December 8, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:

Tatiana Salazar

tsalazar@lockhart-tx.org

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

(C) (512) 644-9600

Lockhart names New Assistant City Manager

City Manager Joseph Resendez has selected Roque Salinas as the new Assistant City Manager for the City of Lockhart. Salinas, who will begin his role on January 5, 2026, will assist in coordinating and implementing City Council goals, managing key quality-of-life and infrastructure projects, supporting major development initiatives, and addressing city management research needs.

“This is a very exciting time to join the City of Lockhart,” Salinas said. “I look forward to working closely with City staff, City Council, and residents to advance key community initiatives and support Lockhart’s continued progress toward its long-term vision.”

Salinas brings extensive experience in economic development, capital improvement program management, and financial analysis to his new role. He most recently served as Executive Director of Economic Development for the City of Leon Valley, where he oversaw multiple departments and led major redevelopment, housing, and technology initiatives. His background also includes serving as a Senior Budget Analyst for the City of Waco and as a Financial Examiner with the Texas State Securities Board.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Salinas to Lockhart,” said City Manager Joseph Resendez. “His experience in municipal operations and community development will be essential as we navigate both City-funded improvements and private-sector investment, helping ensure our organization is well-positioned to deliver high-quality services for our residents.”

Salinas holds both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Public Administration from Texas State University and is currently enrolled in the Certified Public Manager program.

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December 4, 2025 

A fuel bid award, nominations to the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation Board, Impact Fee semi-annual report, a subdivision improvement agreement, and a zoning change, were discussed at the December 2 City Council meeting. 

Fuel Bid Awarded to On-Site Fuels 
City Council approved awarding the annual fuel contract to Energex, DBA On-Site Fuels, Inc. The City uses approximately 60,000 gallons of gasoline and 20,000 gallons of diesel each year, and fuel bids were solicited in accordance with State law. On-Site Fuels is the City’s current fuel provider and submitted the most cost-effective bid among the four received. The new contract term runs from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. 

Nominations to the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) 

City Council announced two nominations to the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) Board of Directors: 

Council will consider the final appointment of these nominees at the next Council meeting on December 16. 

Subdivision Improvement Agreement with RODG DT Seawillow Prop LLC 

City Council approved a Subdivision Improvement Agreement with RODG DT Seawillow Prop LLC for 203 lots within Phase 1 of the Seawillow Ranch Subdivision. Under the agreement, the developer must complete required road work on the internal street network as initial improvements before the final plat can be recorded and finish additional improvements—such as a lift station, detention pond, park space, sidewalks, and roadway upgrades on FM 1322—within 12 months after plat recordation. 

The developer must also provide financial security equal to 125% of the cost of the required infrastructure improvements, ensuring the improvements can be completed if the developer does not finish them within the required timeframe. Once the initial improvements are accepted and the plat is recorded, lots may be sold and construction may begin, but no homes can be occupied until all remaining improvements are completed and approved by the City. 

Zoning Change – Seawillow Ranch Planned Development District 

City Council held a public hearing and approved Ordinance 2025-28, establishing a Planned Development District (PDD) for approximately 89.8 acres at 2400 FM 1322. The zoning change reclassifies the property from a Residential Medium Density District to a Planned Development District for Phase 1 of the Seawillow Ranch project.  

The PDD modifies several residential development standards, including increased building coverage and reduced setbacks for certain lots. It also allows limited commercial uses within the planned park area—such as portable food establishments and small food service buildings—which are not permitted under the previous zoning.  

City Council approved the zoning change with amendments to the commercial area, specifically to: 

•  Exclude the sale of alcohol, 
•  Limit hours of operation to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., 
•  Prohibit drive-through uses, and 
•  Require signage prohibiting overnight parking.

City Manager’s Report 

Downtown Revitalization Project Update 

Paving is complete on Market, Main, and Commerce Streets, and all irrigation sleeves have been installed. Paving on San Antonio Street is complete except for the final one-inch asphalt surface required by TxDOT standards, which will be scheduled based on weather. Roadway striping will follow. Installation of new electric outlet pedestals around the Square will begin once the units arrive. 

Downtown Tourism and Marketing Campaign 

Flat Five Marketing, the City’s marketing consultant for the project, completed a full-day video and photo shoot last week to capture content for the downtown marketing campaign. A diverse mix of downtown businesses was featured. The agency is now producing social media reels to increase foot traffic and support the launch of the Visit Lockhart web and social media platforms. 

Geofencing and analytics tools will track impressions and engagement. The campaign will run through December and January, laying the groundwork to expand Lockhart’s online presence as part of a broader tourism strategy. 

Indoor Recreation Center: Community Survey 

More than 120 responses have been received over the 25-day period since the Community Survey opened. The survey explores program and amenity preferences for a future indoor recreation center. Resident feedback will guide creative direction and inform decisions on renovation of the existing site. The survey has been extended to December 12 to allow additional participation. 

Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting 

The Christmas tree on the Courthouse lawn has been fully constructed. Standing 22 feet tall with a 2.5-foot star topper, the tree will be lit on Friday, December 5 at 7 p.m., rain or shine. 

Lighted Christmas Tree 

The Lighted Christmas Parade will take place Saturday, December 6 at 7 p.m., rain or shine. Spectators will enjoy live performances, illuminated floats, and decorated vehicles. City crews are coordinating logistics to assist floats as they navigate the new bulb-outs and medians. The parade will begin on Market Street and continue around the Courthouse Square. 

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ATTENTION: This is a recap of action taken at the December 2, 2025 Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting lockhart-tx.org 

The City of Lockhart and the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) are launching an exciting new initiative to guide the redevelopment of several key blocks near Lockhart’s historic downtown district. 

The proposed redevelopment area encompasses a multi-block section of downtown located between W. San Antonio Street and W. Live Oak Street (north–south) and Guadalupe Street and S. Church Street (west–east). The area includes property owned by the First Lockhart Baptist Church (FLBC) and the City of Lockhart. Austin Community College (ACC) owns property adjacent to the project area and may join the project at a future date.

To read more about this project, visit the LEDC website: https://lockhartedc.com/site-selectors/downtown-redevelopment-project-2 or click here.