The City of Lockhart is providing FREE BOX FANS to eligible residents as part of our Summer Fan Program.

If you are:

• Aged 65 or older
• Have a disability
• A Lockhart resident
• Didn't receive a fan from the 2024 Summer Fan Program
• You are eligible to receive a free box fan through the City's 2025 Summer Fan Program while supplies last.

If you would like a fan, come by or call Lockhart City Hall at (512) 398-3461.

Lockhart City Hall

308 W. San Antonio St.

OPEN: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday

Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed

Activity in a Riverine Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain and Wetland

To:  All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals

This is to give notice that the City of Lockhart (City) has determined the following proposed action under the Texas General Land Office Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) Program, under GLO Contract #24-065-120-E962, is located in the riverine Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain and Riverine Wetland, and the City will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the floodplain and wetland and the potential impacts on the floodplain and wetland from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, and Executive Order 11990 in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection.  The proposed project locations are in the City of Lockhart, Caldwell County, TX as follows:

• On Bois D’Arc Street, from Elm Street to N. Blanco Street;
• On N. Blanco Street, from Bois D’Arc Street to W. Olive Street.

Water Improvements Project Description:  Subrecipient shall replace curbs, sidewalks, waterlines, gate valves, fire hydrants, and asphalt; install retaining wall and service connections, and complete associated appurtenances, for approximately 3,300 LF total.

The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using a freeboard value approach.  Approximately 1.3-acres on N. Blanco Street is in the riverine FFRMS floodplain, and approximately 0.10-acres is a Riverine Wetland.  Work will be approached under the appropriate Nationwide Permit which will be determined after survey completion.  The beneficial values of the floodplain and wetland will not be adversely affected as best management practices will be utilized during construction and the project activities will not change the topography. 

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and wetlands, and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment, should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain and wetland, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains and wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains and wetlands it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by the City of Lockhart at the following address on or before 5/27/25:  City of Lockhart, 308 W. San Antonio Street or P. O. Box 239, Lockhart, TX 78644, (512) 398-3461, Attn: Mayor’s Office.   A full description of the project may also be reviewed Monday – Friday from 8 am to 5 pm at the address above.  Comments may also be submitted via email at jbowermon@lockhart-tx.org.

Date:  5/9/25

Aviso Temprano y Revisión Pública de una Actividad Propuesta en una Llanura Inundable y Humedal Ribereño Designado por el Estándar Federal de Gestión del Riesgo de Inundación

A: Todas las Agencias, Grupos e Individuos Interesados

Por la presente se notifica que la Ciudad de Lockhart (Ciudad) ha determinado que la siguiente acción propuesta, en el marco del Programa de Subvenciones en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario de la Oficina General de Tierras de Texas (CDBG-MIT), bajo el Contrato GLO n.° 24-065-120-E962, se ubica en la llanura inundable y humedal ribereño designado por el Estándar Federal de Gestión del Riesgo de Inundación (FFRMS). La Ciudad identificará y evaluará alternativas viables para ubicar la acción dentro de la llanura inundable y el humedal, así como los posibles impactos en la llanura inundable y el humedal de la acción propuesta, según lo exige la Orden Ejecutiva 11988, modificada por la Orden Ejecutiva 13690, y la Orden Ejecutiva 11990, de conformidad con las regulaciones del HUD en 24 CFR 55.20 Subparte C, Procedimientos para la Toma de Determinaciones sobre la Gestión de Llanuras Inundables y Protección de Humedales. Las ubicaciones propuestas para el proyecto se encuentran en la ciudad de Lockhart, condado de Caldwell, Texas, de la siguiente manera:• En la calle Bois D’Arc, desde la calle Elm hasta la calle N. Blanco;• En la calle N. Blanco, desde la calle Bois D’Arc hasta la calle W. Olive.

Descripción del Proyecto de Mejoras en el Agua: El subreceptor deberá reemplazar bordillos, aceras, tuberías de agua, válvulas de compuerta, hidrantes y asfalto; instalar muros de contención y conexiones de servicio, y completar las instalaciones correspondientes, por un total de aproximadamente 3300 pies lineales.La extensión de la llanura aluvial del FFRMS se determinó mediante un método de valor de francobordo. Aproximadamente 1.3 acres en la calle N. Blanco se encuentran en la llanura aluvial ribereña del FFRMS, y aproximadamente 0.10 acres constituyen un humedal ribereño. Las obras se realizarán con el Permiso Nacional correspondiente, que se determinará una vez finalizado el estudio. Los valores beneficiosos de la llanura aluvial y el humedal no se verán afectados negativamente, ya que se aplicarán las mejores prácticas de gestión durante la construcción y las actividades del proyecto no modificarán la topografía.

Este aviso tiene tres propósitos principales. En primer lugar, se debe brindar a las personas que puedan verse afectadas por las actividades en las llanuras aluviales y humedales, y a quienes estén interesados en la protección del medio ambiente natural, la oportunidad de expresar sus inquietudes y proporcionar información sobre estas áreas. Se anima a quienes comenten a proponer sitios alternativos fuera de la llanura aluvial y el humedal, métodos alternativos para lograr el mismo propósito del proyecto y métodos para minimizar y mitigar los impactos. En segundo lugar, un programa adecuado de avisos públicos puede ser una importante herramienta educativa. La difusión de información y la solicitud de comentarios públicos sobre llanuras aluviales y humedales pueden facilitar y fortalecer las iniciativas federales para reducir los riesgos e impactos asociados con la ocupación y modificación de estas áreas especiales. En tercer lugar, para mayor equidad, cuando el gobierno federal determine su participación en acciones que se lleven a cabo en llanuras aluviales y humedales, deberá informar a quienes puedan estar expuestos a un riesgo mayor o continuo.

Los comentarios por escrito deben recibirse en la Ciudad de Lockhart a más tardar el 27 de mayo de 2025 en la siguiente dirección: Ciudad de Lockhart, 308 W. San Antonio Street o P. O. Box 239, Lockhart, TX 78644, (512) 398-3461, Attn: Oficina del Alcalde. También puede consultar una descripción completa del proyecto de lunes a viernes de 8:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m. en la dirección mencionada anteriormente. Los comentarios también pueden enviarse por correo electrónico a jbowermon@lockhart-tx.org.

Fecha: 9 de mayo de 2025

May 7, 2025

Mental Health Awareness Month, the annexation of property at FM 1322, a zoning change, Food Pantry lease renewal, professional services agreement for a proposed residential/mixed use development, a tax abatement for senior housing project, gateway monument signage purchase agreement, request for qualifications for design services for the future recreation center, and scheduling of special council workshop regarding a visitor center were discussed at the May 6 City Council meeting.

Back row (L-R): Councilmember at-large Brad Westmoreland, District 1 Councilmember Juan Mendoza, District 4 Councilmember Jeffry Michelson, District 2 Councilmember John Castillo

Front row (L-R): Mayor Pro-Tem Angie Gonzales-Sanchez, Mayor Lew White, Councilmember District 3 John Lairsen

fgfg

Mental Health Awareness Month

The Mayor presented a proclamation to Samuel Marquez of Bluebonnet Trails Community Services recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month.

Public Hearing on Annexation of 85 Acres and Zoning Change

City Council approved Ordinance 2025- 03, annexing 85 acres located east of the intersection of FM 1322 and Centerpoint Rd., addressed as 2500 FM 1322. City Council also approved a zoning change application filed on behalf of Blackjack Block, LLC for the same property. The 85-acre property was previously zoned as an Agricultural-Open Space District. It is now zoned as a Residential Medium Density District. The applicant is planning to build approximately 360 DR Horton homes at this site.

Caldwell County Christian Ministries Lease Renewal

City Council approved the request from Caldwell County Christian Ministries (CCCM) to renew their lease for five years at 901 Bois D' Arc St., known as the Food Pantry, including land leased for the Community Garden.

Professional Services Agreement for Proposed Residential Development

City Council approved a professional services reimbursement agreement regarding a development agreement for a proposed master plan residential/mixed use development on approximately 966 acres located east of U.S. 183 near the intersection with SH 130. The agreement calls on Hillwood Enterprises to reimburse the City for expenses incurred for engineering, legal, and financial reviews.

Tax Abatement for Senior Housing Project
City Council passed Resolution 2025-13, requested by JES Dev Co and Maple Park Manor, LP for a partial City ad valorem tax abatement and proposed Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for the development of a senior housing project with 30 units located on 2.2 acres, near City Line Rd. and Clearfork St. As part of the agreement, the developer will fully construct Lincoln Lane from Clearfork to Maple St.

Gateway Monument Signage Purchase Agreement

City Council approved a purchase agreement with Mello Signs for the fabrication and installation of three community gateway monument signs. The signs will be placed at key entrances to Lockhart:

• Highway 183/SH-130 from the north
• Highway 142 from the west
• SH-130 from the south

Request for Qualifications for Future Recreation Center

City Council provided input and authorized the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for architectural services regarding the remodel of the newly acquired recreation center building.

Special Council Workshop Regarding a Visitor Center, Tourism Efforts

City Council approved scheduling a special Council workshop to discuss the visitor center and tourism efforts within the community. The special workshop will take place on Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m at City Council Chambers, 217 S. Main St., 3rd Floor.

Acquisition of Utility Easements

Following an executive session regarding the acquisition of multiple utility easements between S. Main St. and S. Commerce St., the Council returned into open session and authorized the City Manager and Right of Way agent to send final offers based on the appraised values of the easements. Further, the City Attorney was directed to prepare a resolution finding public convenience and necessity and authorizing eminent domain, if necessary. This matter will be placed on the May 20 Council agenda for consideration.

City Manager’s Report

2024 TxDOT Road Safety Data

New data gathered by TxDOT over the past three years shows the leading causes of traffic incidents in Caldwell County, including Lockhart:

• Impaired driving
• Speeding
• Intersection
• Motorcycle

To help decrease the number of crashes, TxDOT's Austin District has implemented a “STEP Grant” with Caldwell county to bring awareness and inform individuals of ways they can be safer on Texas roadways. Officers conducting STEP enforcement focus on the following violations:

•Driving While Intoxicated/Driving Under the Influence

•Failure to Use Occupant Restraint, including child-passenger safety seats

•Intersection Traffic Control

•Speed Enforcement /Control

Caldwell County Road Bond Project

The road bond package approved by voters in the November 2024 election consists of 22 projects, ranging from roadway design, corridor studies, low water crossing improvements, and road construction valued at $150 million. the bond proceeds are expected to be available in mid-June 2025. A Request for Proposals will be completed within 100 days after the funds become available.

Projects within the City of Lockhart include:

1. Corridor Study of SH 142 from SH 130 to U.S. 183
2. Realignment of the FM 20 intersections with US183 from S. Main to S. Medina St.
3. Design of improvements on SH 142 at SH 130 to Borchert Lane for a five-lane road section with continuous two-way left turn lane
4. Design and construction of City Line Rd. from W. San Antonio to Clearfork St as a three-lane roadway.

City staff is recommending that City Line Rd. take priority.

Rosenwald-Carver School Restoration Project

The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas and Jurisdiction hosted the first town hall regarding the restoration project on April 26. The Lockhart school is the last two-story Rosenwald-Carver School remaining in Texas. Carter Design Association completed a Condition Rehabilitation Report. The report found that some challenges in the restoration project include:

• An elevator to the second floor
• New mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) needed
• Meet Texas Historic Commission (THC) guidelines for restrooms
• Remnants of other historical buildings from Camp Swift on site
• $3 million grant from THC may not cover project expenses

Other future planning and organizational issues were identified, including:

1. How can the site (2.9 acres) be used to generate income to help maintain the building?
2. How can it complement uses at City Park?
3. Identify heritage tourism opportunities.
4. Identify local community partners and events.

Lone Star Logistics Ribbon Cutting

The new 14 million cubic foot facility, located at 1925 Silent Valley Rd., will house RealCold and will be used as a staging location for products coming through Gulf ports and across the border.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

The annual event will take place on Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at City Park, 504 E. City Park Rd. Used electronics will not be accepted. A full list of eligible items and instructions is available at Lockhart-TX.org. 

Current Lockhart residents will have the opportunity to rid their homes of unwanted cleaning products, batteries, cans of paint, and varnishes.

This year’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection event will be held from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. (noon) Saturday, June 7 at City Park, 504 E. City Park Rd. This free event is open to Lockhart residents only. Please bring a utility bill or other proof of Lockhart residency. This event will be held rain or shine.

Old electronics will not be accepted. Please take old electronics to the Lockhart Recycling Center, 110 S. Brazos St.

Eligible items for drop-off include:

• Cleaning products (drain cleaners, concentrates, degreasers, oven cleaners, solvents, polishers, pool chemicals)
• Household batteries
• Paints
• Varnishes

Non-eligible items include:

• 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
•  PCBs

Keep yourself and others safe:

• Bring products in their 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, like cat litter, to soak up leaks.
• If you don't know what it is, mark it "unknown."
• If possible, place materials in cardboard boxes.
• Place materials in areas away from drivers and passengers.

May 1, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:

Tatiana Salazar

tsalazar@lockhart-tx.org

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

(C) (512) 644-9600

City of Lockhart Acquires Property for Future Indoor Recreation Center

The City of Lockhart has marked its first significant step towards creating an indoor recreation center. On April 22, 2025, the City acquired the building located at 120 W. MLK Jr. Industrial Blvd. The building, a former movie theater, provides ample space and amenities for a recreation center.

The property measures 13,293 square feet, provides more than 100 parking spaces, and sits on 2.1 acres of land, allowing for possible expansion in the future. The indoor space could be retrofitted for large courts, for activities like basketball, pickleball, multipurpose rooms, and more. City staff have also recommended converting some of the indoor space into studios for group exercise classes, including spinning, yoga, Pilates, and stretching.

“Residents have made it clear that an indoor community space for exercise is needed,” said Travis Hughes, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We’ve listened and we’re proud to announce we’re putting this plan into action.”

An indoor recreation center was identified as a community priority in the City’s Lockhart Looking Forward Comprehensive Plan, as well as the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan.

The acquisition of this property will allow the City of Lockhart to provide an indoor recreation center to residents much sooner and at a lower cost than acquiring and developing a new site and constructing a new facility, which is estimated to have taken many years to accomplish. The City will continue to assess the long-term development of a future recreation center adjacent to the future aquatic center as the city grows and adapts to changing needs.

“Access to recreation and wellness has a vast impact on community health,” said Steve Lewis, Lockhart City Manager. “We look forward to engaging the community during the design process to gauge the preferred uses of the facility.”

The Lockhart City Council approved the purchase of $1.75 million during the March 18 Council meeting. The next steps include finalizing renovation plans. Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.

###