October 23, 2025
A zoning change, noise standards amendment, warranties for body-worn cameras and in-car cameras, the rebidding of the animal shelter improvements project, and an economic development incentive agreement were discussed at the October 21 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
Pedestrian and Traffic Safety on Residential Streets
City Council received a presentation on pedestrian and traffic safety in residential areas. The presentation provided an overview of existing sidewalk infrastructure, current traffic-calming measures, and the procedures used to evaluate and prioritize neighborhood safety requests.
Staff outlined a range of traffic safety tools and strategies that combine engineering, enforcement, and education - including radar speed signs, directed police patrols, and potential long-term infrastructure improvements such as new crosswalks and sidewalks.
Next steps include updating the City’s website to provide residents with clear information about traffic-calming request procedures and available tools. City staff will also develop a formal policy for Council consideration to ensure a consistent process for evaluating, prioritizing, and implementing neighborhood traffic-calming measures.
Warranties for Body-Worn and In-Car Cameras
City Council approved agreements with Motorola Solutions, Inc. to extend warranties for the Police Department’s body-worn and in-car camera systems. The extensions, which secure current pricing through 2031, ensure continued maintenance, cloud storage, and equipment replacements.
Rebidding of Animal Shelter Improvements Project
City Council voted to reject all bids received for the Animal Shelter Improvements Project and authorized staff to rebid the project. Eight bids were received, ranging from $913,661 to $2.7 million, all exceeding the available project funding of $650,000 provided through the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation.
Following a review by the City’s engineer (TRC Companies) and project architect (Connolly Architects & Consultants), it was recommended that all bids be rejected and the project be rebid to achieve more competitive pricing.
The Animal Shelter Advisory Board supported the recommendation, advising that the rebid focus on the kennel building remodel and new intake and isolation area, to better align the project scope with available funding
Economic Development Incentive Agreement with Sensei AG Holdings, Inc.
City Council approved Resolution 2025-35, authorizing an Economic Development Incentive Agreement with Sensei AG Holdings, Inc. for the redevelopment of the former Iron Ox site at 1205 Reed Drive. The company recently purchased the 25-acre property, which includes a 283,000-square-foot greenhouse, and plans to invest approximately $40 million to retrofit and expand the facility for advanced, year-round agricultural operations.
Under the agreement—approved by the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation—Sensei AG will be eligible for up to $2 million in property tax rebates over ten years, contingent upon meeting performance benchmarks that include creating at least 15 full-time jobs with a minimum annual payroll of $2 million.
Public Hearings
Zoning Change
City Council approved Ordinance 2025-24, rezoning 0.362 acres at 312 Laredo Street from Residential Medium Density (RMD) to Commercial Medium Business (CMB) District. The change allows for potential development of the site for small-scale commercial use, such as a restaurant with drive-in service, or other permissible uses within the updated zoning classification.
Noise Standards Amendment
City Council approved Ordinance 2025-25, amending Chapters 18 (Environment) and 64 (Zoning) of the City’s Code of Ordinances to establish residential noise standards and align enforcement across zoning and environmental regulations.
The amendment adds a new subsection to Chapter 64 that limits noise originating from residential properties to 56 decibels between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and 63 decibels between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., as measured from other residentially zoned properties. It also revises Chapter 18 to reference these decibel thresholds for consistency in enforcement of unreasonable noise complaints.
City Manager’s Report
City-Wide Bulk Pickup
Bulk pickup begins Saturday, October 25, at 7 a.m. and is free for Lockhart residents only. Items must be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. and no earlier than five days before the event. Items may not block sidewalks or streets.
Accepted items include furniture, mattresses, carpet, scrap metal, and non-Freon appliances. Items such as televisions, computers, tires, brush, hazardous waste, and construction debris will not be accepted. Residents are responsible for removing any late or unaccepted items. A full list of accepted materials is available on the City website.
Preparations for Texas Monthly BBQ Fest
City staff and DeNucci Contractors are coordinating construction schedules and street closures to minimize disruptions during the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest. Downtown lighting and landscaping will be event-ready to improve accessibility and appearance. City crews will also water and maintain grass at City Park leading up to the event.
Texas Monthly is working with Caldwell County Emergency Management to coordinate public safety and operational plans.
Splash Pad Operating Days Extended
Splash Pads closing date has been extended to November 2. Operating days may be extended further depending on weather conditions.
Next City Council Meeting Postponed
The next City Council meeting has been postponed due to Election Day. The meeting will now take place on Thursday, November 6.
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ATTENTION: This is a recap of highlights of action taken at the October 21, 2025 Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting lockhart-tx.org.
October 10, 2025
Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Manufacturing Month, automatic license plate reader cameras, Caldwell County Homeless Coalition (CCHW) Board of Directors, the Indoor Recreation Center Steering Committee, and tax abatements for 119 W. San Antonio St., were discussed at the October 9 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
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation
The Mayor presented a proclamation declaring October 2025 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC).
Manufacturing Month Proclamation
The Mayor presented a proclamation to Katie Ratliff, Career and Technical Education Coordinator at Lockhart ISD, and Holly Malish of the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation recognizing Manufacturing Month.
Law Enforcement Agreement with Flock Group
City Council received a presentation from representatives of Flock Group, Inc. (Flock Safety) and heard community feedback regarding a proposed Law Enforcement Agreement for the use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology. Following the presentation and public input, City Council rejected the proposed agreement.
Fixed Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras are an available technology used by law enforcement agencies to enhance public safety and support criminal investigations. The technology assists in identifying stolen vehicles, wanted persons, and other public safety alerts. However, the proposed use of this technology in Lockhart was not approved following community concerns regarding privacy and data use.
Caldwell County Homeless Coalition (CCHW) Board of Directors Appointment
City Council appointed Pastor Jared Fischer, of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, to serve as the City of Lockhart’s representative on the Caldwell County Homeless Coalition (CCHC) Board of Directors for a three-year term.
This appointment provides the City with direct representation in the Coalition’s initiatives supporting veterans, students, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness throughout Caldwell County. The CCHC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that coordinates local outreach, resources, and data to help address homelessness across the region.
Indoor Recreation Center Steering Committee
City Council appointed the following members to the Indoor Recreation Center Steering Committee.
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- Karla Tate – Parks Board
- Melinda Kirst – Parks Board
- Jeremiah Chapman – Lockhart ISD
- BJ Westmoreland – Caldwell County Commissioner
- Chris St. Leger – Citizen
- Sara Partridge – Citizen
- Len Gabbay – Citizen
- Tim Torres – Citizen
The committee, comprised of representatives from City boards, Caldwell County, Lockhart ISD, and community members, will help guide the design of a multipurpose facility that serves current residents and supports growth, evolving recreation trends, and long-term community needs.
Tax Abatements for 119 W. San Antonio St.
City Council approved a tax abatement requested by Gloria Group Partners, LP for property located at 119 W. San Antonio Street, following completion of significant exterior and interior improvements to the commercial building within Lockhart’s Historic District.
The renovation included restored awnings, new energy-efficient windows, a remodeled rooftop structure with elevator access, and interior upgrades to enhance safety and accessibility while preserving historic character.
The Historic Preservation Commission approved the necessary Certificates for Alteration in July 2023, September 2024, and February 2025, and recommended the Tax Abatement application for approval on September 3, 2025.
Acquisition of Sanitary Sewer Easements
City Council approved Resolution 2025-33, authorizing the acquisition of permanent sanitary sewer and temporary construction easements necessary for the Lockhart Economic Development Administration (EDA) Sewer Project funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The easements are required to complete wastewater improvements along the Union Pacific Railroad corridor, which will enhance service reliability and support future growth in the industrial and residential areas adjacent to the railroad corridor.
Council also approved Resolution 2025-34, authorizing the use of eminent domain, if necessary, to acquire one sanitary sewer easement and one temporary construction easement pursuant to state law. This resolution is also related to the Lockhart EDA Sewer Project.
City Manager’s Report
Caldwell County Road Projects
Caldwell County recently met with all utility stakeholders, including the City of Lockhart, to review the upcoming projects funded through the County’s voter-approved 2024 Road Bond Program and provided updated project schedules. As components of each project are completed, progress will be tracked, and schedules will be updated to reflect construction milestones.
Projects within the City of Lockhart include:
· Corridor study of SH 142 from SH 130 to U.S. 183
· Realignment of FM 20 intersections with US 183 from S. Main to S. Medina St.
· Design of improvements on SH 142 at SH 130 to Borchert Lane for a five-lane section with a continuous two-way left-turn lane
· Design and construction of City Line Rd. from W. San Antonio to Clear Fork St as a three-lane roadway
Additional information is available on the dedicated Road Bond Update websites: www.caldwellroadbond.com and https://caldwellcountybonds.com/projects.
Gateway Monument Signs Update
Contractors began sitework on the Gateway Monument Signs in September. Three gateway monument signs will be placed along SH 130/183, SH 142/SH 130, and SH 130 near Maple Street. The next phase of installation, which includes setting the sign cabinets, is scheduled for completion in October.
National Night Out 2025
Nine neighborhoods participated in this year’s National Night Out event. Residents and community members were joined by Lockhart Police, Lockhart Fire, and Caldwell County EMS, who visited each neighborhood to engage with residents, promote public safety, and strengthen community partnerships.
Splash Pads Closing for the Season
The two splash pads were originally scheduled to close for the season on Sunday, October 26. However, City Council requested that staff explore options to extend the season due to favorable weather, and the revised closure date is now Sunday, November 2.
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ATTENTION:?This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the October 9, 2025 Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting:?City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).
The City of Lockhart City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 21, 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 the following zoning change request, the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and valid protests if any.
ZC-25-05. A request by Jiovanna Llamas for a Zoning Change from RMD Residential Medium Density District to CMB Commercial Medium Business District on all of Lots 30, 31, and 32 and part of lots 16, 17, 18, 27, 28 and 29, Block 2, Navarro Addition, consisting of 0.3620 acres and located at 312 Laredo Street.
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
The City of Lockhart City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 21, 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 the following zoning text amendment , the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and valid protests if any:
Amend Chapter 64 “Zoning”, Article VII “Zoning Districts and Standards” Section 64-197 "Regulations common to all or several districts" to add a new subsection (k) "Residential noise standards."
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