City of Lockhart: City Council Recap

May 19, 2026

City Council Members: 

Lew White – Mayor, Brad Westmoreland – At-Large, Taylor Burge – At-Large, Juan Mendoza – District 1, Venessa M. Gutierrez – District 2, John Lairsen District 3, Jeffry Michelson- District 4.

Industrial Park No. 3 Monument Sign Easement

     Council approved a resolution to accept the donation of a sign easement from The Ziegenfelder Company for the installation and maintenance of a monument sign within Lockhart Industrial Park No. 3 to improve visibility, tenant recognition, and wayfinding within the industrial park.

Solid Waste Contract 

Extended Through July 2026

     Council approved a two-month extension of the City’s current solid waste services agreement with Republic Services through July 31, 2026. The extension will allow uninterrupted solid waste and recycling services while the City continues negotiations on a new long-term agreement.

Airport Hangar Impact Fee 

Waiver Request

    Council denied a request from Lockhart Municipal Airport One, LLC for a waiver of approximately $10,354 in water and wastewater impact fees associated with construction of a new 10,000-square-foot aircraft hangar on leased property at the Lockhart Municipal Airport.

Seawillow Water Service Area Transfer Amendment Approved

     Council approved the First Amendment to the Water Service Area Transfer Agreement between the City of Lockhart and Aqua Water Supply Corporation for approximately 588.553 acres associated with the Seawillow Subdivision development.

     The amendment updates the agreement to allow transfer of the Seawillow development from Aqua Water Supply Corporation’s water service area to the City of Lockhart through phased Public Utility Commission filings tied to future annexation and subdivision development.

Water Well Study 

Proposal

     Council approved a proposal from TRC Engineers for a comprehensive water well study in an amount not to exceed $199,190. The study will assist the City in evaluating groundwater production capacity, existing well performance, and long-term water supply planning needs. The analysis will help inform future decisions related to system reliability, water infrastructure investments, and planning for continued residential and commercial growth within the community. 

Mid-Year Budget Amendments

     Council approved mid-year amendments to the City of Lockhart’s Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, including:

•$39,973 transferred from the Transportation and Drainage Funds to the General Fund for the Transportation and Drainage Fee Study.

•$199,190 transferred from the Water Impact Fee Fund to the Water Fund for the City’s Water Well Study.

•$75,000 transferred from the EMS Fund to the General Fund to reimburse prior General Fund transfers made to support EMS operations before the transition to ESD No. 5.

Surplus Assets 

Authorized for Disposal

Council authorized the disposal of six aging surplus vehicles and pieces of equipment ranging from model years 1985 to 2001 that have reached the end of their useful service life due to age, condition, maintenance costs, or replacement by newer equipment. Assets approved for disposal included two rear loader sanitation trucks, a fire truck, a Pro Patch truck, a police truck, and a bucket truck. The vehicles and equipment may be disposed of through auction, trade-in, salvage, or other approved methods in accordance with the City’s asset disposal policy. 

     Nonresidential Landscaping and Development Standards Updated

City Council held a public hearing and approved an ordinance amending portions of the City’s zoning regulations related to nonresidential appearance standards and landscaping requirements. The ordinance reduces the number of required bonus features for qualifying developments and establishes new nonresidential landscaping plan requirements, including updates within the Entrance Corridor Overlay District (ECOD). The amendments are intended to provide additional flexibility for commercial development while maintaining landscaping quality and corridor appearance standards along key entryways into the community.

City Manager’s Report

•Update on SH 142 Resurfacing and Mockingbird Lane Signal Improvements

     The SH 142 resurfacing and Mockingbird Lane signal improvement project is scheduled to begin by June 1 and is expected to take approximately 80 working days to complete. The project will include roadway widening to accommodate center turn lanes, installation of a permanent traffic signal with mast arms, and paving and overlay improvements along West San Antonio Street from Borchert Drive to Church Street.

Caldwell County Tire Drop-off Event

     The Caldwell County Tire Drop-Off Event is scheduled for Saturday, May 30. Residents will be able to dispose of unwanted tires free of charge from 8:00 a.m. to noon or until containers are full.

    Tires may be dropped off at 423 San Marcos Highway in Luling or at the county’s Unit Road Office Site at 1700 FM 2720 in Lockhart.

Caldwell County Small Business Summit

      The inaugural Caldwell County Small Business Summit hosted by the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce and the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation was held on May 6. The event brought together local business owners and community leaders for presentations, networking opportunities, and resources focused on supporting small business growth throughout the region.

ATTENTION: This is a recap of the highlights of action taken at the May 19, 2026 Council meeting. The complete agenda can be found by visiting: City of Lockhart, TX (lockhart-tx.org).