April 25, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:

Tatiana Salazar

tsalazar@lockhart-tx.org

(O) (512)398-3461, ext. 2520

(C) (512) 644-9600

Shooting Suspect Arrested Following Multi-Agency Investigation

With the assistance of multiple law enforcement agencies, police have arrested a suspect wanted in connection to a shooting that occurred in Lockhart on Wednesday, April 23.

John Marquise Hall, of Lockhart, was arrested Thursday, April 24 in Buda. A preliminary investigation by Lockhart Police indicated that Hall was located in Kyle. Lockhart and Buda Police Departments collaborated with Kyle Police and located Hall on the 19000 block of the southbound I-35 frontage road.

When Kyle Police officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Hall fled in his vehicle and lost control. Hall then ran into a wooded area. Shortly after, Hall was apprehended.

Charges stemming from the April 23 incident are pending. Hall faces additional charges from the Kyle Police Department, including evading arrest with a vehicle, evading arrest on foot, possession of marijuana, interference with public duties, accident involving damage, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Prior to his arrest, Hall also had active warrants out of Caldwell County for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon related to a 2024 incident.

Lockhart Police thanks the Buda Police Department, Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Kyle Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety for their assistance in this investigation.

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April 21, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:

Tatiana Salazar

tsalazar@lockhart-tx.org

(O) (512)398-3461, ext. 2520

(C) (512) 644-9600

City Manager Steve Lewis Announces Retirement

After more than four decades of service as a City Manager, Steve Lewis has announced his retirement, effective September 5, 2025. Lewis has served as the City of Lockhart’s City Manager since October 2018.

Since then, Lewis has overseen a variety of major projects to lay the groundwork for a growing community. Major projects include the Downtown Revitalization Project, the opening of Fire Station No. 2, major fire apparatus replacements, a new elevated water storage tower on SH 130, the City’s first Water/Wastewater Long Range Master Plan, the most recent City Comprehensive Plan, and advancing the initial stages of a new aquatic center and indoor recreation center, among many other projects. He also created two new roles within the city, including those of the assistant city manager and public information officer.

During his time in Lockhart, Lewis also served as President of the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation. In this role, he oversaw development projects, such as the 75-acre industrial park on SH 130, which ushered in new businesses to our community. Companies, such as Factory Builder Stores, McElroy Metal, RealCold Storage, Ziegenfelder, opened their doors in Lockhart, and ultimately diversified the local workforce and economy.

“I greatly appreciate the opportunity and privilege of leading such a talented and dedicated team of City employees,” said Lewis. “I am also grateful for the support of the City Council. I will truly miss my associations here.”

Having worked closely with the Lockhart City Council, Lewis assisted with the development and recommendations of solutions to address community concerns.

“Mr. Lewis has been a true asset to Lockhart and the City Council since he was appointed in 2018. I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Lewis for his service and leadership,” said Mayor Lew White. “The City Council will be meeting soon to discuss the next steps in this transition.”

Prior to coming to Lockhart, Lewis was the City Manager for the City of Norman, Oklahoma. Upon his retirement, Lewis will have completed a total of 44 years in municipal management.

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April 24, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:

Tatiana Salazar

tsalazar@lockhart-tx.org

(O) (512)398-3461, ext. 2520

(C) (512) 644-9600

Lockhart Police Request Public’s Assistance in Shooting Investigation

Lockhart Police continue to investigate a shooting incident that left one man injured. The victim was transported to the hospital and is expected to recover. The suspects are believed to have been in a black Kia sedan before 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23 on the 900 block of Braden St. near North Pecos Park. This is believed to have been an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public. Anyone with information about this incident or possible suspects is asked to call Det. Campbell at 512-398-4401 ext. 290.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City of Lockhart City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 7:30 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, third floor of the Clark Library-Masonic Building, 217 S. Main St., Lockhart, Texas, to consider an ordinance for annexation and the adoption of a service plan for 84.981 acres in the John A. Neill Survey, Abstract 20, Caldwell County, Texas, located east of the intersection of FM 1322 and Centerpoint Road.

All interested persons 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 for presentation to the City Council at or before the time the Public Hearing begins.

Click here to see the map of the proposed annexation. 

April 16, 2025

A proclamation for Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month, Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Allocations for FY 2025, an amendment to historic districts and landmarks regulations and procedures ordinance, a tax abatement agreement extension, a proposed residential development in the ETJ, and a feasibility study for the implementation of railroad quiet zones were discussed at the April 16 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

Upcoming Meetings

Historic Preservation Commission – April 23

Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month

The Mayor presented a proclamation to Riley Kennedy of Roxanne’s House and Diane Flores of the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center recognizing the month of April 2025 as Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month.

Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Allocations for FY 2025

The City levies a local Hotel Occupancy Tax on persons who pay for the use of hotel rooms, bed and breakfasts, and short term rentals. City Council approved the HOT Advisory Board recommendations for a funding allocation of $225,000 for FYE 2025. The allocation provides funding to the following applicants:

Amendment to Historic Districts and Landmarks Regulations and Procedures Ordinance

City Council approved an amendment to Chapter 28 "Historic Districts and Landmarks.” This effectively allows the timeline to be tailored to the requirements for the specified work. The amendment replaces a maximum one-year timeline. Properties in the Historic District are eligible for tax relief in order to encourage improvement and preservation of distinctive architectural features.

Tax Abatement Agreement Extension

City Council approved a request from Spellerberg Associates, LLC to extend the one-year timeframe set forth in the approved tax abatement agreement to accommodate the 17-month construction timeline for interior, HVAC, roofing, and rear façade improvements at 103 S. Main St. These improvements are now complete.

Amendment to the Seawillow Development Agreement Located on FM 1322

City Council approved an amendment to the Seawillow Development Agreement. The amendment changes the site of a future junior high school and future elementary school sites. The amendment also makes minor roadway alignment changes and the location of a future water tower.

Professional Services Agreement for a Proposed Development on Robin Ranch Rd.

City Council approved a professional services agreement for engineering, legal, and financial review for a proposed residential development on approximately 280 acres located on Robin Ranch Rd., approximately 4,800 feet west of S. Colorado/U.S. 183 and within the city’s ETJ.

Feasibility Study for the Implementation of a Railroad Quiet Zone

The City Engineer provided City Council with an update on the feasibility study for the implementation of a railroad quiet zone. The Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) will require a $75,000 fee to review the City’s conceptual plans. No action was taken.

City Manager’s Report

Project 5C: LCRA Electric System Study

Techline began work on this project during the first week of April. Crews are replacing poles and power lines on N. Pecos, Ash, Comal, and Pine Streets, between N. Pecos and Blanco Streets. The copper lines that are currently in use date back to the 1930s. This system rehabilitation will shorten outages and decrease the size of areas impacted by outages, including the area of Pride High School.

Gateway Monument Signs

City staff have received four competitive bids for the sign fabrication and installation of new gateway monument signs. The bids range from $90,993 to $254,997. The bids are currently under review. City staff will present a recommended contractor to City Council at the May 6 meeting.

Lockhart Municipal Airport Runway Paving

The Airport Runway Paving Project begins on Monday, May 5. The City and TxDOT will repave the airport runway and taxiway. Access to the airport will still be available during this time. However, the runway and taxiway will not be accessible. Information will be updated using the FAA Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) system.

City Holiday Closure

City offices will be closed on Friday, April 18 for Good Friday. Regular hours will resume on Monday, April 21.

First Courthouse Nights of 2025

The first Courthouse Nights event of the year is scheduled for Friday, April 18 on the Caldwell County Courthouse Lawn. The free event begins at 7 p.m., with Ellis Bullard performing at 8:30 p.m.

18^th Annual Kiwanis 5K Stampede

The 18^th Annual Kiwanis 5K Stampede will take place on Saturday, April 27 at 7:40 a.m. It will begin at First Lockhart Baptist Church, 315 S. Prairie Lea St. All proceeds will benefit the Kiwanis Scholarship Program.

15^th Annual Cinco de Mayo 5K/10K

The 15th Annual Cinco de Mayo Run is hosted by the Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The run will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 3 at 202 E. Prairie Lea St. All proceeds will fund scholarships for high school graduates in Caldwell County.

Recent Awards and Acknowledgments

Lockhart was recently recognized by two national magazines. Country Living Magazine named Lockhart one of America’s 10 Best Small Towns of 2025. Wildsam Magazine named Lockhart one of the Coolest Small Towns of 2025.

LCRA Steps Forward

Eighteen volunteers worked at Lions Park last week and re-mulched two playgrounds, installed fresh granite around Brock Cabin, and completed several landscaping improvements. The City of Lockhart thanks the LCRA volunteer team for their time and efforts!

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 ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the April 15, 2025, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, Texas Monthly 2025 BBQ World’s Fair, GBRA contract amendment, FY 2023-24 Annual Financial Audit and Comprehensive Financial Report, the purchase of portable stage for community events, and amendments to portable food establishments ordinance were discussed at the April 1 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

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week Proclamation

The Mayor presented a proclamation to Police Chief Gary Williamson and Isaac Martinez of the Lockhart Police Dispatch Division, recognizing the week of April 13-19, 2025 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

Texas Monthly 2025 BBQ World's Fair

Following a presentation from Texas Monthly representatives, City Council approved extending an agreement between the City and Texas Monthly to host the 2025 annual BBQ Fest. The event is slated for November 1-2, to be held in the Historic Courthouse Square and City Park.

Guadalupe Blanco River Authority (GBRA) Contract Amendment

City Council approved an amendment to the City’s agreement with the GBRA, which grants the City the ability to receive water at a second delivery point, adjacent to the City’s elevated storage tank along SH 130.

Establishing a second delivery point for treated water:

• Creates redundancy in the water system to make the utility more resilient.

• Provides additional water supply during outages, rehabilitation, or scheduled maintenance of the City's water treatment plant.

City of Lockhart & Lockhart Economic Development FY 2023-24 Annual Financial Audit and Comprehensive Financial Report

City Council received a presentation from BrooksWatson and Company, an independent external auditor. A representative of the firm presented the annual financial audit for FY 2023-24. The firm issued an unmodified (clean) opinion letter, which is the highest level of assurance for an audit.

Purchase of Portable Stage for Community Events

City Council approved the purchase of a portable stage. The stage will be used for the Parks Department and City co-sponsored community events.

Amendments to Portable Food Establishments Ordinance

City Council approved amendments to the Portable Food Establishments Ordinance. The new amendment requires portable food establishments, or food trucks, to be licensed on the first day of operations. Prior to this amendment, food trucks that conducted business for fewer than four days were not subject to permit and inspection requirements.

City Manager’s Report

City-wide Spring Clean Up Recap

During the City-Wide Spring Clean-Up event in March, Republic Services picked up a total of 106.81 tons of bulk material, marking an increase of 24.67 tons since their fall event. Fifteen solid waste trucks were utilized for the Spring event.

Splash Pads and City Pool

The Splash Pads opened on Tuesday, April 1. The City Pool is scheduled to open Saturday, May 24 at 12 p.m.

Aquatic Center Progress Update

The City has received 12 proposals from consulting firms to design the new Aquatic Center. Four firms have been interviewed. Staff has recommended Halff to design the new facility.

Indoor Recreation Center Progress Update

Parks and Recreation staff are preparing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for architectural services. Pending legal and staff review, the RFQ should be finished within two weeks.

Traffic Signal Installation at FM 1322 & FM 20

TxDOT is installing new traffic signals at the intersection of FM 1322 and FM 20. Crews experienced delays due to last week’s weather. Before activation, the signals will enter a flashing phase, alerting drivers to the upcoming change and helping them adjust before full operation begins.

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 ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the April 1, 2025, Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).