[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6652314,"mediaKeyId","2494157-17b9a52af4f95716b4a9abaedb716b4b","parentId",2494157,"title","Council, staff weigh risks of proposed Everly PID as developer seeks flexibility on bond rules","audioSeconds",3603,"startMs",2509000,"endMs",6112000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494157-17b9a52af4f95716b4a9abaedb716b4b&start=2509&end=6112","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494157-17b9a52af4f95716b4a9abaedb716b4b/thumbnail_2509000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6652314/Lockhart-City/Caldwell-County/Texas/Council-staff-weigh-risks-of-proposed-Everly-PID-as-developer-seeks-flexibility-on-bond-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652314-42cc9f5b68a92a77ebcecff58645ddc5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169520&Signature=Rht9aTriuANSYwO1ZluhcvE~hPxYq90MtdQoAZayO4XKX49gZ4RRjvQwiLvbmVZqrMAcPvhOJ3cqxvX0COlkH9txHwE18jWZ0eKqvBsN6Dw09NKguD2DbmoVIdECj5jUzU5SEHLJ9u48fDKo3EY~F2r3hRc9ebh-NHemlOoTLwrxXaKfT7O8EOziRJ03xAEQySGlIqW7ZdKncH83Yut4ZEGUhtid3lyWoOWwAQpJ~sDeZ7P1R-5LqeR64OIIWHi8iC1T0IqltCc5AxETmHte7Ede6HFU8dg5QtDXiJx0o8BWHDM7CdzxEEt3JtxWFnz2NIGKf0ovmeH69mFOMNIIQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lockhart","date","2025-03-04T00:00:00Z","article","Lockhart planning staff, the developer and council spent an extended portion of the March 11 meeting discussing the proposed Everly development agreement and a companion public improvement district (PID) for roughly 160 acres in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction west of State Highway 130.

Planning Director David Fowler described the project as a three‑phase, single‑family residential neighborhood of about 535 lots that would be annexed into the city and served by two proposed entrances on Borchardt Loop. The plan proposes 17 acres of public parkland (including restroom and trail improvements) but staff said more than half of that dedication lies in mapped floodplain and therefore the developer proposed to pay a 1.74‑acre fee in lieu for the portion the city cannot accept as usable parkland.

Fowler told council the project includes 14 acres of private, HOA‑maintained open space and an amenity center. Utilities would extend to the site with water tie‑ins and a forced main for wastewater; the developer would dedicate the completed utility extensions to the city. A planned connection to Maple Street was not included because the southern property and Maple Street lie in a FEMA floodplain; the applicant said connecting there would be a public‑safety and engineering issue unless county improvements were made.

The central policy issue discussed at length was the city’s PID value‑to‑lien (VTL) policy, which requires an appraised improved value of at least three times the proposed bond lien at each bond issuance. Fowler and staff said the Everly PID model as presented showed initial VTL figures of about 2.18 to 2.25 — below the city’s 3:1 threshold — and that the developer’s proposed “holdback” remedy would not, in staff’s view, satisfy the city policy and could set an unwanted precedent. Fowler read advice from bond professionals saying that waiving the 3:1 requirement creates financial risk for PID homeowners and the city; he said cities that hold firm to the policy typically see developers adjust models to meet the standard.

The developer, represented by Tara Hatley of Masonwood Development, described the project’s lot mix (a majority of 50‑foot lots with some 60‑ and 65‑foot lots) and the project’s marketing plan; Hatley said builders under discussion include Chesmar Homes and David Weekley Homes and described mid‑market price points. Vanessa Stowe, the developer’s PID consultant, detailed how a holdback approach would work in practice: issuing a larger gross bond amount but withholding a portion of net bond proceeds until additional home construction is complete so the required VTL is achieved over time. She advised council to confirm details with the city’s PID administrator, bond counsel and financial advisor and said the holdback method is used in some jurisdictions.

Staff cautioned that the holdback approach would likely require Texas attorney general preclearance and that approving a deviation from the city’s VTL policy would create precedent. Fowler summarized staff conclusions: the project provides some desirable elements (on‑site parks and HOA amenities) but lacks commercial uses and some binding, higher‑standard design commitments in the current draft development agreement. He recommended that any promised enhancements — architecture, landscaping, lighting and other standards — be codified in the development agreement rather than left to nonbinding materials.

Council members expressed particular concern about access and emergency egress: the plan currently proposes only two connections to Borchardt Loop separated by roughly 600 feet, which several members said was a potential safety bottleneck for 535 units. County officials told the applicant that broader Borchardt Loop improvements were funded in county bonds and may extend across Orchard/Orchard Loop, which the developer said could change the access picture if the county completes those upgrades. Council did not take formal action on the item; staff and the developer were directed to continue refining the development agreement, provide binding language for enhanced standards and seek additional information about roadway and financing options.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lockhart - Lockhart City Council - Mar 04, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Lockhart planning staff, the developer and council spent an extended portion of the March 11 meeting discussing the proposed Everly development agreement and a companion public improvement district (PID) for roughly 160 acres in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction west of State Highway 130.","taxTitle","Lockhart City , Caldwell County , Texas","taxId",60953,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652319,"Council approves purchase of Weiss quick‑attack brush truck to bolster wildfire response",6775,1810000,8585000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494157-17b9a52af4f95716b4a9abaedb716b4b&start=1810&end=8585","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494157-17b9a52af4f95716b4a9abaedb716b4b/thumbnail_1810000.jpg","/articles/6652319/Lockhart-City/Caldwell-County/Texas/Council-approves-purchase-of-Weiss-quickattack-brush-truck-to-bolster-wildfire-response","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652319-284f637895752e54629a0b64688a8e5e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169520&Signature=ArLNVz2luOmKBw4Ai-moFrZs~KubyVje3MQz7XAIqLkK-2ilTsshyI4zC-MRTTrsFgBhbIN0J2Crng3x8fMz2RGSK0kukKZRfy-I4pkTqZof7S4kJynYPG6GWbD970dTNvj52Gny~GQb0T7RVvWzPnvSn608KDTqlE5bQnZQF~bAac0L1h3PdQzGNtXEuPjH3wGPshi~tH~HDQtxwLPNhhYUTBd-nPVhrVUs6iUXv0N~7WE~OW~YSIwWXjxOzih6HwdzewT85R21CphRwCYissMvaPRngthn~AGbOzZGa7aVlO3nisvHIpFugoPP8ZDhBwW383zbCvD9zd0KL0vA9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lockhart Fire Chief Randy Jenkins told the City Council March 11 that the department needs a second wildland quick‑attack apparatus to respond to increasing wildfire activity at the city’s wildland‑urban interface, and council voted to approve the purchase during the regular meeting.

Jenkins said Central Texas experienced a heavy wildfire season in 2023 and Lockhart Fire Rescue responded to about 21 wildland incidents that year, including the 228‑acre Boggy Creek Fire and the 150‑acre Barth Fire. “The goal was to replace the quick attack fire apparatus into service of fire station 2 with the ladder truck,” Jenkins said, adding that the city’s brush‑type apparatus must be mobile and capable of “pump and roll” operation for wildland incidents.

The recommended Weiss quick‑attack apparatus, built on a 2025 Ford F‑550 chassis by Weiss Fire and Safety Equipment in Salina, Kansas, includes a rear pump, a 400‑gallon water tank and foam capability and carries a quoted price of $291,965. The department recommended funding with $275,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars allocated by memorandum of understanding and $16,965 from the city’s general fund. Delivery was estimated at roughly 18 months after order; the manufacturer will complete final specifications at its plant and department personnel would drive the finished apparatus back to Lockhart.

Jenkins told council the vehicle would be built to meet or exceed NFPA 1900 standards for wildland apparatus. He also displayed maps and photos to show frequent wildland calls near road corridors and in growing subdivisions, and described how modest fire breaks and cleared corridors had stopped some incidents from reaching homes.

The purchase was placed on the regular meeting agenda after the work session presentation. Council voted 7‑0 to approve the purchase (motion moved by Councilman Michaelson and seconded by Councilman Mendoza). Jenkins said the additional apparatus would increase the city’s capacity for wildland response and provide redundancy when other units are out of service.","Lockhart Fire Chief Randy Jenkins described rising wildland calls and recommended buying a Weiss quick‑attack apparatus. Council later approved the $291,965 purchase to be funded primarily by ARPA with a small general‑fund share.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652324,"Lockhart staff outline wayfinding signs, two‑phase aquatics plan and new online pavilion rates",1216,82000,1298000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494157-17b9a52af4f95716b4a9abaedb716b4b&start=82&end=1298","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494157-17b9a52af4f95716b4a9abaedb716b4b/thumbnail_82000.jpg","/articles/6652324/Lockhart-City/Caldwell-County/Texas/Lockhart-staff-outline-wayfinding-signs-twophase-aquatics-plan-and-new-online-pavilion-rates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652324-e62f6dfc638c037b6e99ef6813166e77/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169520&Signature=LOtdpwo9~t5qkjZlvR~cQp3n0NIJk9laodSz0gGgHXUqNsyb0AOuVcFn1AZJpENogkl8lFYAxxoOW4zOqBF4xUKULDwho8GymNLWP4Z1MvqGxWpTVS0Idtn0pWMSXBnxjaYyj2T~YJpsNLXP9norehPfVx5JgnRxpxs3n9npT3rJd9QZWHUhU6aThNESAYP~AoVRKP9JUwD16ca~9t3TwyGH5yA1zswSIvsFe4UBi~tza72nfvRnuHstj~EvpMXipDWpiaVIqt5xYiyJJCg8-GcOgFRWTAeARL3fP2rsdI1YeR2CzAIW~yVo6Ad-AbkpzZYFB8KBMKd0t4~WlJw15w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parks and Recreation Director Travis Hughes told the Lockhart City Council on March 11 that the department is moving forward on multiple capital projects including three new gateway monument signs, a two‑phase aquatics facility and renovations to Lions Park while transitioning pavilion rentals to an online, hourly system.

The updates matter because the aquatics project is already supported by a $750,000 grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the city plans to apply this summer for another $750,000; officials said phasing the pool work makes the project eligible for additional grant opportunities and spreads matching costs across fiscal years.

Hughes said the wayfinding program originally included four monument signs along Highway 130 but one location near U.S. 183 did not fit the proposed sign dimensions and has been set aside for a later phase. “We’ve already developed an RFP for competitive sealed bids to select the fabricator and installer. We’re still awaiting final approval from TxDOT for the proposed designs,” Hughes said, adding staff have worked with Diana Schultz, the TxDOT area manager, and expect a determination soon. Councilmember questions established that the city budget contains a fixed parks capital amount and that staff had expected roughly $140,000 to be available for sign work in the current cycle.

On the aquatics facility, Hughes said the city received a $750,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife grant for the first phase and will apply for a second $750,000 award this summer for phase two. The city has issued an RFQ to select a design firm; Hughes said 15 firms attended the pre‑submittal meeting and submittals are due in the coming week, with the final selection scheduled for March 28. The planned site will be leased from the school district under an interlocal agreement; staff are completing a land survey and appraisal so the metes‑and‑bounds can be included in that agreement. Hughes said about nine acres are available at the site and the intention is to use roughly half for the aquatics facility and reserve the remainder for a future recreation center.

Hughes also reviewed Lions Park concepts, which staff estimated at about $3,000,000 to complete and recommended be done in two phases so the city could pursue the same state grant programs. The first phase would focus on infrastructure—new parking, trail connections that cross the creek, a permanent water feature and upgraded restrooms—while later phases would add amenities such as a multipurpose court or fitness stations depending on council priorities and funding.

Hughes said staff have begun outreach to potential sponsors. “We did reach out to H‑E‑B and didn’t get much response,” he said, and added St. David’s Foundation grants currently open to the city are focused on health care and wellness rather than recreation. Council members asked staff to continue pursuing sponsorships and partners, and requested a follow‑up that lists priority projects, anticipated funding sources and a timeline to inform the upcoming budget cycle.

Separately, staff described planned changes to park rental operations. Pavilion reservations will move to an online platform and the fee structure will convert from a daily rate to hourly blocks to work with the booking system. Under the draft schedule staff showed, the main pavilion would convert from a $95 daily fee to an example $20‑per‑hour rate with a five‑hour minimum (about $100), while special event permits that close an entire park would remain at the higher rates used for large events. Pool rentals were proposed as $75 per hour for a two‑hour block ($150 total) to align with current maximum party fees; Hughes said the city will continue its practice of requiring at least three lifeguards for rented pool events (and typically staffs four) and will retain a damage deposit that is forfeited if groups leave facilities unclean.

Council members pressed staff about operational issues raised by residents during last summer’s season—overflowing trash cans and unclear on‑call coverage—and Hughes said the parks maintenance crew now has a scheduled rotation for after‑hours and weekend responsibilities. The next formal step on rental rates is to bring a resolution forward on the regular council agenda for consideration.

The council asked staff to return with budget guidance and a prioritized timeline for the programs discussed, including the aquatics grant match requirements and any potential sponsorship arrangements. No formal votes on capital project spending were taken during the work session; staff said items requiring council approval will appear on the regular meeting agenda.","Parks Director Travis Hughes updated the City Council on three gateway monument signs awaiting TxDOT approval, a two‑phase aquatics facility backed by a $750,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife grant and a planned move to online hourly pavilion rentals. Council asked for budget guidance and a formal resolution to adopt new fees.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652311,"Council approves 50‑unit single‑family rental PDD on City Line Road; developer says rents will be about $2,000",1656,6765000,8421000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494157-17b9a52af4f95716b4a9abaedb716b4b&start=6765&end=8421","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494157-17b9a52af4f95716b4a9abaedb716b4b/thumbnail_6765000.jpg","/articles/6652311/Lockhart-City/Caldwell-County/Texas/Council-approves-50unit-singlefamily-rental-PDD-on-City-Line-Road-developer-says-rents-will-be-about-2000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652311-6df6ef51f043020051f30af08517325b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169520&Signature=fva5kP6rpjLZJ4jMKOVdK7uGQipfxt78OgW9bQlwZ0~0RarBAQJM3uXpVOpFZudEC7tNDVNni-y1PiDsHebBDUV-hJFCXFQl6CGvmQsuCeCot~qhBR3tcmrmH7aUKcOseP2EEF-jdY0BAy8G637068GhJvqQduEhj1GyWuqdzOgks-fHlD1scrUW3Ndu5GHd31pZWfMgSoJIewBp7rXvzgRtgEq-7Wti~TG33omSyPZDX-mdyFjsHwv9HkYMDM8NWZV6CMlgm6dmUwFskOJbW2BOiWdYACNb1rfyadZSHxuZKGvs3NWt1gHmrAyuD9UmX~l7zrdLvrA1h3xXiwlumg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lockhart City Council voted 7‑0 on March 11 to rezone roughly 23.395 acres at 711 City Line Road from one planned development district to a new planned development district to allow a single‑family rental community by developer ZK1.

Planning Director David Fowler said the project, presented by Michelle Houseman of Land Use Solutions for the applicant, is consistent with the City Line District in the comprehensive plan. The PDD allows an attached single‑family rental product with a maximum of 50 single‑story units and building and site standards described in the PDD document: each unit is planned as two bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a two‑car garage and two driveway spaces; the project requires sidewalks along the three abutting streets and includes a pool and amenity center.

“Each building will have a two‑car garage and two driveway parking spaces plus an additional 20 percent of total units as visitor parking,” Fowler said. The development plan calls for internal private drives with sidewalks and trees, perimeter fencing along public streets and a mix of landscaped common areas; buildings are set back from streets and provide shared green space behind rows of units rather than private fenced backyards.

Applicant Michelle Houseman said the product is intended primarily for empty‑nesters and young professionals and cited the developer’s national experience. When asked about rents, the applicant said market studies and the developer’s analysis indicate rents would be “plus or minus $2,000 per month.” Houseman said the developer is in discussions with builders and that the project would be managed and maintained by the owner with on‑site management during regular business hours.

At the Planning and Zoning Commission some commissioners expressed concern that the project lacks a child‑oriented playground and that buildings back to back without rear fences might limit how residents use the rear common areas. The applicant said the PDD exceeds the city’s minimum open‑space requirements and would include a pool and other amenities; staff and the commission recommended approval. After a public hearing at the March 11 meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Gonzales Sanchez moved to approve and Councilman Michaelson seconded; the council approved the ordinance adopting the PDD by a 7‑0 vote.","The council approved a planned‑development district to allow a single‑story, single‑family rental community of up to 50 units at 711 City Line Road. The developer said units will be two‑bedroom, two‑bath with two‑car garages and estimated rents “plus or minus $2,000 per month.”","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council, staff weigh risks of proposed Everly PID as developer seeks flexibility on bond rules

Council approves purchase of Weiss quick‑attack brush truck to bolster wildfire response

Lockhart staff outline wayfinding signs, two‑phase aquatics plan and new online pavilion rates

Council approves 50‑unit single‑family rental PDD on City Line Road; developer says rents will be about $2,000