July 17, 2025

A presentation from CARTS, the Texas Gas Service utility rate, the water/wastewater treatment plant budget, participation in the WaterSECURE Project, manufactured housing in residential zoning districts, and the 250^th Independence Day Celebration were discussed at the July 15 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

Presentation Regarding Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with CARTS for FY 2025-26

City Council received a presentation from representatives of the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS). Representatives informed Council that Lockhart is one of the top two busiest cities when it comes to CARTS ridership. Beginning August 1, CARTS Country Bus riders can book same-day trips directly through the new CARTS app. Riders will be able to book and pay for curb-to-curb service using the app. Trips can be scheduled for the same day or up to two weeks in advance. Lockhart riders can now use CARTS to travel to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, as well as the Veteran Affairs office in Austin.

Texas Gas Service Utility Rate

City Council approved a resolution suspending the August 19, 2025, effective date of the proposal by Texas Gas Service Company, a division of One Gas, Inc., Central-Gulf Service Area, to implement gas utility rate increases.

Lockhart Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Budget

City Council approved the budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 for Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) for the Lockhart Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants. The GBRA's total budget of $3.15 million will be incorporated in the City of Lockhart's Proposed Annual Budget for FY 25-26. The budget includes the cost of operating the City’s water treatment plant, two wastewater treatment plants, and well fields.

Participation in WaterSECURE Project

After discussion, City Council approved entering into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GBRA to participate in the WaterSECURE project. This project combines different water sources -- including raw and treated water — using GBRA’s existing run-of-the-river rights, when combined with river division facilities, off-channel reservoirs, aquifer storage and recovery, water treatment, delivery facilities, and integration of brackish and fresh groundwater. The City is requesting to join this planning project for up to 6.56 million gallons per day (MGD) of treated water.

Manufactured Housing in Residential Zoning Districts

At the request of Councilmember Castillo, City Council approved initiating a zoning case regarding possible amendments to Chapter 64, Zoning, to prohibit manufactured housing in residential zoning districts.

250^th Independence Day Celebration

At the request of Mayor White, a discussion was held regarding the City of Lockhart's activities to commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. Mayor White requested councilmembers submit two nominations to form a working committee to plan the celebration. This item will be discussed again at the next August 5 City Council meeting.

City Manager’s Report

Updated Residential Subdivision Map

The updated Residential Subdivision Map adds three new projects, including the following:

• Seawillow Development: 2,587 residential units
• Riddle Subdivision: 444 single family lots
• Sendero Subdivision: 382 single family lots
• Approximately 280 platted lots are currently available

Neighborhood Watch Group Meeting – Northwest District 1

The first Neighborhood Watch Group for Northwest District 1 will take place on Wednesday, July 16, from 6 to 8 p.m at First Baptist Church, 514 Neches St.

Courthouse Nights

The next Courthouse Nights event is on Friday, July 18, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Caldwell County Courthouse Lawn. Los Juanos, an indie/Tejano band, will headline the event.

Movies in the Park

The next Movies in the Park is on Saturday, July 9, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Families can enjoy a free screening of Mufasa: The Lion King at City Park, 504 E. City Park Rd.

Ribbon Cutting for Borchert Loop Elementary School (Lockhart ISD)

The ribbon cutting for Borchert Loop Elementary School, 3200 Borchert Loop, will take place Saturday, August 2 at 9 a.m. According to Lockhart ISD, the project is on time and under budget. The new campus will be ready for students when the new school year begins on August 13.

Upcoming Budget Workshops for FY 2025-26

• Wednesday, July 23 at 6 p.m.: Capital Improvement Program
• Thursday, July 24 at 6 p.m.: Continued discussions of the working budget

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

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July 16, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:

Tatiana Salazar

tsalazar@lockhart-tx.org

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

(C) (512) 644-9600

Lockhart City Council Appoints Joseph Resendez as Next City Manager

The City of Lockhart has appointed Joseph Resendez as its next City Manager, effective September 5, 2025, following the retirement of current City Manager, Steve Lewis. The decision was made following a unanimous vote by City Council on July 15. Resendez has served the City of Lockhart since July 2023 as Assistant City Manager and has over eight years of experience in municipal government.

During his time at the City of Lockhart, Resendez has overseen several major capital projects, including the planning for the renovation of Fire Station No. 1, an aquatics facility, and future recreation center. He has also been instrumental in developing the City’s annual budget and participated in the hires of key senior management roles including Economic Development Director and Finance Director.

Prior to Lockhart, Resendez served as City Administrator and City Secretary for the City of Bartlett, as well as Assistant Director of Finance at the City of Taylor. His experience in municipal management and familiarity with issues facing Central Texas cities reaffirmed the City Council’s confidence in Resendez’s ability to lead Lockhart.

“We welcome Mr. Resendez as our next City Manager. His collaborative leadership style and dedication to public service will help strengthen our community, enhance the services we provide,” said Mayor Lew White. “We also want to thank Mr. Lewis for his excellent leadership for these last seven years. He has been a terrific mentor for Mr. Resendez as well,” said Mayor White.

Resendez holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas. He is currently completing a Master of Public Affairs and the Certified Public Manager Credential through the William P. Hobby Center for Public Service at Texas State University.

“I am honored to be appointed as the next City Manager of Lockhart. I look forward to continuing to work with Council, city staff, and the community to build on Lockhart’s momentum,” said Resendez. “Together, we’ll focus on strengthening services, fostering transparency, and planning responsibly for the city’s future.”

Resendez is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association and the Texas City Management Association, which named him a Clarence E. Ridley Scholar.

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July 15, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:

Tatiana Salazar

tsalazar@lockhart-tx.org

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

(C) (512) 644-9600

City Launches Street Condition Survey as Part of Pavement Management System

As of this week, residents may notice a specialized vehicle equipped with cameras and sensors driving throughout the city. This vehicle is part of the City of Lockhart’s pavement management program. With 3D imaging of pavement and rights-of-way, the vehicle will collect important data on the condition of local and main roads. 

The vehicle will travel all city-maintained public roadways over the next several days,  capturing video and surface condition data used to assess pavement quality, identify maintenance needs, and categorize street conditions throughout Lockhart. No street closures or disruptions to traffic are expected.

Data gathered through this effort will support the City’s first formal Pavement Management System—a proactive planning tool that helps evaluate and prioritize street repairs and maintenance based on objective roadway condition data. By leveraging this system, the City will be able to make targeted, data-driven decisions regarding street maintenance and rehabilitation.

“This type of comprehensive data collection allows us to better understand the condition of our roadway network and to identify the most critical areas in need of investment,” said Sean Kelley, Director of Public Works. “By taking a strategic and data-informed approach, we can ensure that our limited infrastructure dollars are used as effectively as possible to maintain and improve the quality, safety, and longevity of Lockhart’s streets,” said Kelley.

Residents with questions about the pavement survey or the City’s street maintenance program may contact the Public Works Department at 512-398-6452.

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July 2, 2025

Two zoning applications, annual contributions to nonprofit groups, a grant for funding for the future aquatic center, a copper replacement agreement, and an engineering design contract were discussed at the July 1 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

Public Hearings

ZC-25-03

A public hearing was held regarding application ZC-25-03, requested on behalf of Belinda Gillis. City Council approved a Zoning Change from Residential High Density District to Commercial Light Business for 0.142 acres, located at 115 S. Guadalupe St.

ZC- 24-03 and PDD-24-02

City Council held a public hearing regarding applications ZC- 24-03 and PDD-24-02 by Manumit Investment Group. City Council rejected a zoning change from a Planned Development District (PDD) to PDD and adoption of a PDD Development Plan on 32.84 acres located on the 1300-1400 block of S. Cesar Chavez Parkway Northbound, the 2000 Block of Maple St. and the 1900-2000 Block of Clear Fork St.

Annual Contribution Requests for Nonprofit Groups

After receiving presentations from eight nonprofit groups and special interest organizations during the June 18 Council meeting, City Council approved the following requests for contributions in FY 2025-26:

• Ascension Seton Hays Foundation Care-A-Van - $10,000

• Caldwell County Food Bank - $10,000

• CASA of Central Texas - $12,000

• Combined Community Action - Meals on Wheels - $10,000

• Hays-Caldwell Women's Center - $10,000

• Lockhart Area Senior Citizen Center - $4,000

• Take Me Home - Advocates for Transport - $10,000

Texas Parks & Wildlife Grant for Future Aquatic Center

City Council approved a resolution authorizing City staff to apply to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Local Park Grant Program for Phase 2 of Aquatics Facility construction funding. The maximum award amount is $750,000 and requires matching funds from the City.

Clearfork Copper Replacement Agreement

City Council approved an agreement with Techline Construction for Project No. 6. The project, also known as the Clearfork Copper Replacement, is part of the City’s five-year System Study and Capital Plan as prepared by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). The project will replace single-strand copper conductor and upgrade approximately 3,300 ft. of three-phase power line along Clearfork, between San Jacinto and Frio. The project is anticipated to begin in July and be completed by the end of 2025.

Engineering Design Contract for Conductor Upgrades

City Council approved an engineering and design contract with M&S Engineering. This project is to re-conduct approximately 6,600 ft. of existing conductor to larger aluminum conductors that will be able to handle an increased load demand, especially during extreme weather events. The work will be conducted east of U.S. 183 and between W. China St. and FM 20.

City Manager’s Report

City-Wide Neighborhood Watch Organizational Meeting

At least 20 community members were in attendance during the June 18 meeting. Six Lockhart neighborhoods were represented. One neighborhood has established their first Neighborhood Watch meeting:

Wednesday, July 16

6-8 p.m.

First Baptist Church, 514 Neches St.

Lockhart Municipal Airport Paving Project

Striping at the Lockhart Municipal Airport was completed last week. The airport has resumed normal operations.

New Construction at Platinum Lockhart

Platinum Lockhart, 1708 W San Antonio St., will consist of three shell buildings with “tenant finish out” opportunities. Two buildings will be able to accommodate restaurants and offer four finish out options. One building is designed for office space with additional finish out options. Underground utilities are currently being installed. Construction is estimated to take between 9 and 12 months.

New Commercial Subdivision on U.S. 183

Plans have been approved for a tenant finish out at 2500 S. Colorado St, which is the new business park near the entrance to the Summerside subdivision. The tenant will establish a 3,372 square foot convenience store named Summerside Market.

Balcones Real Estate Spec Building at 130 Industrial Park

The new building will be located at 130 Industrial Park, which is on the corner of Cahill and Dewitt St. The tilt walls were erected last week. Crews are now constructing a roof system. The building will span 58,000 square feet and have four units available for lease. The building is designed for small to medium-sized manufacturers.

New Air Medical Service Now in Caldwell County

Texas AirLIFE 01 went live last week and will now service as the primary air medical service provider for Caldwell County. Texas AirLIFE is located at 145 Old Lockhart Rd., which is about 3 to 3.5 minutes away from the Lockhart Municipal Airport. PHI will now service as the secondary medical service, which is located 12 to 13 minutes away from the airport.

Independence Day Firework Extravaganza

The Independence Day Firework Extravaganza will take place on Thursday, July 3 at City Park, 504 E. City Park Rd. from 5 to 10 p.m. Entry is free. Fireworks will begin at dusk.

City Offices Closed on July 4

City offices, including the Recycling Center, will be closed on Friday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. Solid waste pickup will remain as scheduled. City offices will resume regular hours on Monday, July 7.

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

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