December 17, 2025  

The Lift Fund Buy-Down Interest Program, the Tesla Manufacturing Development Program, a traffic calming request policy, excavation and safety of public Rights-of-Way, and appointments to the Lockhart Economic Development Board were discussed at the December 16 City Council meeting. 

Lift Fund Buy-Down Interest Program 

City Council received a presentation on the LiftFund Interest Buy-Down Program for Small Businesses, an initiative approved by the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) to expand access to affordable capital for small businesses within the city limits. 

The presentation outlined how the program will use a $50,000 interest buy-down fund to reduce borrowing costs on loans of up to $15,000, leveraging LiftFund’s lending capacity to support up to approximately $200,000 in total small-business financing. 

The presentation also covered how the program will be administered by LiftFund, desired economic outcomes such as business growth and job creation, and alignment with LEDC’s strategic goals for business retention, expansion, and downtown and small business development. 

Tesla Manufacturing Development Program 

City Council also received a presentation on the Tesla Manufacturing Development Program for local workforce development, a program approved by the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) in support of its strategic goal to develop a skilled workforce aligned with current and future industry demands. 

Led by the Boys & Girls Clubs of South-Central Texas, the program will connect Lockhart High School seniors and recent graduates with a seven-week paid training through partnerships with Tesla’s Manufacturing Development Program and Austin Community College. The initiative is expected to serve approximately 20 students, with marketing planned for 2026 and outcomes reviewed for potential continuation. 

Traffic Calming Request Policy 

Following direction from City Council, City staff developed a formal Speed Cushion/Traffic Calming Request Policy to provide a formal framework for evaluating neighborhood traffic-calming requests. 

City staff presented the draft policy to City Council, outlining eligibility requirements, petition and prioritization processes, and design standards for speed cushions on residential and low-volume collector streets. The policy is intended to slow vehicle speeds for public safety while maintaining emergency vehicle access and establish clear thresholds related to speed limits, traffic volumes, roadway characteristics, and neighborhood support for eligibility. 

City Council discussed the draft policy as part of an initial review and provided direction to staff for additional revisions. Staff will return the revised policy to Council at a future meeting for consideration. 

Broadband License Agreement Ordinance 

City Council approved Ordinance 2025-29 to require license agreements for broadband providers and other private entities seeking to place broadband infrastructure within public rights-of-way. The ordinance establishes a clear regulatory framework to protect public infrastructure, ensure safety, and provide fair compensation to the City for the use of public streets, sidewalks, and related right-of-way areas. 

The ordinance requires broadband providers to enter into a license agreement outlining construction standards, permitting requirements, maintenance responsibilities, and coordination with other utilities. Financial provisions include a license fee equal to one percent of gross broadband revenues generated using infrastructure in the public right-of-way, along with insurance and other requirements. The approved ordinance provides the City with consistent oversight and enforcement authority while supporting the orderly expansion of broadband infrastructure in Lockhart. 

Nominations to the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)? 

City Council approved two nominations to the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) Board of Directors:? 

City Manager’s Report 

New Assistant City Manager  

Roque Salinas has been appointed Assistant City Manager. He will join the City of Lockhart on January 5, 2026. Mr. Salinas will support City Council goals by working with departments to advance key, quality-of-life and infrastructure, capital projects, provide administrative support for major development initiatives, and strengthen our organization’s continued commitment to deliver high-quality services for Lockhart residents. 

Future Indoor Recreation Center 

The Parks & Recreation Director, members of the Indoor Recreation Steering Committee, and BRS Architecture toured five new recreation centers in the Dallas–Fort Worth region recently. The group reviewed current trends in modern facility design, programming, and amenity planning. They met with facility management teams to discuss lessons learned during construction, operational insights, and successful program offerings. 

BRS Architecture and the Recreation Center Steering Committee also met for the first of three design workshops last week. Committee members discussed and prioritized potential activity spaces for both the planned new recreation center and the renovation of the former Hometown Cinemas building. Looking ahead, the committee will continue refining space needs and program priorities. The next workshop is scheduled for January 21, 2026.  

Request for Proposals for Solid Waste and Recycling Services 

The Request for Proposals (RFP) for solid waste and collection services was released on November 10. Prospective proposers were invited to submit questions on the scope and requirements. To date, staff and the City’s solid waste consultant, Burns & McDonnell, have received over 60 questions. Responses to these questions have been posted on the City website. Proposals are due December 19.  

City Office Closures 

Christmas 

City offices will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 24 and Thursday, Dec. 25 for Christmas. The residential and commercial trash pick-up schedule is as follows: 

City offices will return to regular hours on Friday, Dec. 26 

New Year’s Day 

City offices will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 1. The residential and commercial trash pick-up schedule is as follows: 

City offices will return to regular hours on Friday, Jan. 2 

Live Christmas Tree Recycling 

The City offers free live tree curbside recycling through January 2026. Call the Public Works Department at (512) 398-6452 to arrange for collection. Make sure the tree is free of ornaments, lights, tinsel, nails, screws, or tree bases before placing it curbside. This program only applies to live Christmas trees. Artificial trees will not be accepted. 

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ATTENTION: This is a recap of action taken at the December 16, 2025 Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting lockhart-tx.org?