August 21, 2025

An update on ACC in Lockhart, an ILA to provide SROs to Lockhart ISD, a potential residential parking permit program, an update on the renovation of Fire Station No. 1, the 250^th Independence Day Planning Committee, a Special Use Permit denied, and the proposed FY 2025-26 budget were discussed at the August 19 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

Update on Austin Community College (ACC) in Lockhart

City Council received a presentation from ACC Vice Chancellor Dr. Chris Cervini regarding progress on the new campus in Lockhart.

No later than January 2026, ACC will offer in-person classes at the former Ford Building, 303 W. San Antonio St. The building will be able to accommodate 150 people, including students, faculty, and staff. Some of the courses students will be able to take at the Lockhart campus include core basics like English, History, and Art, as well as trade courses, such as welding, automotive tech, plumbing, and more.

Interlocal Cooperation Agreement (ILA) with Lockhart ISD (LISD)

City Council approved an ILA with LISD to continue the School Resource Officer (SRO) program during the 2025-2026 school year. The ILA will allow both entities to share the cost of assigned personnel, equipment, and training. SROs will maintain their law enforcement authority under the Lockhart Police Department while collaborating with school administration on safety strategies, crime prevention, and emergency response.

Residential Parking Permit Program

The Police Chief informed the City Council about a potential Residential Parking Permit Program intended to address parking concerns in residential areas. Participation in the program would be voluntary. Permit areas would only be created if property owners petition for them. In those designated areas, on-street parking would be restricted to vehicles displaying valid city-issued permits.

The permit program would need to be supported by at least 60% of affected properties. Desired permit restrictions can vary, including days of the week, times of day, and length of time that parking permits would be enforced. This is up to property owners to propose.

Enforcement will be carried out by the Lockhart Police Department. The ordinance includes procedures for establishing, modifying, or removing designated permit areas.

The item was tabled to allow the Chief to gather additional information.

Fire Station No. 1 Renovation

City Council approved a construction contract with D. Wilson Construction Co. for the remodel of Fire Station No. 1, which was built and has been in service since 1914. Components of the renovation project include asbestos removal, roof tile replacement, new paint that matches the historic look of the building, wall repairs, plumbing, HVAC work, and electrical system upgrades. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2025 and conclude in May 2026. The extended timeline reflects longer lead times for procurement of certain materials, particularly windows. The exterior improvements are consistent with the guidelines set by the Historic Preservation Commission.

250^th Independence Day Planning Committee

City Council appointed community members and council members to the 250th Independence Day Planning Committee. The committee will meet to explore and possibly plan activities to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Public Hearings

Accessory Dwelling Unit

A public hearing was conducted regarding an appeal to the Planning and Zoning Commission’s (P&Z) approval of a Specific Use Permit (SUP) application. The applicant sought an SUP to allow an accessory dwelling unit (general type) at 614 E. Live Oak St. P&Z had previously approved the application. City Council upheld the appeal, ultimately, denying the Special Use Permit.  

Proposed FY 2025-26 Budget

City Council held the first public hearing for the proposed City of Lockhart FY 2025-26 Budget. The second hearing will be held at the next regular Council meeting on September 2.

City Manager’s Report

Downtown Revitalization Project Updates

Stop Signs

New stop signs are in place and active around the Downtown Square. Temporary safety flags are attached to help driver identify the traffic change. A police message sign trailer is out on San Antonio, near Church St., to alert drivers of the change. Parking is no longer allowed on the medians of Commerce St. and Main St. Other median parking will be phased out in September. One warning was issued to a driver last weekend for running a stop sign.

Progress Status

The following list details the progress of various components of the project as of early August:

• Water (100%)
• Wastewater (95%)
• Drainage (100%)
• Streets (56%)
• Bulb-outs (100%)
• Sidewalks/Curbs/Medians (70%)
• Irrigation/Landscaping (5%)

Recruitment Underway for Next Assistant City Manager

A search firm has begun comprehensive statewide recruitment for the City’s next Assistant City Manager. Applications are due by September 5.

City Pool and Splash Pads Closing for the Season

City Pool will close on Sunday, August 31. The splash pads will remain open throughout the week until Sunday, October 26.

Coffee With a Cop

Coffee With a Cop was held on Wednesday, August 20 at Ace Hardware. We thank Ace for allowing us to host this community event at their store.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the August 19, 2025 Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).

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NOTICE of Public Hearing

City of Lockhart and Lockhart Economic Development Corp. Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budgets and the 2025 City of Lockhart Tax Rate

The City Council of the City of Lockhart and the Board of Directors of the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation notifies the public of public hearings on the following items that will be presented to the City Council for their consideration:

• Public hearing for citizen input regarding theuse of City funds for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2026.

• Public hearing for citizen input regarding the City of Lockhart 2025 Tax Rate.

The City Council will hold public hearings on September 2, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers, Clark Library Annex, 217 South Main Street, 3rd Floor, Lockhart, Texas to allow for public comments on the upcoming budget and tax rate.

This budget will raise more total property taxes than last year’s budget by $1,604,671, which is a 22.10% increase, and of that amount $929,171 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year.

Copies of the budgets are available for public inspection at the desk of the City Secretary, the lobby of City Hall, and at the Dr. Eugene Clark Library. An electronic version of the budget can be found on the City’s website https://www.lockhart-tx.org/page/finance. Ordinances establishing the budget and property tax rates for the year October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, will be considered on September 2, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers, Clark Library Annex, 217 South Main Street, 3rd Floor, Lockhart, Texas. All interested persons are invited and encouraged to attend the hearing.

I certify that the above notice of meeting was posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building, 308 West San Antonio Street, Lockhart, Texas, on the 15th day of August, 2025 at Lockhart City Hall.

Julie Bowermon

City Secretary

As part of the Downtown Revitalization Project, new stop signs have been installed at multiple intersections around the courthouse square. These traffic control devices are intended to enhance pedestrian safety and promote orderly traffic flow.

Timeline

• This Week – Stop lines will be painted to supplement the new signs.
• Saturday, August 16 – New stop signs will go into effect. Temporary safety flags will be attached to the new signs to help drivers identify the traffic change.    
• City staff and law enforcement will monitor intersections to ensure safe and proper use of the new stop signs.
  
  

See the map below for the new stop sign locations. (Stop signs marked in gray are already active.)

Additional changes to be aware of: Parking is no longer allowed in the median of Commerce Street (east of the courthouse). This adjustment will help keep traffic moving and make it safer for both drivers and pedestrians while sidewalks are widened and travel lanes are shifted.

In the coming weeks, crews will begin similar work on the west and south sides of the courthouse and median parking will be phased out.

Additionally, the trees in the medians will remain in place. An arborist is working with the contractor to protect their health. Commemorative plaques on the tree planters will be removed temporarily and reinstalled once construction is complete.

Thank you for your patience as we work to make downtown safer, more walkable, and more enjoyable for everyone.

To learn more, visit the Downtown Revitalization Project Page.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City of Lockhart Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. in the lower level of City Hall, 308 West San Antonio Street, Lockhart, Texas, to receive public input regarding a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 64 “Zoning” of the Lockhart Code of Ordinances, as follows:

Amend Chapter 64 “Zoning”, Article VII “Zoning Districts and Standards” Section 64-196, “Establishment of Zoning Districts” subsections (e) “Residential medium density district (RMD) (formerly R-2)” and (f) “Residential high density district (RHD) (formerly R-3)” to remove Manufactured Homes as a use allowed with the approval of a Specific Use Permit; and

Amend Chapter 64 “Zoning”, Article VII “Zoning Districts and Standards” Section 64-200 “Same—Manufactured homes and modular dwellings” to remove subsection (a) regarding requirements for the installation of a manufactured homes on individual residential lots not within manufactured home parks.

All interested persons owning property within 200 feet of this property wishing to state their support or opposition may do so at this Public Hearing; or they may submit a written statement to the Planning Director or his designee for presentation to the Planning and Zoning Commission at or before the time the Public Hearing begins.

The City of Lockhart City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at  7:30 P.M. in the City Council Chamber, third floor of the Clark Library-Masonic Building, 217 South Main Street, Lockhart, Texas, to consider this zoning change request, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and valid protests if any.

All interested persons wishing to state their support or opposition may do so at either of these public hearings, or they may submit a written statement to the Planning Director or his designee for presentation to the Planning and Zoning Commission and/or City Council before the time the public hearing begins.  Additional information is available from the Planning Director at the telephone number listed below, or in person at the Planning Department in City Hall.

David Fowler, AICP

Planning Director

737-787-8076

dfowler@lockhart-tx.org

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City of Lockhart Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. in the lower level of City Hall, 308 West San Antonio Street, Lockhart, Texas, to receive public input regarding the following:

ZC-25-04. A request by Spencer Gourley with Spencewood, Inc. for a Zoning Change from AO Agricultural-Open Space District and FH Flood Hazard District to RHD Residential High Density District on a total of 50.07 acres in the W.C. Williams Survey, Abstract No. 300 and Miles G. Dikes Survey, Abstract No. 6, and located at 2100-2500 North Colorado Street (US Hwy 183).

All interested persons owning property within 200 feet of this property wishing to state their support or opposition may do so at this Public Hearing; or they may submit a written statement to the Planning Director or his designee for presentation to the Planning and Zoning Commission at or before the time the Public Hearing begins.

The City of Lockhart City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 7:30 P.M. in the City Council Chamber, third floor of the Clark Library-Masonic Building, 217 South Main Street, Lockhart, Texas, to consider this zoning change request, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and valid protests if any.

One or more letters or petitions of protest submitted no later than two working days prior to the posted beginning of the City Council public hearing and containing the name, signature, and address of owners of collectively 20 percent or more of either the area of the land included in the proposed change or the area of land within 200 feet surrounding the land included in the proposed change, shall require the proposed change to receive the affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of all members of the City Council in order to take effect. Such letters or petitions submitted at least five calendar days prior to the posted beginning of the City Council public hearing will be provided to the Council and addressed in the staff recommendations in advance of the public hearing.

David Fowler, AICP

Planning Director

737-787-8076

dfowler@lockhart-tx.org

August 8, 2025

Recognition of the Lockhart Little League Senior Girls Softball Team, the 2025 general election, the formation of the Lockhart Municipal Utility District, an amendment to the interlocal agreement with CARTS, the Series 2025 Certificates of Obligation, the 250^th Independence Day Planning Committee, and the appointment of a new board member were discussed at the August 5 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

Recognition of Lockhart Little League Senior Girls Softball Team

Mayor White recognized the Little League Senior Girls Softball Team for winning the Texas East State Championship.

November 2025 General Election

Council ordered a General Election on November 4, 2025, to elect:

• Two (2) Councilmembers At-Large
• Councilmember District 1
• Councilmember District 2

The ballot filing period is July 19 to August 18, 2025. Early voting will take place October 20–31, with final locations and hours set by the Caldwell County Commissioners’ Court.

Extension of Conditional Consent for Lockhart MUD of Caldwell County

Council granted Hillwood Communities a 90-day extension to the conditional consent for creating the Lockhart Municipal Utility District (MUD), covering 889 acres east of SH 130 and west of Dry Creek Road. The extension, which allows consideration of adding 148.5 acres, remains contingent on approval of a Development Agreement.

Temporary Easements for Carrizo Water Supply Expansion

Council approved temporary staging easements with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) for the Carrizo Groundwater Supply Project TX-130 Expansion. The project will provide 9,000 acre-feet of water annually to regional utilities and establish a second delivery point for the City’s water supply at the Cesar Chavez elevated storage tank to improve reliability of the City’s water system.

Interlocal Agreement with CARTS

Council amended its agreement with the Capital Area Rural Transportation System, raising the City’s annual contribution to $40,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 to support operations. This includes supporting a newly added third CARTS Now vehicle serving Lockhart’s growing demand for the service.

Series 2025 Certificates of Obligation

Council approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance of 2025 Certificates of Obligation (CO) in the amount of $20,000,000. The issuance will fund capital projects, which include:

·         design and construction of a new aquatic facility,

·         acquisition and renovation of an indoor recreation center,

·         improvements to Lions Park,

·         improvements to City Hall, and

·         improvements to existing public safety facilities and/or land acquisition for future public safety facilities.

The issuance will also cover related professional services, including engineering fees, as well as the costs of issuing the Certificates of Obligation. Prior to the sale, the City reaffirmed its AA- bond rating, securing a lower interest rate through the competitive bidding process and resulting in taxpayer savings on interest costs.

Proposed FY 2024-2025 Budget

Council approved the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation’s (LEDC) FY 2025-2026 budget. Council also set two public hearings for the City of Lockhart’s proposed FY 2025-2026 budget for the following dates:

• August 19, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
• September 2, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

Both hearings will be held in the Council Chambers on the third floor of the Dr. Eugene Clark Library.

Property Tax Rate

Council voted to set the proposed 2025 combined maintenance/operations and debt rate at 0.5541/$100 and place on the September 2, 2025 agenda for consideration and adoption.

250^th Independence Day Planning Committee

Council agreed to form a citizen planning committee and approved initial appointments to organize Lockhart’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. The group will plan local events inspired by Lockhart’s 1976 bicentennial activities, such as dances, community gatherings, and commemorations. Additional Committee appointments will be made at a future meeting.

Construction Board of Appeals Appointment

Council nominated Jason De La Cruz to the Construction Board of Appeals. Council will consider the final appointment of this nominee at the next Council meeting on August 19.

City Manager’s Report

Mockingbird Signal Improvement Project

The design phase of the Mockingbird Signal Improvement Project is now 100% complete. TxDOT plans to approve the final documents by the end of this week (August 7.) The project will include the following work:

• Widening of pavement which will allow for 12-foot-wide driving lanes in each direction and center turning lane at Mockingbird Lane
• Reconnecting pedestrian accesses, connecting to driveways
• Installation of curb and gutter
• Installation of permanent traffic signal with arm masts

The anticipated schedule is as follows:

• Construction bid date: August 7, 2025
• Anticipated construction start date: November 10, 2025
• Anticipated duration: 80 Days
• Anticipated completion date: March 9, 2026

Airport Paving Project Update

The airport paving project is now complete. Contractors have finished restriping 4,000 feet of runway and taxiway. A final walkthrough with the design engineer is scheduled for August 7.

Austin Community College (ACC) to Begin In-Person This Fall

In-person classes at ACC in Lockhart will begin this fall semester at the Ford Building, 202 W. San Antonio St. The first courses will include plumbing and HVAC classes.

MeetUp Spot at Lockhart PD

Thanks to OfferUp, Lockhart now has an official meetup spot for in-person purchase exchange for online marketplaces. The meetup spot is located in front of Lockhart PD, 214 Bufkin Ln. The spot is in a well-lit area that is video recorded around the clock. The spot will aid in the prevention of scams, theft, and other crimes.

Coffee With a Cop

The next Coffee With a Cop is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Ace Hardware, 518 W. San Antonio St. This is a stop-and-go event. Residents are invited to stop by to chat with police over a cup of coffee and other breakfast goods.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the August 5, 2025 Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).

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