Governor Greg Abbott today issued Executive Orders expanding occupancy levels for restaurants, retail stores, office buildings, manufacturing facilities, gyms and exercise facilities and classes, museums, and libraries, and re-authorizing elective surgeries for a majority of the state of Texas. The Governor also announced new guidance related to visitations at nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the state.

In addition, the Governor implemented the use of data driven hospitalization metrics used by doctors and medical experts to help guide the state’s ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19 and expand occupancy for businesses and services. This metric focuses on areas with high hospitalizations — referring to any Trauma Service Area (TSA) that has had seven consecutive days in which the number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients as a percentage of all hospitalized patients exceeds 15%, until such time as the TSA has seven consecutive days in which the number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients as a percentage of all hospitalized patients is 15% or less. A current list of areas with high hospitalizations will be maintained at www.dshs.texas.gov/ga3031.

Using this metric, 19 of the 22 TSAs in Texas qualify to increase occupancy levels to 75% for restaurants, retail stores, office buildings, manufacturing facilities, gyms, exercise facilities and classes, museums, and libraries beginning September 21. In addition, these 19 TSAs can also resume elective surgeries. Three of the 22 TSAs (S-Victoria, T-Laredo, and V-Lower Rio Grande Valley) must remain at 50% occupancy and continue postponing elective surgeries until the hospitalization metric requirements are met. These three TSAs contain the following counties: Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Jackson, Lavaca, Victoria, Jim Hogg, Webb, Zapata, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy.

"With the medical advancements we have made and the personal hygiene practices we have adopted, Texans have shown that we can address both the health and safety concerns of COVID-19 while also taking careful, measured steps to restore the livelihoods that Texans depend on," said Governor Abbott. "Achieving both goals requires safe standards that contain COVID-19, emphasize protecting the most vulnerable, and establish clear metrics that the public can depend on. That is why today we have announced expanded occupancy standards for a variety of services. But, Texans should remember that a steady and significant decline in COVID-19 cases is not a sign to let up in our vigilance against the virus. Instead, Texans must continue to heed the guidance of medical experts by wearing a mask, social distancing, and practicing proper sanitation strategies. By maintaining health and safety standards that are proven to mitigate COVID-19, we can continue to slow the spread while opening up the Texas economy." 

The Governor announced new visitation guidance for eligible nursing homes, assisted living facilities, intermediate care facilities, home and community-based service providers, and inpatient hospice effective Thursday, September 24. Under the new rules, residents will be allowed to designate up to two essential family caregivers who will be provided necessary training to allow them to safely go inside a facility for a scheduled visit, including in the resident’s room. Designated caregivers will not be required to maintain physical distancing, but only one caregiver can visit a resident at a time.

A long-term care facility resident (or legal representative) can designate the essential caregiver, who can be a family member, friend, or other individual. Facilities are required to train essential caregivers on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other infection control measures. Proper PPE must be used at all times during these scheduled visits, and the caregiver must test negative for COVID-19 within the previous 14 days before the initial visit.

For general visitors who are not a designated essential caregiver, these updated emergency rules will allow approved facilities to schedule outdoor no contact visits, open window visits, or indoor visitation with the use of plexiglass safety barriers to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Physical contact between residents and general visitors is not permitted. Facilities also must continue to meet all additional visitation requirements outlined in the emergency rules.

 

View the Governor's Executive Order related to expanded capacity of certain services.

View the Governor's Executive Order related to hospital capacity.

The Lockhart City Council on Tuesday, September 15 approved the annual operating budget and tax rate for the fiscal year of October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021.

 

“The primary focus of this operating budget is to fund the continuation of existing programs and service levels and properly respond to the increased demand for services and capital improvements from a growing community despite the presence of a pandemic that has endured for more than six months,” Lockhart City Manager Steve Lewis said.  “The budget allows for improvements to our streets, sidewalks, parks and public safety that will work to maintain and better the quality of life of the city’s residents.”

 

The budget includes $34,791,079 in planned expenditures from all funds and is balanced with revenues exceeding expenditures by $618,887.

 

The 2019-2020 city tax rate of $.6842 per $100 valuation decreased by 4.88 cents to $.6354 per $100 valuation.

 

“With respect to the financial challenges many residents have faced due to COVID-19, the city’s budgeted amount for property tax revenues reflects a no new revenue tax rate.” Lewis said.

 

Read the full press release here.

 

See the budget here.

Lockhart City Council will meet at  6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 15. 

 

Council members can meet in council chambers while practicing social distancing or participate via phone or video conference.  Individuals who wish to make a public comment have the option to participate virtually from their homes. The format is in accordance with executive orders by Gov. Greg Abbott.

 

The meeting will be televised live on Spectrum Channel 10 and online at http://lockhart-tx.org/page/gov_meeting_videos.

 

For information about how to participate virtually and see the agenda for Tuesday, September 15, click here.

 

 

 

City of Lockhart utilities customers can now access account information and pay by phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 855-340-0595.

Here's how it works: Call the number, enter your information securely through an automated system, and follow the prompts to access your account, make payments and hear real-time balances and due dates.

For more information about available payment options, visit https://www.lockhart-tx.org/page/utility_home.

The 5-siren outdoor warning system emits a steady, loud noise to alert Lockhart residents who are outdoors of approaching or existing hazardous conditions which require immediate protective actions in order to save lives. These systems are often mistakenly referred to as "tornado sirens," but that term fails to acknowledge all applications for activating sirens. We refer to these sirens as Outdoor Warning Sirens to reinforce the multiple conditions for which the sirens are activated.

 

If you are outside when you hear the Outdoor Warning Sirens, you are urged to move indoors and seek shelter on the lowest floor and an interior room with no windows and seek additional information from local TV or radio stations.   

 

The Outdoor Warning Siren activates in the following scenarios :

• The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a Tornado Warning.
•  The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a Severe Thunderstorm Warning and indicates the potential for destructive winds of 70 mph or greater.
• Observed hail of 1.5 inches in diameter (ping pong ball size) or greater.
•  Any observed weather condition, which is judged to be hazardous to people and early warning would potentially save lives. For example, the sirens may be activated in response to hail that is less than 1.5 inches if there are a large number of people concentrated outdoors at an event.
• Chemical emergencies.

THE SIREN IS TESTED MONTHLY

 

The sirens are tested on the first Monday of each month at 1 p.m. Sirens will not be tested during a severe weather event or if a special event is being held. Canceled tests will not be rescheduled.

 

HOW TO RECEIVE INDOOR WARNINGS

 

The siren system is not intended to notify residents who are already indoors. We encourage you to sign up for the Warn Central Texas Notification System. This is a Regional Notification System developed for Central Texas and administered by the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG). The warning system will notify citizens of Lockhart by phone call, text or email for emergencies such as; Tornados, severe weather, flooding, and local emergency information.

 

You may register to receive the free emergency alerts or community information via text, e-mail, or phone at warncentraltexas.org

 

For questions regarding the new system or siren testing, please contact City Hall at (512) 398-3461 or the Police Department at (512) 398-4401.  Click here  for a map of the siren coverage.

The Lockhart City Council on Tuesday, September 1 approved Resolution 2020-20, which renews and adopts an order requiring businesses to have all employees and customers to wear facial coverings over their noses and mouths while on the premises, with few exceptions.

 

Effective immediately, businesses must post a notice in the form attached at the entrances (or in conspicuous locations) to remind employees and visitors of the facial covering requirement.

 

The facial covering requirement is not unique to Lockhart. Since July 3, the state has required all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. 

 

See the resolution and download and print the required notices here. You may also contact City Hall at 512-398-3461 to arrange pickup of copies of the notice.

 

 

City of Lockhart offices will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.

Additionally, the city's recycling center will be closed on Saturday, September 5.

Lockhart's modified city operations will resume at 8 a.m. Tuesday, September 8.

Qualifying Lockhart businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can again apply for one of 10 available grants of up to $2,500 through the city’s COVID-19 Economic Relief Grant Program.

 

Lockhart City Council on Tuesday, August 18 voted to transfer $25,000 from the Lockhart COVID-19 Recovery Loan Program to provide additional funding for the grant program, which was originally started by the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce and the Caldwell County Community Services Foundation.

 

The program previously awarded one-time grants in May to 10 businesses.

 

Businesses that have previously received a COVID loan or grant from the city prior to this round are not eligible. Other eligibility requirements include:

 

• Business headquarters must be located within the boundaries of the city of Lockhart.
• The business must submit balance sheets and profit and loss statements for January through July 2020.
• Nonprofit businesses, organizations and associations are not eligible for funding.
• Businesses may not have more than 25 employees.

 

Applications can be mailed or delivered to Lockhart City Hall or submitted electronically to ecodev@lockhart-tx.org.

 

Access an application and read COVID-19 updates relevant to economic development, including links to available financial resources, by visiting https://lockhartedc.com/coronavirus-updates.

 

The Lockhart City Council on Tuesday, August 18 gave approval to a program that helps residents experiencing COVID-19-related financial hardships who were unable to pay their utility bills from March through June.

 

The funding source for the new Emergency Utility Relief Grant program is from the City of Lockhart’s allotment of Coronavirus Relief Fund from the Texas Department of Emergency Management authorized under the CARES Act.

 

“The City’s utility services are considered essential services to meet basic public health, sanitation, welfare and public safety needs of the city’s residents,” Mayor Lew White said. “We are pleased to be able to offer this program to help residents who have been hit hard financially due to the pandemic.”

 

For more information on the new Emergency Utility Relief Grant program and to submit an application for assistance, go here.

Police have arrested a Lockhart man who reportedly discharged a firearm during a disturbance late Sunday night in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant.

Full press release here.

The City Council of the City of Lockhart and the Board of Directors of the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation will hold public hearings on the proposed budgets for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 on August 18, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. and September 1, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers, Clark Library Annex, 217 South Main Street, 3rd Floor, Lockhart, Texas.

 Copies of the budgets are available for public inspection at the desk of the City Secretary, City Hall Lobby, and at the Dr. Eugene Clark Library.  Ordinances establishing the budget and property tax rates for the year October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021 will be considered on September 15, 2020 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.

 

To see the full public notice concerning the hearings, click here.

 

View the 2020-2021 proposed annual operating budget here.

The Lockhart City Council has appointed an experienced local attorney to preside as judge at Lockhart Municipal Court.

 

Red Rock lawyer Darlon Sojak, whose work as a lawyer includes serving the public as a court-appointed defense attorney in Caldwell County and managing his own law firm for more than a decade, was appointed as presiding judge for the Lockhart Municipal Court at Tuesday night’s meeting of the Lockhart City Council.

 

Sojak’s law experience also includes working as a municipal court prosecutor for the City of Sundown, Texas.

 

“Judge Sojak was a clear and excellent choice for the position, given his work as a court-appointed attorney and as a municipal court prosecutor,” Mayor Lew White said. “He holds himself to the highest standard, and I have no doubt he will serve diligently to ensure fair and equal treatment of everyone who enters his courtroom.”

 

Sojak, who graduated in 1993 from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, taught ninth-grade English for five years before pivoting into law. He graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2002.

 

“During my time in as a teacher in the Rio Grande Valley, I encountered many troubled youths and always tried to counsel them to make better choices and take accountability for their actions,” Sojak said. “Becoming an attorney allowed me the opportunity to advocate even more on the behalf of juveniles and others in the community.”

 

The teacher-turned-attorney made the move to Caldwell County with his wife and three children seven years ago. Sojak said he believed Caldwell County and Lockhart are truly blessed to have so many who are dedicated to the community, not only in the district attorney and judgeship positions, but also serving the Lockhart Police Department and Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, as well as residents who live in the community.

 

“Upon finding there was an opening for the position of municipal judge, I felt eager to be part of such a great network,” Sojak said. “I feel that my prior experience as a high-school teacher and defense attorney will enable me to deal effectively and fairly with the issues that often appear in municipal court, such as truancy, contested situations and other disputes.”

 

Sojak will succeed Frank Coggins, who recently retired.

 

“I am looking forward to working with Judge Sojak as the court is a vital and independent part of the larger organization,” City Manager Steven Lewis said. “The court contributes to missions of the other city departments such as the code enforcement, police and planning departments as well as assure Lockhart’s quality of life.”

 

The Lockhart Police Department discussed its policies and practices at a Tuesday, July 21 meeting of the Lockhart City Council.

 

In light of recent national events and with respect to the 2014 President’s Task Force on 21^st Century Policing, which was created to strengthen community policing and trust among law enforcement officers and the communities they serve, Lockhart police prepared a detailed presentation that addressed how the department’s policies and practices compare with national trends in law enforcement.

 

“It is a cause for concern when any segment of the community lacks confidence or trust in our public safety services,” Lockhart City Manager Steven Lewis said. “Our goal is to build meaningful, sustainable, trusting and effective working relationships.”

 

The presentation titled “Police Practices and Response to Resistance (RTR)” includes a report on the Lockhart Police Department’s Response to Resistance policy, which was updated in 2019.

 

“The use of force in response to resistance by law enforcement requires constant evaluation and is a serious responsibility,” Lockhart Chief of Police Ernest Pedraza said. “The purpose of this policy is to provide officers with guidelines on objectively reasonable response to resistance.

 

“While there is no way to specify the exact amount or type of objectively reasonable force to be applied in any situation, each officer is expected to use these guidelines to make such decisions in a professional, impartial and objectively reasonable manner.”

 

To see the full presentation and read the full Response to Resistance policy, visit https://www.lockhart-tx.org/page/police_policies.

 

 

 

Free COVID-19 testing will be available July 22-23 at Lockhart Junior High School located at 500 City Line Rd.

The clinic will have a walk-up format. No registration is required and test seekers are not required to be showing symptoms to receive a test. 

Testing begins at 8 a.m. each day and will continue until testing kits run out.

 

TRAFFIC MAP

To allow for access to the testing site, the following barricades will be in place from approximately 7 a.m.-6 p.m. both days.

Road barricades will be placed at:

• Maple Street (Cesar Chavez/SH130 frontage to City Line Road)
• Lantana Avenue at Maple Street
• Yucca Drive at Maple Street
• City Line Road/Clearfork Street to Borchert Drive

TO ENTER TESTING SITE

Vehicles traveling to the site will access it by heading west on Clearfork Street, turning right to head northbound on City Line Road and then turning right on Maple to enter the site area. Vehicles will exit the testing site through the intersection of City Line Road and Borchert Drive (Northbound traffic only). 

 

 

 

 

The City of Lockhart is experiencing a system-wide e-mail outage. As we work to repair the issue, please contact us by phone at 512-398-3461.

JULY 9: Governor Greg Abbott today issued proclamation suspending elective surgeries in hospitals in all counties located within 11 trauma service areas in Texas, including Caldwell County. Previously, Governor Abbott suspended elective surgeries at hospitals in the counties of Bexar, Cameron, Dallas, Harris, Hidalgo, Nueces, Travis, and Webb.

 

In a proclamation that amends GA-27, the governor said he was suspending elective surgeries in those areas to ensure an ample supply of hospital beds in the state as the number COVID-19-related hospital visits continues to rise.

 

Read the governor's press release here.

 

Read the governor's proclamation here.

 

 

The City of Lockhart has rescheduled its city-wide residential cleanup for current residential utility customers on Saturday, July 18.

 

The clean-up, which is sponsored by the city and Central Texas Refuse, was originally scheduled for April but was postponed due to unknown health safety concerns at the time. Bulky item pickup charges will not be applicable on certain eligible items.

 

All loose materials must be in bags or in containers that cannot weigh more than 60 pounds. All materials must be out at the property line by 8 a.m. July 18. Please do not put your materials out prior to July 11. Do not put material in the street, where it could reduce visibility at intersections and cause a traffic hazard. Call Central Texas Refuse at 1-800664-2833 for more information.

 

Eligible items

 

• Appliances such as washers, dryers and stoves
• Carpeting measuring less than 4 feet long
• Furniture
• Scrap metal measuring less than 4 feet long
• Treated wood
• Mattresses

 

Not eligible for pickup

 

• Freon appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and air conditioning units
• Televisions and computers
• Automotive products/fluids
• Paint
• Hazardous materials
• Demolition/construction debris and metal fencing
• Tires
• Batteries, ammunition or explosives
• Concrete or rocks
• Railroad tie lumber
• Pianos, hot tubs, motorcycles or items larger than a typical appliance

The disinfectant used in Lockhart’s municipal water system is being temporarily converted to free chlorine from chloramine.

The conversion began July 3 and will end August 2. During this period customers may experience taste and odor changes associated with this type of temporary disinfectant conversion, which is an annual requirement by TCEQ.

During the conversion, the water is constantly being tested and is safe to drink. If you have any questions, contact Lockhart's water/wastewater office at (512)398-3615.

Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions.

 

The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over 10 people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than ten and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others. 

 

Read the full press release here: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-establishes-statewide-face-covering-requirement-issues-proclamation-to-limit-gatherings

 

Read the governor's executive order about face coverings here: https://open.texas.gov/uploads/files/organization/opentexas/EO-GA-29-use-of-face-coverings-during-COVID-19-IMAGE-07-02-2020.pdf

 

Read the governor's proclamation about limiting gatherings to groups of 10 or fewer here: https://open.texas.gov/uploads/files/organization/opentexas/DISASTER-proclamation-amending-GA-28-mass-gatherings-IMAGE-07-02-2020.pdf

In an effort to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, park pavilions will be closed beginning 5 p.m. Thursday, July 2. They will remain closed until further notice.

Due to a local and statewide rise in COVID-19 cases, the City of Lockhart is closing doors to walk-in traffic to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

City Hall will close its doors to the public at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 1 and will remain closed to walk-in traffic until further notice. Please call 512-398-3461 for assistance.

 

Utilities payments

 

• In person at Municipal Court: Make utility payments at the drive-thru window, 1914 W. San Antonio Street. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

 

• Online: Visit this website … https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/lockharttx

 

• By phone: 512-398-3461

 

• Drop boxes: Drive-thru drop box on Market Street. There is also one by the 308 W. San Antonio Street entrance.

 

Development Services

 

Processing materials may be dropped off at the gray basement door of Lockhart City Hall. Call (512)398-3461, ext. 237 for staff assistance or to make an appointment to speak with a Development Services representative.

In response to a rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases in Lockhart and Caldwell County, the Dr. Eugene Clark Library is suspending its Grab and Go service and closing its doors to walk-in traffic.

 

The library has also suspended access to the technology center.

 

The change goes into effect immediately (Monday, June 29).

 

The library will continue to offer access to materials, services and technology in the following ways:

 

Phone service and email: Community members may contact the library information desk by telephone at (512) 398-3223 or via e-mail from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. For a list of library staff e-mails, visit https://www.clark-library-lockhart.org/about-us/contact-us.

 

Curbside Service: Patrons can call or reserve their material online at https://clarklibrary.biblionix.com/catalog/  or by phone.  To pick up materials, patrons will arrive at the Library, dial the main number, and remain in their vehicles. Pick up hours are 8:30-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Library staff will bring their materials to curbside-designated parking spots will be located adjacent to the library on Prairie Lea Street. 

 

The library has many online services, including eBooks, downloadable magazines, and audiobooks that are available for free using your library card at https://clarklibrary.biblionix.com/catalog/. The library also has a YouTube channel now to which it has added new episodes of Virtual Storytime and allows children to enjoy a Virtual Summer Reading program.

 

Governor Greg Abbott today issued an executive order limiting certain businesses and services as part of the state’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. This decision comes as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased and the positivity rate in Texas increased above 10%, which the Governor previously stated would lead to further preventative action. The directives in the executive order are based on links between certain types of businesses and services and the recent rise in positive cases throughout the state.

The order includes the following:

• All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close at noon today (June 26, 2020). These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. 
• Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020.
• Rafting and tubing businesses must close.
• Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.

“As I said from the start, if the positivity rate rose above 10%, the State of Texas would take further action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars.

"The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and enhance public health. We want this to be as limited in duration as possible. However, we can only slow the spread if everyone in Texas does their part. Every Texan has a responsibility to themselves and their loved ones to wear a mask, wash their hands, stay six feet apart from others in public, and stay home if they can. I know that our collective action can lead to a reduction in the spread of COVID-19 because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”

View the Governor’s Executive Order.

Lockhart Mayor Lew White at a special called meeting on Tuesday, June 23 amended the city’s declaration of a local state of disaster to include a provision that commercial establishments require customers to wear facial coverings.

As of Tuesday, June 23, there were 286 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Caldwell County.

“The CDC and the Texas Department of State Hospital Services have each indicated that facial coverings, when combined with proper physical distancing and hand washing, are key to helping prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Lockhart Mayor Lew White. “It is important that we do what we can to help protect the most vulnerable people in our community.”

Effective as of 11:59 p.m. on June 25, all businesses in the city must require all employees and visitors to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth unless:

• A person is alone in a separate single space, whether indoors or outdoors;
• A person is only in the presence of members of the same household or residence, whether indoors or outdoors;
• When doing so poses a verified mental or physical health, safety or security risk
• When the person is outdoors engaging in an allowed activity while alone, or with only members of the same household or residence, or while maintaining a consistent separation of six feet or more from others
• When the person is eating or drinking in a restaurant or bar
• The person is under the age of 10.

Businesses will be required to post a notice of the requirement for facial coverings at the business’s entrance or in a conspicuous location.

At their discretion, businesses may choose to conduct temperature checks or health screenings.

Consistent with Executive Order GA-26 issued by Governor Greg Abbott, no civil or criminal penalty will be imposed on individuals for failure to wear a face covering. Businesses are allowed to deny entry to visitors who choose not to wear them.

Read the complete order here.

Print out both English and Spanish copies of the facial covering notice to hang in your business here.

 

 

The budget workshop for June 22, 2020 has been canceled. A notice will be posted when a new date for the workshop has been determined.

Lockhart Mayor Lew White addressed the public before the Tuesday, June 16 meeting of the Lockhart City Council, where he shared his thoughts on racial tension in the community and around the country as well as his impression of Saturday’s “8 Minute 46 Seconds” march:

 

This weekend, many people from across our community came together to protest the horrific killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and many others.

 

I would like to congratulate Margaret Carter, Sterling Riles and all of the volunteers and participants. They delivered a powerful message against racism, injustice and inequality in a peaceful way.

 

Several city council members were present, as well as county commissioners and LISD officials. We were there to listen and interact.

 

I want to say that the City of Lockhart stands committed to promoting racial equality. To be upset about acts of racial violence but do nothing about it is doing nothing. We have the responsibility as leaders in this city to challenge racial injustice and inequality wherever we see it. We have got to talk face to face, not on Facebook arguing and name calling.

 

There are questions in this town that need answers. Some issues are complicated and take time to sort out. Not everyone is going to be happy with the outcome, but we’ve got to keep coming to the table to talk. We’ve got to keep talking and working on solutions – not just the council, the whole community.

 

It’s like a marriage: You’ve got to keep working at it. Sometimes the only thing you can control is what you practice, what you teach your family and how you treat the people around you.

 

A smart guy told me: Be the example, not the problem.

 

To be transparent, our police chief will be briefing us on our police training policies and use of force in the near future.

Out of an abundance of caution due to a recent statewide spike in COVID-19 cases, the Lockhart City Council has voted to cancel the annual Independence Day fireworks show.

 

The council’s decision came on Tuesday, June 16 after consideration of a report from the city’s health officer on the heels of five consecutive days of record high daily hospitalizations for COVID-19 in the state. Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Caldwell, Hays and Travis counties have also increased significantly over the past week.

 

Prior to its vote, the council discussed a proposed format for the show that would have involved a limited number of vehicles being allowed into City Park, families being required to stay in or close to their vehicles and no food or beverage vendors.

 

City parks and trails will remain open during the holiday weekend. City officials want to remind residents to practice physical distancing when visiting city parks.

 

“Our council made this decision with regard to keeping our community safe and to make sure the residents of Lockhart and others stick around to enjoy holidays and celebrations in the future,” said Mayor Lew White. “We can still celebrate responsibly this year by practicing physical distancing or wearing face coverings when keeping our distance isn’t possible.”

 

The Council made clear in its decision to cancel this year’s event that it intends for its Independence Day fireworks show to return in 2021.

 

“This decision was not budget related,” White said. “We understand we can apply the money we have already paid the pyrotechnics company for this year to what we will budget additionally for next year’s event. We look forward to an even more spectacular show in 2021.”

 

 

 

A reduced speed limit on US 183 at Lockhart’s southern border is now in effect as the City works to improve traffic safety in that area.

A speed limit of 55 mph is now in effect on the stretch of US 183 that runs from just north of Summerside Avenue in Lockhart to south of CR 213. The speed limit on that stretch of roadway was previously 65 mph. TxDOT has installed signage that indicates the new speed limit.

The Texas Transportation Commission approved the city’s request for the reduced speed limit in May.

“Our goal is to reduce fatal and injury crashes, especially those attributed to speeding and distracted driving near the Summerside subdivision entrance,” Lockhart City Manager Steven Lewis said. “The Lockhart Police Department has increased its presence in that area to safeguard those who travel and live in Lockhart.”

The new speed limit is one of multiple ways the city is working to make that roadway safer.

The city plans to place two solar radar feedback signs in view of drivers traveling both northbound and southbound on US 183.

The city has also worked with Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative to complete lighting upgrades near the U.S. 183/Summerside intersection.

 

 

JUNE 3, 2020: Under Phase III, effective immediately, all businesses in Texas will be able to operate at up to 50% capacity, with limited exceptions.

 

Business that previously have been able to operate at 100% capacity may continue to do so, and most outdoor areas are not subject to capacity limits. All businesses and customers should continue to follow minimum standard health protocols laid out by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

 

As with previous phases, the Phase III plan is based on the advice and support of the four doctors on the Strike Force to Open Texas medical team. Via Executive Order, Phase III begins immediately. A breakdown of Phase III can be found below. 

 

Effective June 3:

 

All businesses currently operating at 25% capacity can expand their occupancy to 50% with certain exceptions. 

 

Bars and similar establishments may increase their capacity to 50% as long as patrons are seated.

 

Amusement parks and carnivals in counties with less than 1,000 confirmed positive cases may open at 50% capacity. 

 

Restaurants may expand their maximum table size from 6 to 10 persons.  

 

Effective June 12:

 

Restaurants may expand their occupancy levels to 75%. 

 

Counties with 10 or less active COVID-19 cases may expand their occupancy limits to 75%. Counties that fit this category but have not previously filed an attestation with DSHS will need to do so.

 

Effective June 19:

Amusement parks and carnivals in counties with more than 1,000 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 may open at 50% capacity.

 

Additional Openings:

 

Special provisions have been made for outdoor gatherings, such as Fourth of July celebrations, but it is imperative that local officials and public health officials collaborate on safe standards. These provisions are included in the Governor's Executive Order and are also available on the Open Texas webpage. 

 

Further Protocols:

All businesses should continue to follow the minimum standard health protocols from DSHS. For details and a full list of guidelines, openings, and relevant dates, visit http://open.texas.gov.

 

Reminders for those going out:

• Individuals are encouraged to wear appropriate face coverings.
• People should not be in groups greater than ten when possible.
• People over the age of 65 are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible.
• People are still asked to avoid nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities.

 

VIEW THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDER HERE.

Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation expanding additional services and activities under Phase II of the state's plan to open. With this proclamation, water parks, recreational sport programs for adults, driver education programs, and food-court dining areas within shopping malls can begin operations with limited occupancy or regulations to protect the health and safety of Texans.

Beginning Friday, May 29th, water parks can open but must limit their occupancy to 25% of normal operating limits. Components of these water parks that have video arcades must remain closed. Starting Sunday, May 31st, recreational sports programs for adults can resume, but games and similar competitions may not begin until June 15th. Driver education programs can resume operations immediately. 

Food-court dining areas within shopping malls can also immediately resume operations, but malls are encouraged to designate one or more individuals who are responsible for ensuring health and safety practices are followed, including: limiting tables to six individuals; maintaining a six-feet distance between individuals sitting at different tables; cleaning and disinfecting tables between uses; and ensuring no condiments or other items are left on tables between customer uses. 

Minimum standard health protocols outlined by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) are recommended and located on the Open Texas webpage.

Read the original order (GA-23) here.

Read the proclamation here.

City of Lockhart offices will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 25. For non-emergencies, please call 512-398-4401. As always, call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

 

Lockhart police will increase traffic enforcement for Memorial Day weekend at 5 p.m. Friday, May 22.

 

The increased enforcement wave will continue through 5 p.m. Monday, May 25. The enforcement will focus on speeding, distracted driving, and driving while intoxicated. 

 

During the weekend, heightened enforcement for speeding and distracted driving will continue on US 183 near the Summerside subdivision at the south side of town.

 

The enforcement period is a "no refusal" weekend for suspected DWI drivers.

 

 

 

 

 

Lockhart City Hall reopened its doors to the public on Tuesday, May 26 while taking precautions to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

 

City Hall closed its doors to walk-in traffic at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 in an effort to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

 

“The state is now operating in Phase 2 of Governor Abbott’s plan to reopen Texas, which allows all businesses and office buildings to resume operations at 25 percent occupancy,” Lockhart City Manager Steven Lewis said. “To serve the public, we will reopen our doors while continuing to take measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”

 

The following precautions are being taken at City Hall to ensure a smooth, safe transition:

 

• All visitors to the City Hall lobby, such as utilities billing customers, will enter via the south entrance on Market Street. To access Development Services, please enter via the basement door located at the bottom of the ramp on the west side of the building.
• Hand sanitizer stations in the lobby for customer use are in place.
• Floor markers are in place to remind the public to observe social distancing requirements.
•  

Wearing face coverings is encouraged, but not required.

 

While the lobby is open to utilities customers, using phone and online methods of payment are still highly encouraged. The following options remain available:

 

• At municipal court, utility payments may be made at the drive-thru window, 1914 W. San Antonio Street. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

 

• Online: Visit this website … https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/lockharttx

 

• By phone: 512-398-3461

 

• Drop box: A drive-thru drop box is located on Market Street.

 

For a complete list of Lockhart city government closures and reopenings related to COVID-19, visit lockhart-tx.org/page/Coronavirus_info.

 

 

As the area enters its rainiest month, Lockhart officials are reminding residents who live within the city limits to maintain their properties to adhere to city code and avoid penalties.

 

City ordinances prohibit property owners and occupants from allowing stagnant water to accumulate on their properties and require grass and weed heights not to exceed 12 inches in yards and vacant lots.

 

“Not only are high grass and weeds unsightly, they pose hazards that include increased risk of fires and creating a habitat for pests like rodents, snakes, mosquitoes and chiggers,” said Mayor Lew White. “Please take the time to maintain your yards and keep the pest population at bay.”

 

If your grass is taller than 12 inches, a code violation notice will be sent regular mail and a placard will be placed on the lot. The owner or occupant will have 10 days to comply.

 

Consequences for failure to comply can range from the city mowing the lawn or lot for a fee to a complaint being filed in municipal court.

 

In most cases, if the owner does not comply within the 10-day period, the city will send a contractor to mow the property and send the owner the bill. The average fee to mow a residential lot is approximately $190. The owner has 30 days to pay the bill to avoid a lien being placed on the property.

 

If a complaint is filed in municipal court and the owner or occupant is found guilty, the fine ranges from $500-$2,000 and can be assessed for each day the property is in violation of the ordinance.

 

Texas A&M’s Agrilife Extension recommends taking the following steps to help prevent mosquitoes on your property:

 

• Repair window and door screens
• Mow grass and tall weeds
• Cut back shrubs and vines
• Treat shaded areas with a professional pest control application or do-it-yourself spray treatment
• Remove tires and junk
• Eliminate any place water can collect and be retained for 7-10 days, especially where piles of soil or leaves are present

 

 

 

Governor Greg Abbott on Monday, May 18, 2020 announced the second phase of the State of Texas' ongoing plan to open Texas while minimizing the spread of COVID-19.

 

Under Phase II, restaurants may increase their occupancy to 50% and additional services and activities that remained closed under Phase I may open with restricted occupancy levels and minimum standard health protocols laid out by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

 

Additionally, the governor announced that public schools in Texas have the option to provide in-person summer school so long as they follow social distancing practices and health protocols laid out by DSHS. These classes may begin as soon as June 1.

 

Via Executive Order, the following services and activities may open under Phase II.

• Child Care Centers (May 18)
• Massage and Personal-Care Centers (May 18)
• Youth Clubs (May 18)
• Rodeo and Equestrian Events (May 22)
• Bowling Alleys, Bingo Halls, Simulcast Racing, and Skating Rinks (May 22)
• Bars (May 22)
• Aquariums and Natural Caverns (May 22)
• Zoos (May 29)
• Day Youth Camps (May 31)
• Overnight Youth Camps (May 31)
• Youth Sports (May 31)
• Certain professional sports without in-person spectators (May 31)

 

All sporting and camp activities are required to adhere by special safety standards, and minimum standard health protocols have been established for all newly-announced opened services and activities. Businesses located in office buildings may also open but must limit their occupancy to the greater of 10 employees or 25% of their workforce.

Additionally, restaurants may expand their occupancy to 50% beginning May 22. Bars—including wine tasting rooms, craft breweries, and similar businesses—may open at 25% occupancy but like restaurants, these occupancy limits do not apply to outdoor areas that maintain safe distancing among parties.

Opened services and activities under Phase II are subject to certain occupancy limits and health and safety protocols. For details and a full list of guidelines, openings, and relevant dates, visit www.gov.texas.gov/opentexas.

 

Read the full executive order here.

Read the proclamation expanding this order (on May 26) here

Ten Lockhart businesses have been awarded one-time grants of up to $2,500 following action taken last week by the Lockhart City Council, continuing a program originally set in motion by the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce and the Caldwell County Community Services Foundation.

 

Lockhart City Council on Tuesday, May 5, voted to carve out $25,000 from the approximately $130,000 remaining in the Lockhart COVID-19 Recovery Loan Program to provide funding for the grants, picking up where Caldwell County and the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce left off with the “Lockhart Chamber of Commerce and Caldwell County Community Services Foundation Business Grant Assistance Program,” which provided grants of up to $2,500 to area businesses.

 

The City awarded the grants to the first 10 brick and mortar applicants that remained in queue for the Chamber’s loan program and had not received prior assistance from the city’s COVID-19 Recovery Loan Program. The deadline to apply for that program was May 1.

 

A total of 29 businesses have received assistance between the two grant programs.

 

“The Chamber of Commerce is to be commended for starting a grant program to help area businesses and we are pleased to help it continue,” said Lockhart Director of Economic Development Mike Kamerlander. “While this means the city has completely used the $25,000 it allocated, we highly recommend new applications should more funding become available.”

 

There were 78 total applications for the grants that were available through that program, with 41 of those applications coming from Lockhart businesses.

Priority will be given to future applicants that:

• Missed the deadline for the county grant program
• Are determined to have the greatest need for the grant

 

The city’s new grant program does not replace the COVID-19 Recovery Loans, which will remain available. The COVID-19 Recovery Loan program was created on April 7, making zero interest loans of up to $5,000 or $7,500 available to non-essential businesses. The loans are intended to help businesses pay rent and cover overhead costs while looking for additional sources of funding. To date, COVID-19 Recovery Loans have been made to 14 companies for a total of $82,500.

 

For COVID-19 updates relevant to economic development, including links to available financial resources, visit https://lockhartedc.com/coronavirus-updates.

 

Your local government depends on committed volunteers to serve on its boards and advisory committees.

 

The City of Lockhart has 15 boards and committees that advise the Lockhart City Council on a wide range of matters. To serve on a board or advisory committee, simply submit an application for consideration by the seven-member city council, which votes on appointments.

 

At this time, there are opportunities to serve on the Historical Preservation Commission and the Planning & Zoning Commission.

 

To learn more about what each board or advisory commission does, click here.

 

To apply, download an application here.

Governor Greg Abbott today held a press conference where announced that he will be issuing an Executive Order to expand openings of certain businesses and activities. The Governor also announced new guidance from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) on graduation ceremonies and the creation of Surge Response Teams to combat any COVID-19 flare ups in Texas. 

 

Per the Governor’s announcement, wedding venues and services required to conduct weddings may immediately open. Weddings held indoors other than at a church, congregation, or house of worship must limit occupancy to 25%. Wedding reception services may also resume, but facilities must limit their occupancy to 25% of the total listed occupancy. These occupancy limits do not apply to the outdoor areas of a wedding reception or to outdoor wedding receptions.

Beginning May 8, cosmetology salons, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons and shops, and other establishments where licensed cosmetologists or barbers practice their trade, may open, but all such salons, shops, and establishments must ensure at least six feet of social distancing between operating work stations. Tanning salons may also reopen under the same limitation. Also starting May 8, swimming pools may open subject to certain limitations, including on their occupancy or operating levels.

Beginning May 18, office buildings may open with the greater of five or less individuals or 25% of the total office workforce. These individuals must maintain appropriate social distancing. Gyms, exercise facilities, and exercise classes may also open on May 18, but must operate at 25% occupancy. Locker rooms and shower facilities will remain closed, but restrooms may open. Non-essential manufacturing services may also open on May 18 but facilities must limit their occupancy to 25%.

These newly opened services are subject to recommended minimum standard health protocols outlined by DSHS. These protocols will be available on the Open Texas webpage. 

Details have been provided on the newly formed Surge Response Teams. These teams are led by TDEM and HHSC and include representatives from the the Texas Military Department, DSHS, the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force, and BCFS Health and Human Services. Surge Response Teams will serve nursing homes, prisons, packing pants, and other facilities that experience flare ups of COVID-19 by providing personal protective equipment, testing supplies, onsite staffing, and assessment assistance. These teams will also work with local officials to establish health and social distancing standards to contain these flare ups. Several Surge Response Teams have already been deployed to locations across the state. Chief Kidd and Commissioner Wilson's presentation is available here. 

TEA Commissioner Morath also provided new guidance on class of 2020 graduation ceremonies for Texas school districts. The TEA is providing four different pathways for schools to celebrate their graduating seniors, and each district is at liberty to determine if any of these options best serve the needs and desires of their community:

• Completely virtual ceremonies that take place entirely online, with the use of videoconference or other technologies.

• Hybrid ceremonies, which consist of a compilation of videos of students being recognized in person as they celebrate graduation in small groups.
• Vehicle ceremonies, in which students and their families wait in their cars while other graduates are recognized one at time with their families alongside them.

Outdoor in-person ceremonies, which are currently permitted for counties as follows: 

• Between May 15 and May 31, an outdoor ceremony may take place in a rural county that has an attestation as described in the Governor’s Report to Open Texas that remains in effect 7 days prior to the ceremony. 
• An outdoor ceremony may take place in any Texas county on or after June 1. 

Full details of the TEA's graduation ceremony guidance can be found on the TEA website. 

 

The Governor's full executive order can be accessed here: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-issues-executive-order-to-expand-openings-of-certain-businesses-and-activities

 

In an effort to serve the public, Dr. Eugene Clark Library will resume limited operations during the first phase of Governor Abbott's plan to reopen Texas. Effective Monday, May 4, the library will offer access to materials, service and technology in the following ways:

 

Phone service and email: Community members may contact the library information desk by telephone at (512) 398-3223 or via e-mail from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. For a list of library staff e-mails, visit https://www.clark-library-lockhart.org/about-us/contact-us.

 

Curbside Service will begin on Monday, May 4. Patrons can call or reserve their material online at https://clarklibrary.biblionix.com/catalog/  or by phone.  To pick up materials, patrons will arrive at the Library, dial the main number, and remain in their vehicles. Pick up hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Library staff will bring their materials to curbside-designated parking spots will be located adjacent to the library on Prairie Lea Street. Please do not return materials at this time. Borrowers who have checked out materials will not be charged late fees.

 

The library has many online services, including eBooks, downloadable magazines, and audiobooks that are available for free using your library card at https://clarklibrary.biblionix.com/catalog/

 

The technology center will be available by appointment. Proper social distancing as advised by the Centers for Disease Prevention (CDC) will be maintained. Computers may be reserved for 45 minutes per day.

"Good morning. We are gearing up to slowly reopen businesses in Lockhart tomorrow, Friday, May 1.

 

The Governor's new order is posted here on the city website (lockhart-tx.org/page/article/72) concerning who can open with what restrictions. Please continue to practice social distancing, avoid crowds, and wear a mask in public.

 

I know many are fearful to get out and many think that this is a complete reopening and no restrictions are needed. The Governor made it clear that people will not be penalized but disregarding these precautions would be to everyone's detriment. Patrons and businesses: Be safe; be smart! We have a ways to go yet!"

Governor Greg Abbott on Monday, April 27 said all retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and malls are allowed, but not required, to reopen on Friday, May 1.

 

The governor said he would not renew his Essential Activities and Services order, effectively a "stay home, stay safe" order, which expires at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, April 30.

 

Under GA-18, these services must limit their capacity to 25% of their listed occupancy. Within shopping malls, the food-court dining areas, play areas, and interactive displays and settings must remain closed.

 

All museums and libraries may open under the same 25% occupancy limitation, but interactive areas of museums must remain closed. State libraries and museums will open by May 1, and local public museums and libraries may reopen only if permitted by the local government. Single-person offices may reopen as well.

 
Churches and places of worship remain open. Outdoor sports are allowed to resume so long as no more than four participants are playing together at one time. Certain social distancing practices must also be followed. Local government operations, including county and municipal government operations relating to permitting, records, and document-filing services, may reopen as determined by the local government.

 

Essential services such as as farmers and ranchers, grocery and drug stores, banks, and gas stations will continue to operate.

 

The governor said public swimming pools, bars, gyms, cosmetology salons, massage establishments, interactive amusement venues, such as bowling alleys and video arcades, and tattoo and piercing studios will remain closed through Phase I. Nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities must remain closed to visitors unless to provide critical assistance.

 

The governor said GA-18 supersedes all local and county government orders.

 

The governor has also relaxed certain restrictions related to health care professionals and issued amended requirements related to hospital capacity. Under an Executive Order (GA-19) issued today:

• All licensed health care professionals shall be limited in their practice by, and must comply with, any emergency rules promulgated by their respective licensing agencies dictating minimum standards for safe practice during the COVID-19 disaster.
• Every hospital licensed under Chapter 241 of the Texas Health & Safety Code shall reserve at least 15% of its hospital capacity for treatment of COVID-19 patients, accounting for the range of clinical severity of COVID-19 patients, as determined by HHSC. 

 
Additionally, the governor has issued an Executive Order (GA-20) to eliminate the mandatory 14-day quarantine period for individuals traveling from Louisiana. Under GA-20, the mandated 14-day quarantine for travelers from the following areas remains in place: California; Connecticut; New York; New Jersey; Washington; Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan, and Miami, Florida. 

 

More Information:

Texans helping Texans: The Governor's Report to Open Texas

 

Executive Order GA-18 related to the expanded reopening of businesses

Executive Order GA-19 related to hospital capacity

Executive Order GA-20 related to eliminating the self-quarantine requirement for travelers from Louisiana

The statewide retail-to-go model authorized by Gov. Greg Abbott aimed at helping businesses reopen and help reactivate the Texas economy following the COVID-19 outbreak takes effect today (Friday, April 24).

 

Here are guidelines from Texas Health and Human Services for businesses and the public:

 

For employees:

 

• All employees must be trained on environmental cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
• Before coming into a business, employees must be screened for new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of taste or smell and having a temperature greater than or equal to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Employees must also be screen for close contact with a person who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19. Any employee who meets any of these criteria should be sent home.
• All employees must wear face coverings, wash or sanitize hands and maintain at least 6 feet separation from one another.

 

For consumers:

 

• Customers may purchase items from a retail location for pickup, delivery by mail, or delivery to the customer’s doorstep, but may not enter the premises.
• All payments should be done over the phone or internet if possible, and contact should be minimized if remote payment is not available.
• Purchased items should be delivered by the employee to the backseat or trunk of the customer’s vehicle whenever possible to minimize physical contact with the customer. Employees must wash or sanitize their hands after each interaction with a customer, and whenever possible, must disinfect any item that came into contact with the customer.

 

Delivery by mail:

 

• All payments must be done over the phone or internet.
• Purchased items should be delivered by mail without customer contact.
• The customer should wash or sanitize their hands after the transaction.

 

Delivery to doorstep:

 

• All payments should be done over the phone or internet if possible, and contact should be minimized if remote payment is not available.
• Purchased items should be delivered by an employee or third-party carrier and delivered to the customer’s doorstep. The employee or third-party carrier may not enter the customer’s house or business.

 

Governor Greg Abbott held a press conference on Friday, April 17 where he issued executive orders to begin the process of reopening the state of Texas while revising hospital capacity and certain social distancing guidelines.

 

Elements of his three executive orders included:

 

• Reopening state parks on April 20 with the requirement that people wear masks and practice social distancing. Groups larger than five are prohibited from gathering in the parks.
• Effective April 24, retail stores will be allowed to sell using a to-go model.
• On April 27, certain surgical restrictions will be loosened. During his press conference, he cited procedures intended to diagnose cancer as an example.
• He announced the formation of a new “Strike Force” that will work to put out more advisories after April 27.
• Schools were closed through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year and tighter restrictions have been placed on senior living centers.

 

To read the three executive orders, click the links below:

 

GA-15, relating to hospital capacity during the COVID-19 disaster

 

GA-16, relating to the first steps of 'Open Texas'

 

GA-17, relating to the creation of the new 'Strike Force'

 

 

 

It's all about keeping yourself (and your children) entertained during a Stay Home, Stay Safe order. To help with this, the Dr. Eugene Clark Library's new YouTube channel is now live.

 

The library will help its youngest patrons get their weekly story time fix with its new Virtual Story Time.

 

Each week, a different City of Lockhart staffer or member of the community will read to the children on a video they can watch as many times as they like. Tune in this week as the library's own Briana Sager (better known as Mrs. Briana to her fans) gets us started with "The Busy Spring," by Carl Emerson.

Due to the situation involving the COVID-19 pandemic in Central Texas, the residential city-wide clean-up effort originally scheduled for April has been postponed.

 

Picking up and moving bulky items by hand is essential to the nature of the city-wide clean-up, and unknowingly touching surfaces previously touched by an infected person can lead to new cases of COVID-19.

 

Postponing the event, which is sponsored by the City of Lockhart and Central Texas Refuse, is in the public’s best interest. A new date has not yet been set.

 

At this time, residential utilities customers who were planning on participating in the residential clean-up are asked not to place any items at their property line for pickup.

 

Residents in need of bulk item collection may call Central Texas Refuse at 1-800-664-2833.

As the countdown to Easter weekend begins, the City of Lockhart is reminding the public to stay home and stay safe during the holiday weekend.

 

Lockhart’s city parks are typically popular destinations for large holiday gatherings, but Mayor Lew White is asking residents to remember that current city, county and statewide orders prohibit social gatherings of any size.

 

The parks remain open to allow people to exercise, but caution tape has been placed around all pavilions and playground equipment to discourage groups from congregating. This is being done to help slow the risk of spreading COVID-19, which the CDC says can live on hard surfaces for multiple days.

 

“You can still go out for a walk, stretch your legs and get some fresh air as an individual or with your immediate family,” White said. “We thank you in advance for helping us keep your families and your neighbors safe by eating your holiday meal at home and holding your Easter Egg hunts in your back yard.”

 

The county has extended its Stay Home, Stay Safe order through April 30, mirroring the duration of Gov. Greg Abbott’s statewide “Essential Services and Essential Activities” order. The City Council passed a resolution on Tuesday extending its local state of disaster declaration that supports the orders of both the county and state. A list of essential services and activities can be found here: http://www.co.caldwell.tx.us/upload/page/9892/FAQs_stayhomestaysafeorder.pdf

 

“Your children and grandchildren may argue that the Easter Bunny is an essential worker, but going to the park for an egg hunt or a barbecue is not an essential activity,” White said.

 

If you do plan on taking a walk in the park over Easter weekend, the mayor emphasized the importance of making sure you remember to practice social distancing.

 

“When out, please keep at least six feet between you and any other person not in your household,” the mayor said. “We wish everyone a safe and happy Easter.”

The Lockhart City Council on Tuesday, April 8 approved the creation of the Lockhart COVID-19 Economic Recovery Fund, making $235,000 available to assist local businesses who have temporarily closed or reduced operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The program will provide working capital for personnel costs, rent, utilities and more for existing small businesses located within the Lockhart city limits. The new fund will provide one-time loans in the amount of $5,000 to help businesses that have temporarily closed cover their overhead costs. Businesses that are still operating during the pandemic will be eligible for that amount plus an additional $2,500 to help with personnel costs.

 

The loan is intended to bridge a company until it can close a larger loan from another source.

 

“We know there are small businesses in Lockhart that need support as they weather the pandemic,” said Lockhart Mayor Lew White. “We want these businesses to be able to open again once the pandemic is over and orders have been lifted.”

 

All loans will have a 36-month repayment schedule and will not be charged interest if paid in full by the maturity date. A promissory note must be executed. No payments will be required prior to October 1, 2020.

 

The application period for the loan will remain open until September 30, 2020, until funding has been exhausted, or until the city determines the program goals have been satisfied.

 

To qualify for funding under the program, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

 

• The business must be located in the corporate city limits of Lockhart and in compliance with all applicable zoning, land use, and other ordinances.
• Proof of applicant’s ownership of the business, or proof that the owner of such business has approved the application for loan funds, shall be required.
• The applicant must be current on all property and sales taxes and must show evidence of payroll taxes withheld and remitted.
• The applicant must submit a balance sheet and profit-and-loss statements for the last six months.
• There is a limit of one loan per 12-month period per applicant.
• The City is the sole and final authority in determining eligibility for funding.
• Not a home-based business
• Has been in business a minimum of 12 months
• Employs fewer than 25 people
• Has applied for Small Business Administration loan or other type of loan from a certified financial institution
•  

Essential businesses that do not qualify for the loan program include:

 

• Grocery Stores, big box stores, farmer’s and food markets
• Liquor, wine and beer stores
• Construction and real estate development and sales
• New or used automotive sales
• Banks, lending and financial institutions
• Gas stations and convenience stores
• Non-profit entities, organizations or associations
• Medical and health providers and related service companies and vendors
• Auto mechanics and auto repair shops
• Plumbers, HVAC technicians and electricians

 

Download a loan application at lockhartedc.com/coronavirus-updates. Applications may be submitted to ecodev@lockhart-tx.org.

For more information, please contact Mike Kamerlander, director of the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation, at mkamerlander@lockhart-tx.org.

 

 

 

 

 

City of Lockhart offices will close for Good Friday on April 10. For non-emergencies, please call 512-398-4401. As always, call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

While City facilities remain closed to walk-in traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic, employees will again be available to take your call at 512-398-3461 at 8 a.m. Monday, April 13.

In doing its part to encourage the public to honor the county-wide Stay Home, Stay Safe order, the City of Lockhart is closing doors to walk-in traffic until further notice at many facilities it operates.

 

CITY HALL

City Hall will close its doors to the public at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 and will remain closed to walk-in traffic until further notice. Please call 512-398-3461 for assistance.

 

Utilities payments

 

• In person at Municipal Court: Make utility payments at the drive-thru window, 1914 W. San Antonio Street. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

 

• Online: Visit this website … https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/lockharttx

 

• By phone: 512-398-3461

 

• Drop boxes: Drive-thru drop box on Market Street. There is also one by the 308 W. San Antonio Street entrance.

 

Development Services

 

Processing materials may be dropped off at the gray basement door of Lockhart City Hall. Call (512)398-3461, ext. 237 for staff assistance.

 

 

DR. EUGENE CLARK LIBRARY

 

The Dr. Eugene Clark Library is closing until further notice.

 

• Curbside service has been suspended effective 5 p.m. Monday, March 30. All items currently on reserve or on interlibrary loan order will also be suspended.
  
  
• Computer usage is suspended.

   

• Please do not return materials at this time. Borrowers who have checked out materials will not be charged late fees.

   

• Online resources will remain available.

 

 

LOCKHART POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

The lobby has been closed to walk-in traffic. Please call (512) 398-4401 for non-emergencies. As always, in the event of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.

 

LOCKHART ANIMAL SHELTER

 

The Lockhart Animal Shelter will continue operations but will be closed to walk-in traffic. Individuals may not enter without an appointment. To inquire about a lost pet, call (512) 376-3336.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lockhart Mayor Lew White offered his support for a county-wide Stay At Home Order issued by Caldwell County Judge Hoppy Haden. The order takes effect at 10 p.m. Tuesday, March 31:

 

“I support Judge Haden’s Stay Home Stay Safe order and agree it is a necessary step our local governments need to take to protect the people we serve.  

“The restrictions outlined in the order allow for people living in our community to work and provide for the needs of their families while remaining emphatic about the need for social distancing. With exception to people in a household living under the same roof, no social gatherings of any size are allowed. Hand washing, use of hand sanitizer and proper hygiene remain crucial to preventing the spread of illness. 

“We ask that you do not take this order lightly: Leave your home only to engage in essential activities, which are outlined clearly in the order.   

“Please read the order in its entirety, especially the answers to questions that have been frequently asked when other Texas counties have instituted Stay Home Stay Safe orders.  

“The City of Lockhart stands in solidarity with Caldwell County, the county’s school districts and other cities within the county. We are united in our efforts to help curb the spread of COVID-19, and we thank you for your patience and compliance. Stay home and stay safe!” 

 
Sincerely, 
Lew White 
Mayor of the City of Lockhart 

 

 

Caldwell County Judge Hoppy Haden on Monday, March 30 announced a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order that will go into effect at 10 p.m. Tuesday, March 31.

 

The order was announced three days after the county reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19: a 30-year-old Caldwell County resident who is being quarantined at a hospital outside the county.

 

The order requires all people living within Caldwell County, including Lockhart and its municipalities, to remain and stay at their place of residence unless performing essential activities or performing or accessing essential government functions, healthcare operations, essential businesses and essential critical infrastructure, which are all defined in Section 5 of the order.

 

If venturing outside one’s residence for any of the above listed reasons, an individual must at all times as reasonably possible maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person.

 

The order disallows social gatherings of any size.

 

The order does not include a curfew.

 

The judge’s order will remain in effect until April 31.

 

Lockhart Mayor Lew White issued a statement showing his support for the order. Click here to read it.

 

Read the full order, which includes an FAQ at the end of the document, here. The county asks people who still have questions after reading the FAQ to e-mail eoc@co.caldwell.tx.us or call 512-359-4637.

 

 

Other Caldwell County COVID-19 Resources

 

 

County-wide COVID-19 info

 

 

The County's answers to frequently asked COVID-19 questions

 

 

 

 

The City of Lockhart values our customers and understands we are all living amidst this public health situation, and we are making decisions out of concern and safety of our customers. Below is a summary of the initial voluntary actions to be taken to support utility customers during the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Pausing Payment-Related Disconnections. To ensure customers have the power they need during this crisis, the City of Lockhart has suspended service disconnections for residential and small commercial customers for 60 days effective March 24, 2020.

    

2. Late Payment Waivers. The City of Lockhart is providing relief by waiving late payment fees.

    

   In order to qualify for a late fee waiver, customers must contact the City of Lockhart’s Utility department to make a partial payment towards their account on or before the due date. The City will forego the current requirements for extensions and payment plans.

    

3. Encourage Social Distancing. With the importance of social distancing to curb the spread of COVID-19, the City of Lockhart has reminded citizens of the various ways they can reach the Utility department to make payments, including drop boxes located at both the front and back entrances of City Hall, drive-thru window at Municipal Court building, credit card payment by phone, and online web pay through the City’s website.

This decision has been made through thoughtful consideration. However, we encourage customers to make payments on their accounts in order to avoid adding to any outstanding balance during the 60 days. The measures we are implementing tonight will directly assist the Citizens of Lockhart, Texas during these hardships associate with the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

La Ciudad de Lockhart valora a nuestros clientes y entiende que todos vivimos en medio de esta situación de salud pública, y estamos tomando decisiones por preocupación y seguridad de nuestros clientes.  A continuación se muestra un resumen de las acciones voluntarias iniciales que se tomarán para apoyar a los clientes de servicios públicos durante la pandemia de COVID-19:

1. Pausa de desconexiones relacionadas con el pago. Para garantizar que los clientes tengan el poder que necesitan durante esta crisis, la Ciudad de Lockhart ha suspendido las desconexiones de servicio para clientes residenciales y comerciales pequeños durante 60 días a partir del 24 de marzo de 2020.

    

2. Exenciones de pago tardío. La ciudad de Lockhart está proporcionando alivio al renunciar a los cargos por pagos atrasados.

    

   Para calificar para una exención de pago tardío, los clientes deben comunicarse con el departamento de Servicios Públicos de la Ciudad de Lockhart para realizar un pago parcial hacia su cuenta en la fecha de vencimiento o antes. La Ciudad renunciará a los requisitos actuales para extensiones y planes de pago.

    

3. Fomentar el distanciamiento social. Con la importancia del distanciamiento social para frenar la propagación de COVID-19, la Ciudad de Lockhart ha recordado a los ciudadanos las diversas formas en que pueden comunicarse con el departamento de Servicios Públicos para realizar pagos, incluidos los buzones ubicados en las entradas delantera y trasera del Ayuntamiento , ventanilla para conducir en el edificio del Tribunal Municipal, pago con tarjeta de crédito por teléfono y pago en línea a través del sitio web de la Ciudad.

 

Esta decisión se ha tomado mediante una consideración cuidadosa. Sin embargo, alentamos a los clientes a realizar pagos en sus cuentas para evitar agregar saldos pendientes durante los 60 días. Las medidas que estamos implementando esta noche ayudarán directamente a los Ciudadanos de Lockhart, Texas, durante estas dificultades asociadas con la pandemia COVID-19.

At 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, the City Hall lobby will be closed to walk-in traffic until further notice to protect the public and its staff from potential exposure to COVID-19.

 

Effective March 26, City Hall staff will be available to assist the public by phone at 512-398-3461 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday or via e-mail. If you know specifically to which department or to whom you want to speak, check our city directory page for direct numbers and extensions: http://www.lockhart-tx.org/page/city_directory

 

The City of Lockhart offers the following alternative payment methods for its utilities customers:

 

• In person at Municipal Court: Make utility payments at the drive-thru window, 1914 W. San Antonio Street. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

 

• Online: Visit this website ... https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/lockharttx

 

• By phone: 512-398-3461

 

• Drop boxes: Drive-thru drop box on Market Street. There is also one by the 308 W. San Antonio Street entrance.
  
  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the city is taking action to offer support to utilities customers during a challenging time. Click here for more information: http://www.lockhart-tx.org/page/article/59

The City of Lockhart encourages utilities customers to pay their bills online, by phone, via two centrally located drop boxes and a drive-through window to reduce foot traffic at Lockhart City Hall during the worldwide novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

“We hope you will help us reduce the number of people using office services by conducting business online, by phone, or by drop box to limit face-to-face interaction,” said City Manager Steven Lewis. “Choosing online bill pay will especially minimize the chance for public exposure to COVID-19 while maximizing efficiency.”

 

The online payment option does not require customers to set up an account. Customers can select an option that enables them to make a one-time payment. You need only your account number and last payment amount to access this option. You can access the website for utility payments at https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/lockharttx/utilities.

 

While Lockhart City Hall will remain open, you can also talk to a representative in our customer service department from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday by calling (512) 398-3461. Customer service representatives can answer your questions about paying online and take your payment over the phone.

 

Two payment drop boxes are located outside City Hall: a drive thru drop box on Market Street and one by the 308 W. San Antonio Street entrance.

 

Utility payments can also be made by using the drive thru window at City of Lockhart Municipal Court, 1914 W. San Antonio Street. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

 

Visitors to City Hall are highly encouraged to use the hand sanitizer stations placed in the lobby. Visitors with symptoms indicating COVID-19 should not visit City Hall. Symptoms of COVID-19 have been identified as fever, cough and shortness of breath.

 

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your medical provider.

UPDATE (APRIL 7): The Lockhart City Council voted to extend the local state of disaster declaration indefinitely. The resolution approved by Council incorporates the provisions of Caldwell County's Stay Home, Stay Safe order and Governor Greg Abbott's Essential Services and Essential Activities Order. It also delegates to the city manager the ability suspend disconnection and collection of utility payments for the duration of the resolution.

The move comes one day after Caldwell County Commissioners Court voted to extend the county's disaster declaration and Stay Home Stay Safe Order through April 31. With that extension, the county's order will run for the same duration as the state's.

 

UPDATE (MARCH 24): Lockhart City Council on Tuesday, March 24 voted to extend the mayor's declaration of a local state of disaster until the city's next regular meeting, which is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 7. No amendments were made to the declaration.

 

Mayor Lew White has amended his March 17 declaration of a local state of disaster for public health emergency for the City of Lockhart as the situation involving COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, continues to evolve.

 

Per the amended declaration, gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people and the cancellation of any planned gatherings of more than 10 people is mandatory. The mayor signed the amended declaration on Thursday afternoon to reflect executive orders signed by Governor Greg Abbott that:

• Limit social gatherings to 10 people
• Order bars and gyms to close.
• Allow restaurants to offer takeout, delivery or drive-thru service but prohibit dining in.
• Require the temporary closure of schools.
• Allow grocery stores, banks and gas stations to remain open.

 

The Governor's executive orders apply to the entire state. The governor's orders take effect at 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 20 and remain in effect through 11:59 p.m. April 3 and the mayor's amendments take effect at midnight Friday, March 20.

 

The declaration of a local state of disaster activates the city's emergency management plan and allows it to take actions necessary to promote health and suppress the virus, as well as request funds and additional resources from the state and federal governments.

 

The limitation on the size of gatherings extends to commercial (retail, wholesale, industrial, service, eating and entertainment) establishments. Employees of such establishments are not counted as part of a gathering. 

 

Representatives of such establishments are responsible for monitoring and enforcing the limitation on the size of gatherings.

 

Violating the declaration is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and no more than 180 days in jail.

 

The mayor's declaration of disaster will be in effect until March 24, unless continued or renewed with consent of Lockhart City Council.

Read the Mayor's amended proclamation here.

Read Governor Abbott's executive orders here.

 

 

 

 

The City of Lockhart Coronavirus webpage is being updated regularly with closures, cancellations and more. Click here to visit this page for more information about the 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Caldwell County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, March 17 approved an order declaring a local state of Emergency for Caldwell County that includes language prohibiting community gatherings of 50 people or more as the situation surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to develop.

 

The order was amended March 18 to include what defines a community gathering and list situations to which the 50-person limit applies.

 

The move by commissioners extends the declaration signed into law by Caldwell County Judge Hoppy Haden on Monday, March 16 by 21 days. The original order put a cap of 250 people on community gatherings.

 

Violation of the order is a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or a sentence of up to 180 days in jail.

 

A local disaster declaration allows local governments to allocate resources and personnel as well as request funds and additional resources from the state and federal governments to assist in managing the effects of COVID-19.

 

Read the full March 18 declaration here.

 

 

 

Current residents of the City of Lockhart can dispose of their household hazardous waste for free on Saturday, March 14 at City Park. Bring a utility bill or other proof of residence to the event. Details are as follows:

 

When: Saturday, March 14, 2020 
Time: 9:00 a.m. to noon (rain or shine) 
Where:  CITY PARK, Main/Central Pavilion—Pool Parking Lot 
What will we take:  Cleaning products:  drain cleaners, concentrates, degreasers, oven cleaners, solvents; polishers, pool chemicals, household batteries, paints, varnishes, etc … 
We will NOT take:  Waste generated by businesses and commercial farming, tires, chemical containers larger than 5 gallons, medical waste and sharps, empty containers, compressed gas cylinders, ammunition, gun powder, metal, wire and PCBs. Electronics go to the Lockhart Recycle Center.
Disposal cost to you: None
For more information: (512) 398-3461

 

 

SAFETY TIPS! (For collection day) 

• Bring products in the original containers—Do not mix products!

• Make sure containers are properly sealed and labeled correctly.

• If the container leaks, pack in larger container and use absorbents, such as cat litter, to soak up leaks.

• If you do not know what it is, mark it “unknown.”

• If possible, place materials in cardboard boxes—boxes with dividers make for good packaging.

• Place materials in areas away from drivers and passengers

 

 

Did you know:  It can be unsafe to dispose household hazardous waste in with your everyday garbage.  Many can cause serious injury to employees who pick up your garbage.  Whenever possible avoid  purchasing such items because of the disposal liabilities, costs, and environmental dangers.  If you  must  purchase, buy in quantities for immediate use-only enough for what you need.  Please explore alternative  products that are environmentally friendly / safer. 

 

 

Electronics are accepted at the Lockhart Recycling Center

You can now drop off electronics such as TVs, computers, phones, etc at the Lockhart Recycle Center located at 110 N. Brazos Street, Lockhart, Texas.  The Recycle Center is open to accept items: 

Monday-Friday:  7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday:  8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sunday:  Closed

For more information about the Recycle Center, please contact (512) 398-6452. 

 

 

The latest edition of the City of Lockhart newsletter will be sent to utilities customers this month. The front page features an FAQ on the 2020 U.S. Census. The Census will begin sending forms to U.S. households on March 12. 

 

The City of Lockhart supports the 2020 U.S. Census. An accurate count is essential to making sure a community receives its share of federal funding that supports hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads and other resources.

The Lockhart Police Department has released its annual racial profiling report.

 

In 2002, the State of Texas mandated that law enforcement agencies adopt a detailed written policy on racial profiling, and collect certain data on citations, searches and arrests resulting from traffic stops by Texas Racial Profiling Law.

 

The Lockhart Police Department’s report was filed with the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement and was presented to Lockhart City Council at its February 18 regular meeting.

 

The Lockhart Police Department conducted 6,103 traffic stops in 2019. Race or ethnicity was known prior to the stop in 21 cases. Specifically, 2,764 of the motorists stopped were white, 2,716 were Hispanic/Latino, 570 were black, 38 were Asian/Pacific Islander and 15 were Alaska/Native American.

 

In September 2017, the State of Texas passed Senate Bill 1849, known as the Sandra Bland Act, which required police departments to document all traffic stops, including verbal warnings. Sandra Bland, a black woman, was found dead in a jail cell following a 2015 traffic stop.

 

“In 2019, our report showed zero incidents in which physical force resulting in bodily injury occurred during a traffic stop,” said Lockhart Chief of Police Ernest Pedraza. “The Lockhart Police Department takes racial profiling very seriously and will investigate all complaints made against an officer.”

 

To view the entire report, visit http://lockhart-tx.org/upload/page/0078/2019%20Racial%20Profiling%20Report.pdf.

Lockhart Fire Rescue’s second fire station is officially open, operational and responding to calls.

Fire Station No. 2, located at 1911 Borchert Drive behind Lockhart Municipal Court, held its official grand opening on Wednesday, February 26, celebrating the occasion with an open house and a ribbon cutting co-hosted by the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The new station, which has access to Texas State Highway 142 (San Antonio Street) and is located near the Texas State Highway 130 toll road helps the city prepare to meet the needs of its growing population. The new station is approximately 2,600 square feet and houses fire administration, up to four fire fighters and three fire-fighting apparatus.

Fire Station No. 1, located at 201 W. Market Street, has been in service since it opened in 1914. The historic building remains in service and will eventually undergo renovations.

“We are able to respond to calls from either location,” said Lockhart Fire Rescue Chief Randy Jenkins. “Our new fire station prepares us to better protect our residents in the city’s growing western portion while also giving us the space to accommodate current and future firefighters.

“Our goal is to respond to 90% of emergency calls within 5 minutes and 30 seconds.  Fire Station No. 2 will help us to meet this goal as the city grows.”

The City of Lockhart supports the 2020 U.S. Census. Getting a complete count in the Census, which occurs every 10 years, is important to citizens of every community for myriad reasons that include:

 

• How many representatives each state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives
• How the lines are drawn that define congressional and state legislative districts.
• It provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data.

 

Census forms will begin appearing in area mailboxes on March 12. 

 

Some frequently asked questions and answers:

 

Why is it conducted?

It’s in the U.S. Constitution and is required every 10 years. The last one was performed in 2010, so the time has come.

 

 

When does it start?

The U.S. Census Bureau’s awareness campaign in which many local governments participate becomes more visible in January. Forms will start hitting residents’ mailboxes in March. The Bureau’s plan is to begin getting people to fill out the forms on April 1. Follow up notices will be sent to households between April and July.

 

 

Do I have to participate?

Yes. It’s mandatory. Those who don’t participate may be subjected to fines.

 

 

Is it for U.S. citizens only?

No. You only need to be a resident. The questionnaire asks about citizenship but does not ask for a Social Security number or about any financial matters.

 

 

What does it ask?

The questions include the names, ages, sex and dates of birth of people living in the household.

 

 

Will the U.S. Census Bureau share my answers with law enforcement or any other entities?

No. The information you share with the U.S. Census Bureau is confidential. The Bureau says there are safeguards built in to protect private information.

 

 

How can we fill it out?

The form can be filled out online, by mail and by phone.

 

 

How is it tied to money?

According to the Texas Demographic Center, the distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants and support to states, counties and communities are based on Census data. The money is spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other programs. An undercount of the Texas population of just 1 percent could translate to a statewide loss of about $300 million in federal funding for those programs in communities within the state, according to the Center.

 

 

How about representation in the U.S. Congress?

The trend has been that the state has gained representation in Congress after each Census. Texas received two additional seats in 1990 and 2000, and four seats following the 2010 Census.

 

 

 

 

Learn more about the 2020 U.S. Census, including how to participate and even how to apply to work as a census taker here.

All City of Lockhart offices will be closed Monday, February 17 for Presidents Day. We will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday. Remember: To report electrical outages and water and sewer problems after hours and on weekends and holidays, call the Lockhart Police Department at 512-398-4401.

The green line depicts the planned location of the first phase of a project to build a hike/bike trail in Lockhart City Park. The yellow line, Phase 2, will complete a pathway that connects the park’s west entrance by Kreuz Market and east entrance on Carver Street. The city’s existing hike/bike trail begins on Pecos Street at Pecos Park and ends at North Commerce Street by Kreuz Market.

 

The City of Lockhart is currently soliciting bids from companies interested in building the first phase of a hike/bike trail in City Park.

At completion, the first phase of the trail project would give pedestrians accessing the park from the west entrance a 10-foot-wide pathway separate from vehicular traffic that would take them all the way to the pond located at the park’s center.

The trail is being built due in part to a grant from the St. David’s Foundation. The grant does not require any matching funds from the city.

“We have navigated the state’s permitting process and are looking forward to getting this project under construction,” City Manager Steven Lewis said. “Walking remains one of the most popular and most accessible forms of exercise and we anticipate this will give our residents another way to enjoy our City Park.”

The City will open bids from companies interested in constructing the trail at 10 a.m. February 20^th.

The first phase of the City Park trail will measure approximately 2,100 feet long and has a projected completion date of June 2020.

The second phase of construction involves installing a trail that would provide an eastern pedestrian park entrance and is also being funded in part by a grant from the St. David’s Foundation. That six-foot-wide pathway will follow the perimeter of the pond and connect to the first phase of the trail. Construction on this phase is expected to begin this summer and completion is expected before the end of the year.

The city’s existing hike/bike trail, the Lockhart Springs Trail, begins at Pecos Street by Pecos Park and ends at North Commerce Street by Kreuz Market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The U.S. Census Bureau has begun contacting group quarters facilities across the nation ahead of the 2020 Census Group Quarters Operation – the way the Census Bureau ensures an accurate count of individuals who live or stay in a group living arrangement.

In Lockhart and Caldwell County, group quarters facilities would include the Gary Job Corps Center, assisted living facilities and the Lockhart Correctional Facility.

Group quarters include facilities such as:

• College/university student housing
• Residential treatment centers
• Military barracks
• Nursing/skilled nursing facilities
• Group homes
• Correctional facilities. 

The Group Quarters Advance Contact Operation takes place through March 6, and helps the Census Bureau identify administrators who can assist in counting those living in their group quarters facilities.

As part of the Group Quarters Operation, the Census Bureau collects information specific to service-based locations that serve people experiencing homelessness, known as the Service-Based Enumeration operation. These locations include:

• Soup kitchens
• Emergency and transition shelters
• Regularly scheduled mobile food vans
• Outdoor locations and other places where people are known to sleep.

Are you a group quarters administrator? Visit this page for more information. 

 

- Information provided courtesy of census.gov

Walkers on the Town Branch Trail may notice new signage that designates some areas along the creek as official grow zones.

While City of Lockhart crews will continue to mow and maintain the area adjacent to the trail, some areas closer to the creek will be allowed to grow freely to promote stability along the creek banks and prevent erosion.

The City pursued and received funding through the Clean Water Act 319 Grant to conduct the restoration of Town Branch. Riparian or shoreline restoration, which helps address pollution from rainfall runoff, is one of many projects the grant can be used to address.

 “Mowing up to the streambank causes loss of the riparian area and bank instability, which then leads to bank failure,” said Parks Manager Chris Sager. “The City of Lockhart has created riparian buffer areas that are known to reduce erosion, promote bank stability and improve water quality by reducing sediment load and contaminate transport to the stream." 

If you have any questions about the trail, the creek or the grow zones, call the Parks Department at 512-398-6452.

The City of Lockhart has prepared a report that summarizes accomplishments made during the 2019 calendar year. The report is intended to give citizens and other interested parties information about the city’s activities in the last 12 months. The 2019 Annual Report titled “Courting Progress” is a way for the city’s many departments to highlight how they make Lockhart a better place to live and increase awareness of how their work contributed to strides made in the past year.

View the report here.

Lockhart Fire Rescue is participating in the development of the Caldwell County Hazard Mitigation plan 2020 along with several other local jurisdictions. The focus of the plan is to protect people and structures and to minimize the cost of disaster response and recovery from known hazards by identifying and implementing cost-effective hazard mitigation actions.

 

The draft is a 306-page document, but if you are interested in reading it, we are interested in hearing what you have to say about it. Please offer feedback to Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Randy Jenkins at rjenkins@lockhart-tx.org.

 

The draft of the plan is here.

 

Got an overdue library book or two? Gather them up and head to the Dr. Eugene Clark Library during the month of January. It is amnesty month, meaning the library will waive all overdue fines on books turned in this month. Note: Fees cannot be waived on lost or damaged materials. Questions? Call the library at 512-398-3223.

 

When you are ready to bid adieu to your live Christmas tree, the City of Lockhart offers tree recycling at no charge.

To recycle your live tree, just place it curbside and workers will come pick it up. Make sure the tree is free of ornaments, lights, tinsel, nails, screws or tree bases and call Lockhart Public Works at (512) 398-6452 to arrange for collection.

 

 

The City of Lockhart has been awarded a grant from the St. David's Foundation to help with park improvements and the Town Branch Trail System through the non-profit’s Parks With Purpose program.

 

The $200,000 grant, which requires no match from the city, will be used to continue improving walkability around City Park. Specifically, the grant will fund the construction of a 6-foot wide trail around the pond that serves as the park’s central feature. That trail will connect to the park’s entrance on Carver Street and to another trail in the planning stages that will continue to another park entrance at City Park Road.

 

Representatives from St. David’s Foundation, Lockhart's Parks and Recreation advisory board and the City of Lockhart's Public Works and Parks and Recreation Department were all on hand for a check presentation made at the Dec. 17 City Council meeting.

 

Celebrating the holidays? The Lockhart Police Department offers the following tips to keep your home, family and belongings safe during this festive time of year.

AT HOME
• Make sure all doors and windows have secondary locks (window pins, deadbolts, dowels, etc.) and use them.
• Don't hide spare keys in mailboxes or planters, or under doormats.
• Ensure that dark areas and entrances have outdoor lights that are turned on after dark or are activated by sensors.
• Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed so they do not conceal doors and windows. Overgrown foliage can provide a hiding place for criminals.
• Place gifts where they can't be seen from the outside. 
• Consider safe deposit boxes for items of value such as seldom-worn jewelry.
• Be sure to mail cards, checks or gift certificates from the Post Office or at a blue U.S. Postal Service collection box.
• Lock your vehicle and remove all valuables.

 

STRANGERS AT YOUR DOOR
• Use caution anytime there is a stranger at your door. 
• Be suspicious of unexpected sales calls or deliveries. Ask for identification.
• Be aware of scams that criminals commit to take advantage of people's generosity during the holidays. 
• Investigate charities before making donations. Request info about how they will use the funds raised.

 

LEAVING FOR THE HOLIDAYS
• Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to watch your home.
• Use timers for lights and radios while you're away.
• Make arrangements for mail and newspapers (to either be temporarily stopped or have someone collect them for you)

 

AFTER THE HOLIDAYS
• Don't put boxes of expensive toys, electronics, or other gifts out for garbage collection. Compress large boxes and place them in black garbage bags for pick-up. 
• Add new items to your home inventory. Take photos or video of all items of value in your home and list each item's make, model, serial number and other information. 
• Engrave new items to help identify them in the event they are stolen. 

 

PACKAGE THEFTS/PORCH PIRATES
• Have your package delivered to your work.
• If traveling, your package delivered to the home of a relative or friend that you know will be home.
• Have your package held at your local post office for pickup.
• Take advantage of "Ship to Store” option that many stores offer.
• Request that your package has signature confirmation upon delivery.
• Ask your carrier to place the package in an area out of plain view.

The City of Lockhart is now a sponsor of the Good Utility Neighbor Contribution Program Fund, a program to assist eligible customers who are having difficulty paying their utility bill. Voluntary contributions from customers like you fund this program. This program will be administered by Community Action, Inc., of Central Texas on the City’s behalf, Community Action establishes eligibility requirements to receive assistance. Every dollar helps! When the fund reaches $5,000, the program will begin helping those customers that qualify and need help sometimes paying their utility bill.

 

Donors can make one-time donations or pledge a reoccurring monthly donation. To donate, please complete and return the donation form by mail to the City of Lockhart Utility Customer Services Department at PO Box 239, Lockhart, Texas 78644, or in person at City Hall, 308 W. San Antonio Street, Lockhart, Texas.

 

Good Utility Neighbor Donation Form

Water leaks can be costly and waste water.  Here are some helpful tips to help eliminate leaks around your home.

How to Detect Leaks

The following are video files that provide Lockhart Texas historical events as discussed by Donaly Brice and Joe Bunch with Ronda Reagan at the Clark Library Annex in Lockhart, Texas on March 28, 2015. 

 

Select a video link below to view and to learn about Lockhart's history.

 

"Lockhart - A Look Back in Time"

 

Part 1 - Birth of a City (25:11) https://youtu.be/sCZwCs3x1EU

 

Part 2 - The Trail Drivers (35:20) https://youtu.be/04u1KF8v9nY

 

Part 3 - Law and Order (31:24) https://youtu.be/myTjtvBpqAs

 

Part 4 - The Hotels (22:05) https://youtu.be/hWJGRaDfgN4

 

Part 5 - Brock's Buildings (9:38) https://youtu.be/Yc_DWD3xQxE

 

Part 6 - Old Lockhart Stories (17:11) https://youtu.be/RCSQZYlTjQo

 

When considering how you can address mosquitoes, here is a helpful flyer with tips and suggestions to reduce the insects.  

Help Avoid Being Bitten By Mosquitoes FLYER

Please report standing water in public right of ways to the Public Works Department at (512) 398-6452. 

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!  A Dickens' Christmas in Lockhart held every year on the 1st weekend in December.

A Dickens' Night Lighted Parade begins at 7:00 p.m. on the first Friday in December followed by a day filled with lots of family fun on the first Saturday in December.  Saturday's entertainment will lift your heart with many family activities.  A few to mention include caroling of hundreds of Lockhart children, unique hand crafted items by local artisans as well as many unique gifts offered in the vendor's area, and lighting of the Yule Log to signify the official beginning of the Christmas season.

Information about A Dickens' Christmas in Lockhart can be obtained from the Clark Library at (512) 398-3223. 

Yule Love Shopping in Lockhart! 

A Disaster Relief Packet has been developed to assist the public in finding assistance or benefits with recovery from Hurricane Harvey.    

The Lockhart Disaster Recover Center (DRC) is located at 901 Bois D'Arc Street, Lockhart, TX 78644.

The office officially opened on Tuesday, October 24, 2017.  

Please carefully review the packets to see if it can be useful to you.

FEMA Disaster Relief Packet

Small Business Administration (SBA) Federal Disaster Loans for Businesses of all Sizes, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners and Renters

Dec 2017 - Texas Hurricane Harvey Recovery Guide

ATTENTION

BUILDERS, DEVELOPERS, AND SUBDIVIDERS

The City of Lockhart has updated its impact fees to reflect the current cost of infrastructure projects, and to make adjustments to the road, water, and wastewater impact fee capital improvements plans.  The new fees are higher than the previous impact fee rates.  However, the previous fees will remain in affect for all building permits until October 1, 2017.

In addition, building permits for construction on lots shown on a final subdivision plat approved before October 1, 2017, will continue to be charged the previous fees until October 1, 2019.  Building permits for construction on all other lots will be charged the new rates effective October 1, 2017.

For more information, contact Dan Gibson, City Planner, by phone at 512-398-3461, ext. 236, or by e-mail at dgibson@lockhart-tx.org.

The City of Lockhart does not make telephone calls to notify customers of utility service disconnection, construction, or repair; or to collect payment for services. 

If you receive a telephone call asking for permission to enter your property for any utility service work or requesting payment for utility services, please contact City Hall at (512) 398-3461 or the Lockhart Police Department at (512) 398-4401. 

Do not provide any personal information to any callers claiming to be the City of Lockhart.

The City of Lockhart prepared a five-year update of the Impact Fee Land Use Assumptions and Roadway, Water, and Wastewater Impact Fees, including capital improvements plans and the maximum allowable impact fees per service unit.

The City of Lockhart held a public hearing regarding the updates on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. Click here to view details about the public hearing.

Click on the link(s) below to view the Impact Fee Update documents:

      Land Use Assumptions for Impact Fees Report

      Roadway Impact Fee Report

      Water and Wastewater Impact Fee Analysis Capital Improvements Plan

      Notice - Increased Impact Fees on Construction Projects

If you have any questions, please contact Dan Gibson, City Planner, at (512) 398-3461 ext. 236 or via e-mail at dgibson@lockhart-tx.org.