November 7, 2025
A Texas A&M Forest Service grant, a ground lease agreement with Lockhart Air Partners, a Request for Proposals for solid waste and recycling services, and a residential parking permit program were discussed at the November 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
Brush Truck Grant from Texas A&M Forest Service
City Council approved participation in a Texas A&M Forest Service grant to fund a new brush truck for the Lockhart Fire Department. The reimbursement grant will cover up to $165,000 of the vehicle’s cost. City staff will develop specifications and select a manufacturer for Council consideration at a future meeting.
The brush truck must meet the minimum standards outlined by the Texas A&M Forest Service and remain in firefighting service for a minimum of 10 years. The new truck will enhance the department’s ability to reach and contain grass and brush fires in rural areas that are often difficult to access with larger engines.
Lockhart Substation Electrical Improvements
City Council approved the replacement of three circuit breakers at the Lockhart Substation. The existing breakers, installed in 2002 and servicing areas south of SH 145 and east of US 183, are reaching the end of their useful life and are scheduled for upgrade. The new units will enhance system performance, improve reliability, and support the City’s continued investment in modernizing its electric infrastructure. Equipment will be procured through the City’s agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), with installation planned prior to next summer’s peak demand season.
Ground Lease Agreement with Lockhart Air Partners
City Council approved a ground lease agreement with Lockhart Air Partners, LLC for construction of a 10,000 square foot hangar at the Lockhart Municipal Airport. The hangar will be located on the north side of the existing aircraft tie-down area and serve as the fixed-base operation (FBO) for Lockhart Air Partners. Planned uses include flight training services, aircraft rentals, and leasing of hangar space to pilots.
Request for Proposals for Solid Waste and Recycling
City Council authorized staff to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for solid waste and recycling collection services after declining a contract extension request from Republic Services, whose current agreement ends in June 2026. The City has been working with Burns & McDonnell, its contracted solid waste consulting firm, to prepare the RFP seeking qualified companies to provide proposals for the following services:
• Residential Trash Collection
• Residential Recycling Collection
• Residential Yard, Brush, and Bulky Waste Collection
• Residential Household Hazardous Waste Collection
• Commercial Trash and Recycling Collection
Proposers will also be responsible for material processing and disposal, customer service, public education, and cart maintenance as part of the City’s comprehensive waste management program. The RFP will be released this fall, with proposal reviews and interviews planned for early 2026, and a new contract to be approved prior to the expiration of the existing agreement.
Public Hearing – Residential Parking Permit
City Council held a public hearing and approved an ordinance establishing a residential parking permit area along Bowie Street between S. Medina and Travis streets. The new permit zone, requested by neighborhood residents, restricts on-street parking between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on school days to help preserve on-street parking for residents during school hours. Residents within the area will receive parking permits, and City crews will install signage to identify the designated zone. This action follows Council’s earlier approval of a citywide framework allowing neighborhoods to petition for parking permit programs.
City Manager’s Report
Gateway Monument Signs
The main portions of the signs have been installed at two locations: S. SH 130 near the Maple St. exit, and the SH 130 and SH 142 intersection. Next steps include installation of lighting, landscaping, and completion of design modifications for the remaining signage.
Fire Station No. 1 Renovation
The demolition of the second floor of Fire Station No. 1 was completed in October. Demolition of the first floor is currently underway. After this is complete, crews will move on to the rough-in phase for plumbing and electrical systems.
City Office Closure Next Week
City offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 for Veterans Day. Solid waste pick-up services will continue as scheduled. City offices will return to regular hours on Wednesday, November 12.
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ATTENTION: This is a recap of action taken at the November 6, 2025 Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting lockhart-tx.org.