rebid focus on the kennel building remodel and new intake and isolation area, to better align the project scope with available funding
Economic Development Incentive Agreement with Sensei AG Holdings, Inc.
City Council approved Resolution 2025-35, authorizing an Economic Development Incentive Agreement with Sensei AG Holdings, Inc. for the redevelopment of the former Iron Ox site at 1205 Reed Drive. The company recently purchased the 25-acre property, which includes a 283,000-square-foot greenhouse, and plans to invest approximately $40 million to retrofit and expand the facility for advanced, year-round agricultural operations.
Under the agreement—approved by the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation—Sensei AG will be eligible for up to $2 million in property tax rebates over ten years, contingent upon meeting performance benchmarks that include creating at least 15 full-time jobs with a minimum annual payroll of $2 million.
Public Hearings
Zoning Change
City Council approved Ordinance 2025-24, rezoning 0.362 acres at 312 Laredo Street from Residential Medium Density (RMD) to Commercial Medium Business (CMB) District. The change allows for potential development of the site for small-scale commercial use, such as a restaurant with drive-in service, or other permissible uses within the updated zoning classification.
Noise Standards Amendment
City Council approved Ordinance 2025-25, amending Chapters 18 (Environment) and 64 (Zoning) of the City’s Code of Ordinances to establish residential noise standards and align enforcement across zoning and environmental regulations.
The amendment adds a new subsection to Chapter 64 that limits noise originating from residential properties to 56 decibels between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and 63 decibels between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., as measured from other residentially zoned properties. It also revises Chapter 18 to reference these decibel thresholds for consistency in enforcement of unreasonable noise complaints.
City Manager’s Report
City-Wide Bulk Pickup
Bulk pickup begins Saturday, October 25, at 7 a.m. and is free for Lockhart residents only. Items must be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. and no earlier than five days before the event. Items may not block sidewalks or streets.
Accepted items include furniture, mattresses, carpet, scrap metal, and non-Freon appliances. Items such as televisions, computers, tires, brush, hazardous waste, and construction debris will not be accepted. Residents are responsible for removing any late or unaccepted items. A full list of accepted materials is available on the City website.
Preparations for Texas Monthly BBQ Fest
City staff and DeNucci Contractors are coordinating construction schedules and street closures to minimize disruptions during the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest. Downtown lighting and landscaping will be event-ready to improve accessibility and appearance. City crews will also water and maintain grass at City Park leading up to the event.
Texas Monthly is working with Caldwell County Emergency Management to coordinate public safety and operational plans.
Splash Pad Operating Days Extended
Splash Pads closing date has been extended to November 2. Operating days may be extended further depending on weather conditions.
Next City Council Meeting Postponed
The next City Council meeting has been postponed due to Election Day. The meeting will now take place on Thursday, November 6.
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ATTENTION: This is a recap of highlights of action taken at the October 21, 2025 Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting lockhart-tx.org.