Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Just local stuff

Friends,

Here are a few items of interest:

1.  From TEXDoT to our Chief of Police:

"Chief Hensley -

I am forwarding you an email I received through one of our websites, regarding a truck offering leftover 'blacktop' to homeowners to 'pave' driveways or lots. I have checked with both our TxDOT project manager and with James Construction's accounting office. They are not familiar with the name "Capital Paving" and JCG does not have that name in any of their subcontractor lists.

I wanted you to know about it in case someone is running a scam in your village, trying to use the I-35 construction to make their story believable.

Jodi Wheatley
TxDOT/Waco District"

2.  From Stamp Salado who has a new craft room for classes.This business owned by Nancy Norris is located behind Elizabeths in the old Horsefeather's Buildings.

Hi,

Thanks for stopping in this morning.  Here is my new information for 2016.

The 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month I will feature a "Crop Night" from 5 pm to 9 pm.  Cost is $5, but participants will receive a $5 coupon to use for any merchandise.  ( It is only good that night)   I will be open for anyone, not just participants in the Crop Night, but only those with reservations for crop night will receive the coupons.  Please call by noon on the 2nd or 4th Thursday to sign up.

Also, will be having "Fabulous First Fridays" starting in February.  11 AM to 1:30 pm, a come and go make n' take.  Different ideas and techniques every month with two to three items for creating.  These are free, and you must participate to get the make n' take kits.

Starting January 3, 2016, I will be closed on Sundays.  Stamp Salado will be open from 10 AM to 5PM Monday thru Saturday, and 5PM to 9PM the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month.

Thanks for coming in today.

Nancy Norris

3.  Meet Anita, one of Salado's artist.

Below is one of her paintings depicting what it would have been like to go to College on historic College Hill:



3.  Dee's Antiques

Since opening in August, 2015 , Dee's Antiques has passed all their retail goals for 2015.  January, 2016 has proven to be very rewarding month.  Below are a few of Dee's newest shoppers who are antique saavy:



4.  Those Firemen/woman are at it, again.

They are amazing at ANYTHING they do.  Below is table they made that would rival the best that money could buy.  And, the fire pit where stories and adventures are told along with sharing life with some good friends.  

Our Volunteer Fire Department is one of the best in Texas.  What is even more amazing, they have no debt as well as the cleanest, most professional Fire Department in the State.







Hope this week is going well.  Stay safe and be a good neighbor.

VR/Skip



Tuesday, January 26, 2016

American Pickers -- Possible Salado

Friends,

Ever heard of the television series, American Pickers?

They may be coming to Salado if we show enough interest.We have exactly what they are looking for:  interesting characters with interesting and unique items.  At the bottom of the page is their internet address and telephone number. It would be great to have them in Salado.  If you are interested, call or write immediately.

Here is their Press Release announcing their planned trip to Texas.

AMERICAN PICKERS To Film In Texas

TEXAS is excited to welcome Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz and Antique Archeology to the area. The team will film episodes of their hit series AMERICAN PICKERS throughout Texas. Filming is scheduled for February 2016. 

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking’ on History. This hit show follows two of the most skilled pickers in the business, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, as they embark on an epic road trip across the U.S. in search of America’s most valuable antiques from motorcycles, classic cars and bicycles to one-of-a-kind vintage memorabilia. Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle America, restore forgotten relics to their former glory, and learn a thing or two about American history along the way.


AMERICAN PICKERS is looking for leads and would love to explore what you may have. They are on the hunt for interesting characters with interesting and unique items.  Some of what they look for: vintage bicycles, toys, unusual radios, movie memorabilia, advertising, military items, folk art, vintage musical equipment, vintage automotive items, early firefighting equipment, vintage clothing, pre-50’s western gear.

AMERICAN PICKERS is produced by Cineflix Productions for History. New episodes air Wednesdays at 9pm ET on History.


If you have a large collection or want to refer someone to Mike and Frank, email: your name, number, address and description of the collection and photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com 855-old-rust.

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Your Village in 3 minutes, 24 Jan 16 SundayI have been informed that one lane of the new access road from Thomas Arnold to the end of the project is expected to be open February 1st. The northbound access road two-way section will then revert to being one-way, which should be helpful for traffic flow and decreasing any driver confusion. There will still be guard rail being constructed for a few weeks, which necessitates the remaining lane closure, but when that’s done, we should be able to get the second lane open, as well. I hope you have a great weekend! Jodi Wheatley I-35 Information Officer TxDOT/Waco District 254-867-2836 C# 254-366-7673 jodi.wheatley@txdot.gov

Friends,

This is a very busy week:

1.  Monday, 6 :30 P.M., Municipal Building.

A Posted workshop for the Board of Aldermen.  Special guests are Bobby Littlefield, Regional Director, TXDoT, Waco, and Rick Kasberg, city engineer.

Purpose:  Discuss Sewer and Main Street as well as ways in which TXDoT might be able to help with a Main Street vision.

A.  As far as the sewer,  Bobby and Rick will discuss the sewer down Main Street -- what will be allowed and not allowed.  There will also be a time-table discussed.  The BOA will be able to ask questions and receive clarification.

B.  Bobby has been interested in helping Salado with Main Street.  However, to accomplish this, he wants to hear Salado's vision and goals.  

Please know, the public is invited to listen; not to ask questions or corner our guests with questions afterwards.  These men made time in very busy schedules for the sole purpose of talking with the Aldermen/Lady.  Approximate meeting time:  1 to 1.5 hours.

2.  Tuesday, 26 January, 6:30 P.M., Town Hall meeting on the Sewer with Rick Kasberg, our city engineer, and his staff.  This is the time to listen and ask questions.  Based on Monday evening's meeting, a clear path and schedule will be outlined.  Our City Administrator will emcee the Town Hall.  Approximate meeting time:  1 to 1.5 hours.

3.  Thursday, 28 January, Noon, CTCOG Executive Committee, CTCOG.  Salado has a seat on the Executive Committee and a voice.  It puts us on the same level as other Mayors and elected officials.  This is great news for our Village.  Thank you CTCOG for giving us this opportunity.

3.  Chamber of Commerce Banquet, Thursday, 28 January, TENROC Ranch, Blue Herring Room, 6 :30 P.M.  Always interesting, always insightful, and always fun.  Hurry and get tickets at the Chamber Office/Information Center, log cabin building.  

4.  Board of Aldermen Retreat at the CTCOG Building, Belton.  8:30 until completed.  Discussion and planning for 2016, especially the first 6 months.  It is open to the Public but discussion is limited to the Board of Aldermen/Lady.  Questions and comments will not be received from citizens as this process is long and detailed.  With the exception of bathroom breaks, every minute will be filled with intense discussion and planning.

5.  This special email was received from TXDoT:

"I have been informed that one lane of the new access road from Thomas Arnold to the end of the project is expected to be open February 1st. The northbound access road two-way section will then revert to being one-way, which should be helpful for traffic flow and decreasing any driver confusion. There will still be guard rail being constructed for a few weeks, which necessitates the remaining lane closure, but when that’s done, we should be able to get the second lane open, as well."


I hope you have a great week!  Salado will.

Jodi Wheatley
I-35 Information Officer
TxDOT/Waco District
254-867-2836
C# 254-366-7673
jodi.wheatley@txdot.gov

6.  Thank you for the contributions toward cleaning the creek near the low water crossing.  We are on our way.

VR/Skip

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Be vigilant

Friends,

In no way is this meant to overly alarm you, however, an event happened this week occurred that should make you more vigilant.

A car traveling down I-35 was involved in an accident..  Th car, after hitting the other vehichle, left the scene of the accident -- a hit and run.

The car traveled to Brookshires where our Police Department became involved.  Drugs were found in the car along with weapons, and charge cards.  Police dogs were called to the scene and a deeper search of the car was done.

It is believe that this did NOT involve terrorism or people involved in terrorism.  However, it is a visible warning that the size of a community does not eliminate the possibility of terrorism or domestic terrorism.  The number of cars and trucks traveling down I-35 is staggering and it is next to impossible to determine who is a terrorist and who is not.

In talking to local law enforcement officers,  companies in our area are using drones to inspect all types of construction and other activities.  These companies are registered, following regulations, and operating the drones legally.

Drones can be activated and flown with a cell phone.  They do not need liquid fuel; battery-powered electricity is just as reliable.  This Christmas, drones were very popular and could be bought for as little as $80.  As the demand grows, they will become cheaper in a competitive market.

It is a new world in which we live.  As small and lovely as our Village is, we are as vulnerable as any super large city.  It is a fact that Federal Law Enforcement Officers are involved in our and other communities around us.  We should be thankful for the attention.  It will keep us safe.

We are close to our State Capitol, Fort Hood, and other installations of significant importance.  We cannot be too vigilant.  If you see anything unusual or out-of-the ordinary, please call 911 or our Police Department immediately.  Forget looking foolish or what people may think, in the environment in which we live, "Vigilance" is the watch-word.

Thank you.  VR/Skip

Sunday, January 10, 2016

The Low Water Bridge; Q and A

Friends,

1.  Who owns the Salado Plaza low water bridge next to Sherrill Park across from the old club house?

Answer:  According to Bobby Littlefield, District Engineer, Waco:

Mayor Blancett,
I found out that the low water bridge in Salado that you and I discussed yesterday is not in our bridge inventory.  This means it does not meet the federal definition of a bridge and is therefore not included in the federal bridge replacement/rehabilitation program.  TxDOT does not own this structure nor do we have any jurisdiction here since this road is off of the state system.

Bobby Littlefield
8 Jan 16 (email)

2.  What does this mean?

Answer:  The Village of  Salado owns the bridge and is responsible for maintenance, upkeep, and replacement should something happen to it.  

3.  Will the State or Federal Government help with cleaning around it.

Answer:  No.  TXDoT was asked and your read the response from Mr. Littlefield.

4.  Is there really a serious reason to clean the bridge now?

Answer:  Here are a few pictures to answer the question.  However, the best answer is to park your car near the bridge and see for yourself



This is the low water bridge looking toward the West (Brookshires).  Notice that there are culverts or slits that allows water to flow under the bridge.  (The black areas).  You can see the West slit and the middle slit.  The east slit is just outside the picture.



This is a close-up of the gravel in the above picture.  The blue and white is a blue shoe caught in the weeds and rocks.




This is the same gravel in the two pictures above.  One can step off the bridge unto the gravel and walked out in to the creek.  Feet will not get wet.  This is how close the gravel is to coming over the bridge.  If the rains continue by mid-summer it may be covering the bridge.





This is a close-up picture of how shallow the water is in certain areas. This is about almost the middle of the creek.  Sometimes you can see the resident goose walking around on this gravel.  A nice scene but one that will one day endanger the bridge.



Water flowing south to north from Sherrill Park.  Notice the weeds and shallowness.



This is the water coming from the Sherrill park side.   It looks like a nice flow.  However, looking closer, the water is dropping from the drop of the slit.  It is not known what is causing this to happen.  A logical explanation is the slits have filled with gravel and limbs and this is the path of least resistance 




Gravel and weeds. 




Limbs and trash

5.  How much does it cost to clean the creek about 30-50 yards from the bridge?

There are two bids:  $10,000 and $18,000.  

6.  Why does it cost so much?

A special tractor with large tires is needed for lifting the gravel, weeds, and trash from the creek.

Nothing can be placed or fall on the ground or be placed near the creek.

A dump truck must be close to receive each scoop of gravel, weeds, trash, etc.
,
When full the dump truck hauls it to a specific location a significant distance from the creek. 

7.  Are there environmental concerns?

Yes, a permit is needed.  The Mill Creek Association purchased it.  All that is needed is the money to pay for the cleaning.

8.  Is this tax deductible?

Yes, if the money goes to the Salado Community Foundation, a 501-C3.  Keep Salado Beautiful offered their Post Office Box to receive donations.  All donations will be given directly to the Salado Community Foundation for deposit and distribution.  The checks must be made to the Salado Community Foundation and identify that the donation is for cleaning around the low water bridge.  

9.  Why isn't the Village receiving the Money?

It is not a 501-C3 organization and, therefore, will not be tax deductible.  

10.  Will the money only be used to clean and maintain the bridge?  Several years ago, a golf tournament was held and the money was used for something else.

Yes.  Any money over and above will be kept in an account for cleaning and maintaining the bridge.

     The bridge is key to the health and safety of the Village.  Keeping it clean, healthy, and flowing is critical. Your financial help -- small, medium, or large -- will be greatly appreciated.  The cleaning needs to be done as quickly as possible.  

     Please make checks to Salado Community Foundation, % of Keep Salado Beautiful, P.O. Box  895, Salado, Texas 76571.  

    Thank you for considering this critical project.  It takes all of us to make this village strong and healthy.  

                         VR/Skip

Thursday, January 7, 2016

A tour and conversation with Rick Lewis, James Construction

Friends,

Rick Lewis is the Regional Coordinator for James Construction.  At least two Mondays a month, we go for a tour on and off the construction site and discuss the Salado Section of I-35.  The tour is between 1 and 1.5 hours.  To get a better understanding of the the construction site, the following pictures are provided along with dialogue in the form of questions and answers. Rick is R and Skip is S.




Picture taken from the parking lot of the Church of Christ is the drilling of the last 4 holes for the Thomas Arnold ramp exit.  (see part of the south ramp on the left)

R:  We had to bring in a larger crane (yellow) to drill the holes.  You can see the tubes and wire ready to go into the holes once they are drilled.  Because of hole depths and the caverns beneath, it is a slow process.  You will see it better when we go on the West side of I-35.  Let's go to 2484 Bridge.

S.  Is your crew back from the Holidays?

R.  About 96-97% are back.  The rest will be returning this week.

S.  How far are you behind schedule?

R.  We are on schedule even with the Holidays and rain.  I am little concerned about completing the Salado Creek frontage road bridge by 1 February, but we are trying.  It may be 15 February.  You will see it on this tour.

S.  Let's start the tour with 2484 Bridge. 



R:  Here we are.  You can see the decking plates on the west side of the bridge.  We will soon pour concrete over the decking,

S.  You said that before Christmas.  As was discussed in one of the Tuesday meetings, 2484 was hit, again.  Is that true?  And, is that the reason concrete has not been applied?

R.  Yes, it is true.  One of our drivers was going under the bridge with the bed of the dump truck up.  It broke off a small piece of the bridge.  TXDoT had to approve the repairs.  Approval has been given.  In the next day or two super, super strong concrete mix will arrive and we will make the repairs.  Once dried, which takes about 4 days, we will be able to pour the concrete over the panels.

S.  Was there structural damage to the bridge?

R.  No, if there was, the beams and deck plates would be down.  

S.  May I see the damage.

R.  Sure.  Let's get out, walk on the deck plates, and see it.



R:  As you can see, dump truck bed broke off a small piece of the ledge.  It can be easily repaired.  There is absolutely no damage to the structure.  If there was structural damage, TXDoT would not have approved the repairs.



R:  While we are up here, look south and see the crane breaking rock in the gray area?  That is an extremely hard rock which we are chipping away slowly but surely.  For the 2484 bridge to be the proper the height for traffic, cars and trucks, this rock has to be chipped down.  We are almost there.

S:  Are we looking at the permanent new south bound I-35?  

R:  Yes, we will drive down in a minute and ride on it.  You see the present I-35 road being used by a white truck to the left.  That will become the permanent north bound I-35. Do you see the tractor on the right doing dirt work?  The road to the right, just behind the tractor, is the Salado Plaza exit that will join the frontage road just before the new Salado Plaza bridge.

S:  It appears the exit road is coming underneath the 2484 bridge.

R:  Yes, it is.  Let's ride down and see it.



S:  We are actually on the permanent South bound I-35, looking north toward the 2484 bridge,

R:  Notice that the distance on the left side of the bridge is much larger than the right side (about where the white pickup truck on the bridge is)  That is because the south bound Salado Plaza exit will be taken  before getting to the 2484 bridge and will go under the bridge.

S.  So where the tractor chipping rock is, that is the permanent south bound I-35?  What is the slope to the left.

R.  It is an embankment where grass will be planted.  The road where the slope begins is the exit road.

S.  This exit ends about where Robertson's is?

R.  Yes, turn around and look behind you.  It is the final grading of I-35.  As soon as the tractor completes chipping the rock and the proper height reached, we will put down  cement-treated base,  1-inch of asphalt, re-enforcement iron bars, and 15 inches of concrete.The concrete road on the left where the barriers are is 15inches.


S:  This is the final grading of I-35 and that is the new Salado Plaza Bridge before us?

R.  Yes, and you can see Sonic and CEFCO signs to the right.  Just waiting for the rock chipper to complete its rock and we finish the final grading underneath the bridge.  Then comes the final steps of completing this section of I-35.




S:  And, now we are on the actual exit that goes under 2484? 

R. Yes.  

S.  Let's go to the Salado Plaza Bridge.




S:  That crane is way up there.  Is that the height of the Salado Plaza Bridge?

R.  See the mounds of dirt behind the crane.  When it is spread out, that will be the actual height of the bridge.  It is tall.  Here are the header columns that will hold the actual bridge.





R:  Soon you will be seeing bent caps next week going on the header columns followed by beams.

S.  Can you show me what a bent cap looks like? 

R.  Yes.  Let's go down to the exit ramp that ends before the Thomas Arnold bridge and you can see a similar one.

S.  When will the Salado Plaza Bridge be completed?

R.  15 March 2016.






R.  This is called a bent cap that will hold the beams.  As you can see this is the one that will hold the beams of the Thomas Arnold exit ramp.  See the steel tubes that we saw from the other side at the beginning of the tour.  Because of the caverns underneath, these tubes are essential for stability. It is a slow process but it is going forward as planned and on schedule. 



R.  Notice the paneled-wall from Salado Plaza Bridge to the Thomas Arnold exit ramp being built. Dirt will be filled in behind it.  

S.  Where is the large "stage coach" on the wall going to be placed.  

R.  On the wall of the Salado Plaza Bridge.  

S.  Let's go to the frontage road across bridge across the Salado Creek.  You said it has been a challenge.





R.  With the rains and the large amount of gravel in this area, it was extremely difficult to get the columns in place.  No matter what we tried, the water would not go away and would continually come up through the gravel.  Finally, we found a way.  It took lots of money and time but we did it.  A large crane is coming to place the beams this week.


S.  So this is the frontage road bridge going south and crossing Salado Creek?

R.  Yes, this is it.  It was much more difficult than planned.  The crane will place the beams across the columns this week if the weather holds.

S.  Are we now standing on the Permanent I-35 bridge across Salado Creek?  It is finished?

R.  We still have to put the railing on it but the actual construction is completed.  Look back toward Thomas Arnold and you will see the final grading of the permanent I-35 going south.




S.  Like the final grading around 2484, you will soon put down the concrete-treated base, the 1-inch of asphalt, reinforcement metal, and pour 15 inches of concrete.  In the far distance, I see the Thomas Arnold exit ramp.

R.  That is right.  And, we will connect it with the permanent I-35 bridge we are now standing on.  See where it connects.





S:  I see where it connects.  It will not be long.

R;  It will not long.  All of this will be done before May.

S.  Are you sure, Rick?  You know Salado does not believe you will make it by May.

R.  We are on schedule.  

S.  Down the road, I see you are putting asphalt on the frontage road.





R:  This is the frontage road in front of Robertson Ranch.  The final grading is completed and the concrete-treated base is down.  Now we are putting down 1-inch of asphalt and 9-inches of concrete, the amount the State prescribes for frontage roads.

S.  Why are the men wearing green vests and not your yellow vests?

R.  They are sub-contractors doing the work.  

And, the tour ended.

Reader:  "Do you believe this?"

Skip:  They are working; they are making progress; and there is much movement.  If they were not sincere, they would not take time on Mondays and Tuesdays for a tour and a meeting. The lighted signs during the Salado Holidays were very helpful.  Those signs will remain in place directing people to downtown.  James Construction and TXDoT made that happen.  

Reader:  Do you believe what they say?

Skip:  Yes, with very watchful, alert eyes and ears.  Mike McDougal and I are at the meetings.  Mike also checks on progress during the day.  We are in constant communication.  For two years, we have struggled with this construction and fought with the political and legal powers we have.  It has been done without destroying our relationship with James Construction and TXDoT which would have made things much worst.  Pictures of the progress are taken for the record.  You have just seen the latest. 

We are not giving up and we will continue to ask hard questions and take necessary action when appropriate. 

VR/Skip