The next steps

Friends,

The next steps in an attempt to have Salado's section of I-35 completed by December, 2015, is to write the leadership of James Construction Group/Primoris.  They are:

Matthew Milliet

Senior Contract Administrator

mmilliet@jcgllc.com

Rodney James

Vice President

rjames@jcgllc.com

Michael Killgore, P.E.

Senior Vice President

mkillgore@prim.com

James Construction Group

5880 W. Hwy. 190

Belton, TX   76513

State and Federal Representatives will be CC'd on the letters.  They will also receive individual letters.  

2.  Respectfully request State Representative, the Honorable Jimmy Don Aycock, make an appointment with the Senior TXDOT Representative, Austin, as soon a the Legislature Session is over.  

3.  Continue working with the District Engineers, Waco and Georgetown.  

Progress is being made, but it is painfully slow.  We will not give up or give in.  Salado has suffered enough.  

VR/Skip

The Candidates' Forum -- Excellent

Friends,

Last evening, Monday, 27 April,  the Candidates for School Board and Aldermen were given the opportunity to answer questions concerning their views on subjects of high interest.  The questions were hard and at times controversial.  However, without exception, the answers given were mature, balanced, and sincere.

After the Forum, one could hear citizens saying, "this is going to be a difficult decision.  They are all superior candidates."  And, they were.

Noah Webster, known as the "Father of American Scholarship and Education," and author of the famous Webster's Dictionary, stated:

"In selecting men[women] for office, let principle be your guide.  Regard not the particular sect [party] of the candidate -- look to his [her] character."

There are many, many important decisions that will be made in the next 5 years.  They are all important -- very important.  Choose wisely because your immediate future will be in their hands.

Please do not go to the polls blindly.  Know the candidates and their positions on a variety of subjects.  The Forum gave the opportunity to answer questions without script, without preparation -- they had to be answered from the beliefs and character of the person.

In the end, principle and character were at the center.

Seven men and woman -- 5 positions.  Your choice will not be easy.  Vote wisely.

Vote and encourage others to vote, too.  Salado is calling -- and it is your time to answer the phone.

VR/Skip

Saturday in the Village -- a view from the shop owners

Friends,

     Visiting the shops and talking to the owners Saturday was interesting.  The following is a snapshot of their remarks:

1.  All but a few had at least two good months in the last quarter (Jan-Mar)

2.  All felt the cool, wet late winter, early spring weather had an impact on sales

3.  Construction was still the #1 reason for the business being off

4.  The events of the weekend did not bring in the customers that they had expected

5.  Approximately 80% felt the year was going to improve and be better

6.  There was "curiosity" about Horsefeathers, Sanctuary, and Stagecoach but not "show-stopping" concern or panic

7.  They are all very appreciative of Salado citizens shopping with them

   Overall, the shop owners were positive and looking forward to the summer, fall, and Christmas season.

Please meet Cheyenne and Levi who were having a few pictures taken in the Gazebo last Saturday.  Obviously, they are strongly considering marriage.  Both are also considering a career in the Coast Guard.  We are proud of you!

The nicest people are in Salado. 

VR/Skip  

What about Sanctuary? Truth are Fiction?

Friends,

      A frequently asked question, "Is Sanctuary going to happen?"

      Answer:  "Yes."  With or without the Village, Sanctuary is going to happen.

      What is planned?

      Answer:  The best answer is that it is evolving.

      Will the Village have much say in what Sanctuary builds?
   
      Answer:  Difficult to answer because there are two replies, "Yes and No."  As long as there is frequent and open communication, the Village will have a say.  If the Village shuts-down and ends all communication pretending/hoping it is not going to happen, we will have some say, but not much.

       What does that mean?

       Answer:  They are not in our city limits which limits what the Village can and cannot do.  For instance, they can establish a MUD.

       What is a MUD?

A Municipal Utility District (MUD) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas authorized by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to provide water, sewage, drainage and other services within the MUD boundaries.

       How is it created?

A majority of property owners in the proposed district petitions the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality to create a MUD. The TCEQ evaluates the petition, holds a public hearing, and grants or denies the petition. After approval, the TCEQ appoints five temporary members to the MUD's Board of Directors, until an election is called to elect permanent Board members, to confirm the MUD's creation, and to authorize bonds and taxing authority for bond repayment.

         How does the MUD work?

The publically elected Board of Directors manages and controls all of the affairs of the MUD subject to the continuing supervision of the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality. The Board establishes policies in the interest of its residents and utility customers. A MUD may adopt and enforce all necessary charges, fees and taxes in order to provide district facilities and service.

        Do residents and commercial businesses pay property taxes?

MUD tax rates, like all property tax rates, vary according to property values and debt requirements. Property taxes do not come to the Village.  They remain in the District.

         Does a MUD recreational amenities?

In addition to their common functions of water and wastewater service, MUDs are legally empowered to engage in conservation, irrigation, electrical generation, firefighting, solid waste collection and disposal, and recreational activities (such as parks, swimming pools, and sports courts). A MUD can provide for itself the recreational amenities that are approved by the Board of Directors and funded by the District.

         Do developers have authority over MUDS?

Developers must petition the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality to create a MUD. Developers are prohibited from serving or placing employees, business associates, or family members on the MUD Board of Directors. Developers must pay for or put up a letter of credit equal to 30% of the cost of subdivision utilities. This requirement ensures against "fly-by-night operators" who are not committed to the success of the MUD. The "30% rule" also offers protection to MUD residents in the event that a subdivision is not built according to schedule. Unless they are voting residents within a MUD, developers have no authority or control over the MUD's Board of Directors. If they are voting members of a district, they have the same power to vote and attend Board meetings as any other resident.

        What does all this mean?

If there is no communication, no agreements to work together, no effort on the part of the Village and the owners/developers of Sanctuary, there will be two separate communities:  The Village of Salado and the Municipal Utility District of Sanctuary.  

        So?

Do you really want that to happen?  Think about the long range consequences of the Village having no say in Sanctuary's plans not to mention no tax revenue.  Some of Salado's southern growth will end at College Hill.  Killeen is coming from the West, Belton from the North, Temple from the East -- Salado will be surrounded.  Not a scare tactic -- look at the map and see for yourself.  You will elect your Board of Aldermen.  The District will elect their Board of Directors.  Each will work on behalf of their own Village or District.  They have their own "governments."  They can meet in the middle or go in opposite directions.

       When will the Village know everything?

As quickly and as prudent as possible.  Like any negotiation, nothing is permanent until a signed agreement is reached.  The Board of Aldermen must vote on any agreement.  Good guidance, (1) Talk to your Aldermen/Lady.  They are involved in the negotiations.  (2)  Attend the Board of Aldermen meetings and workshops.  They are long but necessary.  The issues are many.  (3) As much as possible, be positive and know that your elected officials love this Village as much as you.  We all have hopes, dreams, and financial investments just like you.  We want the very best for all.  

Please come to an evening with the Mayor.  There will be four distinct evenings :  (1) Citizens (2) Business owners, (3) the Leaders of the Service Groups and Religious institutions and (4) new residents to Salado.

The intention was to have one in April, however, it might be considered as the Mayor's attempt to influence the election.  Therefore, the first will be after the election but before the end of May.  The meetings will be open so that any Aldermen/Lady may attend, however, this is a discussion between the Mayor and the Village.  

As Henry Ford often said:

Coming together is a 

Beginning

Keeping together is

Progress

Working together is

Success

Please tell others about this Blog; it will keep you as informed as possible.  There is also a Skip Blancett Facebook Page that is composed of pictures and highlights.   The Village Voice is a good source, also.  Tim does much research before writing a factual story.  

VR/Skip

   


   

   

This weekend in Salado

Friends,

Please take the time to read about the candidates in the Village Voice.  They are interesting as well as informative.  Next week, their answers to the Sewer, Roads, and Annexation will give you insight.  Monday, 6 P.M., the Forum where the candidates will speak publicly in the Civic Center, will let you see them in action.  Please take the time to attend.

These weekend features many, many events.  There is Immerse and Emerge featuring local artists in shops from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.  Also the 2015 Taste of Salado will feature sampling of local culinary flavors along with the diverse work of local artists featured in the Live and Silent Art Auction to benefit the Public Arts league of Salado.

Also the Salado Education Arts golf tournament will begin.  If you are a golfer, a great way to spend a weekend.

The Heart Association is also doing their benefit.

Lots of opportunities to support our local artists, organizations, and make a difference.

Most important, support our shops.  The unusual wet Spring has been refreshing, however, it has hurt business.  if you need a special gift, "shop Salado first."  Temple, Belton, and Killeen do not need your money.  They have plenty.

14 April meeting with TXDOT

Friends,

The following items were discussed in the 14 April meeting with Waco TXDOT:

(1)  The construction ending August, 2016, that is unacceptable.

       If James and PSC construction will dedicate the workmen, Construction can end earlier than August.  TXDOT will work to make this happen.  March, 2016 is a realistic goal, and, if other ways can be found to shorten the construction period, it will be done.  That is a huge "IF" on the part of the Construction Companies.  TXDOT wants it over.

(2)  Is curbs and guttering a possibility?

     Yes, that is being studied.  TXDOT needs to know what is Salado's vision -- curbs and guttering, walking paths, bike paths, etc.  One of the problems with curbs and gutters is a way to drain the water.  Salado has no drain pipes.  Ditches look terrible and is not an option.  TXDOT will look at all the feasible options and make recommendations.  If a recommendation is acceptable, it needs to be done before construction is completed.

(3)  Currently a study is being done as to the feasibility of joining the Temple/Belton Water Treatment Plant.  If the Village finds it feasible to ask Belton and Temple if they can join the Temple/Belton Water Treatment Plant, can the Village use TXDOT's right of way to run sewer pipe down the east side of I-35 to join with Belton's sewer pipe to the Water Treatment Plant

    Yes.  The Village's engineer will have to work with TXDOT and Belton engineers.  Digging, laying the pipe, and the cost of the pipe and connections will be at the expense of the respective cities.

(4)  When the Salado Plaza overpass is re-built, will TXDOT allow and help the Village run a sewer pipe under the overpass for the west side?

    Yes, however, the city will have to pay for the sewer pipe and connections  This will have to be done during the construction of the new overpass not afterwards.

(5)  Main Street does not belong to the Village as it is a state road and cannot be blocked without state permission.  When accidents occur or the lanes are closed, semi-trucks and cars come down Main Street causing a serious safety concern.  In such cases, can Main Street be blocked?

    Yes.  However, your Police are responsible.  The cars and trucks are to use the frontage road and should be directed by the Police to do so.  Private citizens should not be blocking the road.

    Also, if TXDOT knows of special Salado events in advance, you can request permission to close the road.  The chances are favorable that it will be approved.  However, this should be done at least t months in advance.

(6)  The Aldermen/Lady have considered accepting Main Street from the State.  If that was to happen will TXDOT keep the bridge?

    If the Village takes Main Street, TXDOT would be happy.  However, with Main Street comes the Bridge.  If you decide to take Main Street and something happens to the Bridge, the Federal Government will assist in re-building the bridge, however, getting the financial resources will take time. If TXDOT keeps Main Street and something happens to the bridge, TXDOT must immediately bring together all the available resources to open the bridge as soon as possible.  There can be no delay.  We will also maintain Main Street at no cost to the Village.

(7)  If I-35 construction continues to drag on and there is limited progress, the Village is going to ask for a meeting with the State's Senior TXDOT Official.  Also, since there is Federal money being used in the construction, the Village will ask for assistance from Senator Cornyn, Judge Carter, and our State Representatives.  How would you feel about that?

    As Mayor of Salado, you should do everything in your power to ease the burden on the citizens of Salado.  However, please give us 60 days before you take your next step.

(8)  If Construction Companies do not meet their completion deadlines, can they be fined?

    Yes, but the Village will not get money.  If money is collected, it will go the State; not the Village.

This was not a short meeting.  Each one of the above questions was discussed in detail.  It was a good meeting.  In 60 days, if there is not considerable progress, an appointment will be made with the Senior TXDOT Representative.  A group of citizens will accompany the Mayor.  Letters are also being prepared for our Federal and State Representatives as well as to the Presidents of PSC and James Construction.  The plan is in motion.

VR/Skip

Sooner or later, everyone is going to need this information

Friends,
Friends     

      One of the treasures of our village is the Salado Cemetery, a Historic Texas Cemetery.  This week, Dr. Steven Ervin, President, published their annual newsletter.  It is an excellent source of information and future events to include the Memorial Day Service.  Please take the time to read it.

 

Annual Newsletter                                                                         April  2015

President’s Message

     In last year’s newsletter I mentioned the importance of being designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery.  With that responsibility comes the challenge of caring for our historic treasure. 

Funding is a key component in operating, maintaining and improving the cemetery.  It comes from gifts and the sale of gravesites.  The Cemetery Association is a nonprofit organization recognized by the State of Texas to fund the operating costs and establish a trust fund for the perpetual care of the cemetery.   Your support is greatly appreciated to fulfil this responsibility. 

     Another responsibility we have is enforcing Texas cemetery laws.  This responsibility belongs to local law enforcement with the help of its citizens.   When driving by the cemetery after dark or walking its paths, if you are aware of vandalism or desecration, contact the local police department.  They do patrol the cemetery after dark.  State laws exist to protect cemeteries from vandalism, theft and desecration.  Please join me and the Cemetery Association in our continued stewardship of the Salado Cemetery.

                                                                        Steven Ervin, President

Salado Cemetery Maintenance

     Our cemetery currently provides for general maintenance, such as mowing and trimming the grass and repair of the road ways as needed.  Normally, the spring season is when the  mowing begins each year with emphasis on protecting the wildflowers growing through-out the cemetery.  With the lack of rain during the summer, fall and winter months, it is difficult to set a regular mowing time.  The mowing is done on an as-needed basis.

     We all want the cemetery to look its best year-round, since it is a source of pride to our community and is a Texas Historic Cemetery.   However, we do not receive specific funds for the necessary maintenance.  The only source of revenue is from the sale of grave sites and donations.

     If you would like to have specialized care for your family grave site, such as weed control or additional mowing and trimming, you may contact one of the following:  Ace Pest and Lawn Control, (254) 947-4222 or Bartlett Lawn Service, (254) 527-4208.  Please understand that any extra maintenance that you request will be at your expense.

Plastic Pipes Beside Veterans’ Headstones

Have you noticed the plastic pipes in the ground by headstones of veterans?  The pipes are used for holding flags for Memorial Day.  They sometimes get pulled out and are cracked by mowers.  The Cemetery Association replaces the missing or broken pipes each year when placing flags on the graves.  This year, flags will be placed by headstones on Friday, May 22 in preparation for the Memorial Day Service.  The weekend before Memorial Day is a good time for families to spruce up the graves sites.

Memorial Day Service, Monday, May 25th

     The Salado Cemetery Association will host the annual Memorial Day Service at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 25^th  at the Historic Salado Cemetery on Baines St.   Everyone is invited to honor our veterans on this special day and pay tribute to their service to our country.

     The purpose of the Memorial Day ceremony is to remember the veterans buried not just in Salado Cemetery but in all of the Salado-area cemeteries, including family and church cemeteries, by a roll call of their names.  All 432 veterans buried in the cemetery will have flags placed on their graves.  The veterans are from the Texas Revolutionary War, Early Day Rangers, Home Guard, Indian Wars, Mexican War, Confederate and Union Armies, WWI and II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and from peace time service.

     The Memorial Day ceremony will consist of:  the Bell County Sherriff’s Posse presenting the colors;  honors to each of the armed services;  a Commemorative Air Force fly-over; and a brass ensemble lead by Clayton Capps playing music for the program.  Keifer Marshall, as WW II veteran, is scheduled to give Memorial Day remarks.  LTC (Ret) Stephen Peters, Cemetery Board Treasurer, will read the roll call of veterans’ names this year.  Taps will be played at the conclusion of the ceremony.

     Light refreshments will be served following the closing of the Memorial Day ceremony.  Seating will be provided by the Village of Salado, but the number of seats is limited, guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, also umbrellas, as tradition has it, the event is held outside in spite of sun or rain.  We hope to see you at the Memorial Day ceremony.

Plot/Space Exchange:  Over the years, families goals and ideas change; people move and burial plans change, and they find themselves with space in a cemetery they no longer plan to use.  Many spaces at our cemetery are vacant and we do not expect them to be used.  We would like all the spaces to be filled, thus making better utilization of the cemetery plots.  If you or your parents/grandparents or others purchased space in the cemetery that you no longer plan to use, we suggest you donate it back to the Cemetery Association.  Any donation of property should be tax deductible and negates your need to try and find a buyer of the plot.  You must have the original certificate for the space or be authorized to made such a transaction.  Contact the cemetery staff to make a donation of spaces that will not be utilized by you or your family.

New Friends of the Salado Cemetery Association

The Friends of the Association are new lot owners since our last Newsletter in April 2014.  They are:  Robert & Callie Bailey, Marisa Conley, Jackie Wayne & Patricia Ann Crouch, Connie Cryar, Judy Dobbins, Linda L. McCaa, Richard & Tommye Prater, John W. (Bill) & Bonnie Smith, and Tamla Joy Wilson.

Interments Since April 1, 2014

Oscar Joseph Arnold, Priscilla Anne Beadle, James Phipps Bonner, Jr., Cora Lee  Bronson, Opal Winnie Brooks, Tom Earl Brown, Rhebel M Bush, Richard Ray Bussell, Deborah C Cowger, Grover Cleveland Dement, Doris Ann Denman, Gary Wayne Dobbins, Virginia Pearl Finney, Melvin Wilhelm Friedrich, Joy  Hancock, Winston Travis Hays, Milton Melvin Kattner, William Paul Matejowsky, Nathaniel Lee McCaa, Stanley Ray Mersiovsky, Myrtle Ida Messer, Harry Frank Morgan, Lloyd Lee Parks, Richard C Prater, Noel Brian Scully, Sandra  Scully, Arline M Singer, Roger Dale Smith, Mary E Stewart, William Allen Upton, Royce Lynn Vernon, Opal Jerene Walker, Buna Marie Watkins, Alice Ruth Wear, Donald Louis Wilson,

Veterans Interred Since April 1, 2014

Richard Ray Bussell, US Army, Desert Storm; Grover Cleveland Dement, US Army Air Corps, WW II; Milton Melvin Kattner, US Army, WW II; William Paul Matejowsky, US Air Force, Korea; Harry Frank Morgan, Texas Army National Guard, Peace Time Service; Lloyd Lee Parks, US Army, Peace Time Service; Richard C Prater, US Navy, WW II; Roger Dale Smith, US Navy, Peace Time Service; Donald Louis Wilson, US Army, Peace Time Service.

Memorial Gifts and Donations Since May 1, 2013:

Name                                                                        Fund                        In Memory:                                           

Mr. & Mrs. Joe M. Cawthon                                    Development

Mr. Drew Bridges                                                Endowment

Dr. & Mrs. W. D.  Broadway                                    Endowment

Mr. & Mrs. Clifton P. Carter                                    Endowment

Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Cosper                                    Endowment

Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Johnson                                    Endowment

Dr. & Mrs. Nelson W. Jones                                    Endowment

Mr. Don L. Wilson                                                Endowment

Mr. Oscar J. Arnold Jr.                                    Operating

Mr. & Mrs. M.E. Bean Jr.                                    Operating

Mr. David Bennett                                                Operating

Mr. Tom Berry                                                Operating

Mr. & Mrs. Brent Blaylock                                    Operating

Mr. & Mrs. James W.  Brock                                    Operating

Ms. Colleen Brooks                                                Operating

Denham Family Reunion                                    Operating

Mr. Robert Denman                                                Operating

Mr. & Mrs. J. Derald Dugger                                    Operating

Fran & Perry Fairchild                                    Operating

Mrs. Jere C Farino                                                Operating

Mr. & Mrs. James Fitzhenry                                    Operating

Mrs. Pat Freeman                                                Operating

Mr. Robert R. Gamble                                    Operating

Mr. & Mrs. Gerry Gamble                                    Operating

Mr. John R. Gidley                                                Operating

Mrs. Jerry Goodman                                                Operating

Mr. B.D. Graves                                                Operating

Mr. Joe Grigsby                                                Operating

Ms. Cheryl Grimm                                                Operating

Mr. & Mrs. George Gromacki                        Operating

Ms. Sandra Grossman                                                Operating

Mrs. Lena Haddock                                                Operating

Memorial Gifts and Donations Since May 1, 2013 (continued):

Name                                                                        Fund                        In Memory:  

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald G. Harrison                        Operating

Mr. & Mrs. Billy J. Heath                                    Operating

Ms. Marlene Heth                                                Operating

Dr. & Mrs. Morris R. Hill                                    Operating

Mrs. Mary Hodge                                                Operating

Ms. Anna Holt                                                            Operating

Ms. Kaye Howe                                                Operating

Ms. Sherry Jackson                                                Operating

Mr. & Mrs. Lee R. Johnson                                    Operating

Mr. Robert Allen Jones                                    Operating

Mr. Tommy Krueger                                                Operating

Dr. & Mrs. Armando Lenis                                    Operating

Mr. Jerry Love                                                Operating

Mr. Joseph William Love III                                    Operating

Mrs. Cathy Luther                                                Operating

Mrs. Donna McClain                                                Operating

Mrs. Elisabeth Mosley                                    Operating

Dr. & Mrs. T. Craig Nauert                                    Operating

Ms. Violet Palmer                                                Operating

Ms. Joyce Parker                                                Operating

Mr. Samuel Patterson                                                Operating

Mr. & Mrs. Gordon A. Rampy                        Operating

Mr. Billy J. Reynolds                                                Operating

Ms. Nancy Light Rogers                                    Operating

Mr. & Mrs. J. M. Rucker                                    Operating

Ms. Suzie Russell                                                Operating

Mr. & Mrs. Larry Sands                                    Operating

Mr. Norbert W. Schwertner                                    Operating

Mr. Richard E. Smith                                                Operating

Ms. Ann Brown Smith                                    Operating

Ms. Carolyn Stewart                                                Operating

Mrs. Beverly Strack                                                Operating

Col (Ret) & Mrs. Jean Tarbutton                        Operating

Col. Herbie R. Taylor                                                Operating

Ms. Cheryl Taylor                                                Operating

Ms. Jean Teal                                                            Operating

Lt. Col & Mrs. Tommie Thompson                        Operating

Ms. Cindy Sparks Wiewel                                    Operating

Mrs Virginia Williams                                    Operating

Mrs. Jane Wilmer                                                Operating

Ms. Dorothy Yount                                                Operating

Detach and Return With Donation.

Donations may be made at any time by using the form below.

Name of Donor_______________________________________________ Address of Donor_____________________________________________                       ________________________________________________ Name of Person Honored: _____________________________________ Amount of Donation:   ________. ***** Please designate the fund your donation is for: _____Operations          _____Endowment             _____Development Check should be made out to:  Salado Cemetery Association, Mailing address:  Salado Cemetery Association,                              P.O. Box  21                              Salado, Texas  76571 … ..

                          

Friends of the Cemetery Association

President – Dr. Steven C. Ervin  (947-8230)          

Vice-President – MaryBelle Brown                        

Secretary – Kate Wheeler                                         

Treasurer – Stephen Peters                                      

Trustees:  Terry Bergstrom, Apple Johnson, Bill Kinnison, Elaine Ory, Bill Pinkston, Joe Pirtle

Committee Chairmen:

Lot Sales - Bill Pinkston   (947-3372)         

Maintenance - Terry Bergstrom                           

Flags – George Bryant                               

Hospitality - Jean Westerberg                   

Historical Research and Preservation - Bill Kinnison

Memorial Day Service - Bill Kinnison

Security - Chief Jack Hensley, Village of Salado.