January 22, 2026

A Police Department facility needs assessment, a resolution calling a public hearing for a proposed Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, approval of an electric utility capital improvement project, a Downtown Revitalization Project change order, and proposed planning-related text amendments related to zoning, subdivisions, and building regulations were addressed at the January 20 City Council meeting.

Lockhart Freedom Act

City Council received the fourth quarterly report for 2025 related to implementation of the Lockhart Freedom Act. The report summarized Lockhart Police Department enforcement activity for low-level marijuana offenses, including arrest and citation totals, estimated personnel time, and demographic data. The quarterly reporting requirement supports transparency and ongoing evaluation of enforcement practices.

Police Department Facility Needs Assessment

City Council received a presentation on a Police Department facility needs assessment prepared by PGAL, an architectural and engineering design firm. The assessment evaluated the City’s existing police facility, identified operational deficiencies, projected future staffing and space needs, and outlined potential options including renovation or construction of a new purpose-built police headquarters. Council also authorized next steps related to potential property acquisition to support a future police facility.

Public Hearing Scheduled for Proposed TIRZ

City Council approved a resolution calling a public hearing for the assessment and creation of a proposed Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) encompassing approximately 89.775 acres located at 2400 FM 1322 within the city limits. The public hearing will allow Council to consider the potential use of tax increment financing to support future infrastructure and development within the proposed zone. The proposed area is Phase 1 of the Seawillow development project.

Cemetery Maintenance Agreement Renewal

City Council approved a short-term renewal of the Cemetery Maintenance Agreement with Maintenance Management, LLC while staff issues a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a long-term maintenance agreement. The agreement ensures continued professional maintenance and care of City cemeteries.

Electric Utility Capital Improvement Project

City Council approved an agreement with Techline Construction, LLC for Section 1 of the LK20 Copper Replacement Project. The project is part of the City’s five-year system study and capital plan developed in coordination with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and focuses on replacement of aging copper infrastructure to improve system reliability.

The project will rebuild approximately 6,000 ft. of three-phase power line on substation circuit LK20, along E Live Oak, Neches, San Saba, and Sabine streets.

Change Order for Downtown Revitalization Project

City Council approved a change order to finalize paving quantities needed to achieve acceptable pavement conditions across the project area.

Proposed Planning Code Updates

City Council received a presentation on proposed planning-related code updates and provided direction to staff on requested changes. Staff will revise the proposed amendments and present them to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review and recommendation prior to future City Council consideration.

City Manager’s Report

Grand Opening of Austin Community College in Lockhart

Austin Community College will host the grand opening of its Lockhart campus on Thursday, January 29 at 3 p.m. at 303 W. San Antonio St. The event will provide an opportunity for the public to tour the new career education and hands-on workforce training facility.

New TxDOT Maintenance Facility Open House

Construction of the new TxDOT Lockhart Maintenance Facility is complete. TxDOT will host a come-and-go open house on Wednesday, February 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 600 N. Cesar Chavez Parkway, allowing visitors to tour the facility and connect with TxDOT staff.

SH 142 Resurfacing and Mockingbird Lane Signal Improvements

The Mockingbird Lane signal improvements and SH 142 resurfacing project are anticipated to begin in late March or early April. TxDOT is coordinating a pre-construction meeting with the selected contractor, and additional project details will be shared as they become available.

Caldwell County 2024 Road Bond Projects Update

Council received updates on multiple Caldwell County 2024 Road Bond Projects currently in design or development phases, including the realignment of FM 20 at US 183, design and construction of City Line Road, planned improvements to SH 142, and a corridor study extending from SH 130 to US 183.

Downtown and Tourism Department Update

Council was updated on the newly created Downtown and Tourism Department. The Downtown and Tourism Director job description has been finalized, consistent with Council direction and will oversee tourism promotion, downtown coordination, Visitor Center operations, events, and film permitting support. Recruitment for this position will begin this month.

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ATTENTION: This is a recap of action taken at the January 20, 2026, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting lockhart-tx.org