Friends,
Friday and Saturday were phenomenal. A huge thanks to Salado High School for allowing their High School students to participate in the Spring Salado Clean-Up sponsored by Keep Salado Beautiful. Working in various places, they made a difference in Salado. Their hard work and energy accomplished much. For instance, they completely did an extreme-makeover in the flower beds of the newly refurbished Police Department Building.
It was a great lesson for the Village and the High School Students. For the Village, the strength and intellect of our youth is not the future, but now. For the Students, part of a formal education is learning the importance of serving and giving back. We are very fortunate to have such a fine school system and Village that recognizes both.
Saturday, there were numbers of people working various locations like Tablerock, College Hill, Downtown, and the Municipal Building. Limb cutting, trimming, painting, planting, and cleaning were evident everywhere. When our community comes together it comes together in a way that makes us shine.
A tremendous thank you to all the Service Organizations that gave of their time and money to make Salado beautiful. As always, you prove that you are a Service Organization because you serve giving of your best.
A thank you to Sanctuary's Madison Inselmann for cooking lunch on the grill. Sanctuary furnished the meal for a bunch of hungry workers. Sanctuary, your thoughtfulness and wanting to be an active part of Salado is greatly appreciated.
Finally to Susan Terry and her committee, you made it happen! Your organization was superb. Your extra-mile-effort made a ho-hum Saturday spectacular! Thank you.
VR/Skip
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Saturday, April 11, 2015
And what about Sanctuary? What is happening?
Friends,
Sanctuary is going forward. This week, a team of architects, designers, and engineers from across the country met in Salado and worked on finalizing the plans for the project.
1. This fall, plans are to break ground and begin building:
(a) the boutique hotel
(b) the music theater consisting of 1800 seats
(c) an office building with offices for lease
(d) a food court of restaurants
2. The estimated completing date is 2018.
3. The assisted living campus is also being constructed.
4. The Village and Sanctuary will work closely together as the project moves forward. Both are committed to protecting the historical and planning carefully the new. As each section is platted, Sanctuary will petition the Village for annexation.
To follow the progress, it is important to read our Village Voice and this blog frequently. Sanctuary also has a Facebook Page.
Most respectfully,
Skip
Sanctuary is going forward. This week, a team of architects, designers, and engineers from across the country met in Salado and worked on finalizing the plans for the project.
1. This fall, plans are to break ground and begin building:
(a) the boutique hotel
(b) the music theater consisting of 1800 seats
(c) an office building with offices for lease
(d) a food court of restaurants
2. The estimated completing date is 2018.
3. The assisted living campus is also being constructed.
4. The Village and Sanctuary will work closely together as the project moves forward. Both are committed to protecting the historical and planning carefully the new. As each section is platted, Sanctuary will petition the Village for annexation.
To follow the progress, it is important to read our Village Voice and this blog frequently. Sanctuary also has a Facebook Page.
Most respectfully,
Skip
Thomas Arnold and other construction news
Friends,
As you have noticed, there is much work being done on the Thomas Arnold Bridge. The hand railings across the bridge are being installed for the safety of those walking across the bridge. The concrete cap on the locking wall is being poured. Grass will be planted on the sides. The purpose of this is to completely finish the bridge.
The Thomas Arnold road will be paved from Main Street to West Village at no cost to the Village. This is great news as Thomas Arnold was one of the roads identified for major repair this Spring. It will save the village between $50,000 and $96,000. The money can be used to repair another road.
On 14 April, a meeting will be held with the District Engineer and our County Commissioner. The purpose is to discuss completing the construction of the Salado section of I-35 by 1 December and the possibility of curbs and guttering for Main Street.
We will also discuss traffic coming down Main Street. PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY. Main Street is a state highway. In reality, we have no control over it. For safety and welfare reasons, we can block it in cases of emergency with permission from TXDOT, and we do. When we do, it is important that the State Highway Patrol is involved.
The only way we can change this is to take full responsibility for Main Street. However, that means full responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the road and the bridge. TXDOT, at the end of the construction, will completely repave Main Street at no expense to the Village. That is part of the contract with James Construction.
The Board of Aldermen have discussed this many times and will continue to discuss it. The road with curb and guttering can probably be maintained effectively. However, the bridge is another matter. The question is "how can we protect the village and repair the bridge if something happens to the bridge?"
1. Insurance is one possibility but it is expensive.
2. The Village takes the road and not the bridge is another possibility but difficult as there are state ordinances that will require a variance.
3. And, of course, the Village can say, "No, thank you. You keep the Main Street and the bridge."
Now we have gone full circle -- the Village has no control over Main Street without TXDOt's permission. The solutions are not as easy as one thinks.
There is a Federal Bridge Law that says if a bridge is severely damaged or destroyed they will pay part and the Village will pay part to repair or rebuild it. However, to repair or replace the bridge will cost millions and the Village will probably not have their share of the money. Also, "the wheels of the government move slowly." It will not be an "over-night-process to receive the money and start repairing or replacing the bridge."
The Board of Aldermen will continue to discuss all the options with TXDOT, but there is no easy answer.
As you have noticed, there is much work being done on the Thomas Arnold Bridge. The hand railings across the bridge are being installed for the safety of those walking across the bridge. The concrete cap on the locking wall is being poured. Grass will be planted on the sides. The purpose of this is to completely finish the bridge.
The Thomas Arnold road will be paved from Main Street to West Village at no cost to the Village. This is great news as Thomas Arnold was one of the roads identified for major repair this Spring. It will save the village between $50,000 and $96,000. The money can be used to repair another road.
On 14 April, a meeting will be held with the District Engineer and our County Commissioner. The purpose is to discuss completing the construction of the Salado section of I-35 by 1 December and the possibility of curbs and guttering for Main Street.
We will also discuss traffic coming down Main Street. PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY. Main Street is a state highway. In reality, we have no control over it. For safety and welfare reasons, we can block it in cases of emergency with permission from TXDOT, and we do. When we do, it is important that the State Highway Patrol is involved.
The only way we can change this is to take full responsibility for Main Street. However, that means full responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the road and the bridge. TXDOT, at the end of the construction, will completely repave Main Street at no expense to the Village. That is part of the contract with James Construction.
The Board of Aldermen have discussed this many times and will continue to discuss it. The road with curb and guttering can probably be maintained effectively. However, the bridge is another matter. The question is "how can we protect the village and repair the bridge if something happens to the bridge?"
1. Insurance is one possibility but it is expensive.
2. The Village takes the road and not the bridge is another possibility but difficult as there are state ordinances that will require a variance.
3. And, of course, the Village can say, "No, thank you. You keep the Main Street and the bridge."
Now we have gone full circle -- the Village has no control over Main Street without TXDOt's permission. The solutions are not as easy as one thinks.
There is a Federal Bridge Law that says if a bridge is severely damaged or destroyed they will pay part and the Village will pay part to repair or rebuild it. However, to repair or replace the bridge will cost millions and the Village will probably not have their share of the money. Also, "the wheels of the government move slowly." It will not be an "over-night-process to receive the money and start repairing or replacing the bridge."
The Board of Aldermen will continue to discuss all the options with TXDOT, but there is no easy answer.
Friday, April 10, 2015
TXDOT Road Repair Schedule -- Latest
Friends,
The following is the latest Road Repair Schedule from TXDOT to include long range plans for Temple, Belton, and Salado as well as end dates:
The following is the latest Road Repair Schedule from TXDOT to include long range plans for Temple, Belton, and Salado as well as end dates:
| TEMPLE TO SALADO |
 | I-35 at FM 2843, Salado | ||||||||||
|
| LONG-TERM CLOSURES |
VR/Skip
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
On the banks of the creek, an Easter Egg Hunt
Friends,
On the banks of Salado Creek in Sherrill Park was a wonderful Easter Egg Hunt complete with a trumpeter, Mr. Steve Pettit. The children played musical chairs as Mr. Pettit played his trumpet until he suddenly stopped and there was a mad scramble to get an empty chair. The children ate cup cakes and gathered eggs while mothers and fathers watched and encouraged. It was a fun time and a beautiful day.
On the banks of Salado Creek in Sherrill Park was a wonderful Easter Egg Hunt complete with a trumpeter, Mr. Steve Pettit. The children played musical chairs as Mr. Pettit played his trumpet until he suddenly stopped and there was a mad scramble to get an empty chair. The children ate cup cakes and gathered eggs while mothers and fathers watched and encouraged. It was a fun time and a beautiful day.
And then there was four.
VR/Skip
Saturday, April 4, 2015
I-35 Closings as of 3 April. All of these are exits between Salado and Belton
Friends,
As mentioned in the last Post, current and future road closures is being sent to the Village Office for convenience of our citizens. Below is the latest information, 2 April:
As mentioned in the last Post, current and future road closures is being sent to the Village Office for convenience of our citizens. Below is the latest information, 2 April:
| TEMPLE TO SALADO |
| I-35 after Loop 121, Belton | ||||||||||
|
| I-35 before Shanklin Rd, South of Belton | ||||||||||
|
| I-35 after Shanklin Rd, South of Belton | ||||||||||
|
Recent discussions with TXDOT
Friends,
Discussions with TXDOT Friday, 3 April:
1. Thomas Arnold Bridge is nearing completion. The safety rails for the bridge will be installed; the top cap over the locking panels will be placed, and grass will be planted.
2. Thomas Arnold on the west side will be paved to the West Village Road. We have asked for Thomas Arnold on the east side from the ending of the bridge to Main Street (First State Bank) to be paved also. TXDOT is giving that careful consideration. If they do, it will save the Village $96,000 since this was one of the streets that was going to be repaired and paved this month. That money will go toward repairing another street this year instead of next year.
3. TXDOT is strongly considering curb and guttering (this also means sidewalks) down main street. They are working through the drainage concern. If TXDOT decides to do curb and guttering, it will be done when Main Street is paved which is the last project of the construction. Hopefully, we can get the sewer lines in place before the paving of Main Street. That is the goal. Neither curb and guttering nor the paving of Main Street will cost the Village. Laying the sewer line will cost the village.
4. TXDOT is working to complete Construction between 1 and 31 December 2015. This will mean I-35 open and all exits and bridges completed. There will probably be some clean-up to do, but the major construction will be over. As you know, it was announced at the last town hall that construction will continue until August 2016.
5. Recently, top Senior Leaders of James Construction and PSC were in the County talking to TXDOT. According to TXDOT, Salado was one of the major items in the discussion. The visiting Senior Leaders were not aware of the Salado construction problems. The Village BOA will be given the names and addresses of the City Leaders. A letter of appreciation will be sent to each Senior Leader for their visit and concern as well as a plea to complete the construction this year.
6. There will be more closings of I-35 as they work on the Salado Bridges. The times for the closings will usually be from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M. At the southern and northern Salado exits, signs will be placed stating no semi- trucks down Main Street during the above period of time (Brookshires grocery trucks will be the exception.) It is a safety hazard to our people walking or driving and if some vehicle hits the Salado Creek Bridge; it will be a disaster that will be difficult to overcome. Last week at 9:30 P.M., when I-35 closed, over 50 semi-trucks came down Main Street in 30 minutes followed by cars off the highway exceeding the speed limit. The order was given to block main street and direct the vehicles to the north-bound frontage road. If the future, if this happens, again, the Chief of Police has been instructed to write tickets to cars speeding down Main Street. Our laws will be observed. We will also request a State Trooper since this is a State Highway.
Blocking Main Street is very difficult because it is a State Highway and Salado has no jurisdiction over it. TXDOT has to give Salado permission to block it. This is one of the reasons the Aldermen/Lady have considered taking over Main Street.
7. I-35 Closures will appear on the Village's Web Pages as well as this Blog. TXDOT is now sending this information directly to the Village Office.
8. The truck that hit the bridge was approximately 9-12 inches too tall and the driver did not have a permit nor did he notice the 4 signs indicating the height of the bridge, according to the Highway Law Enforcement.
9. TXDOT will see that the pot holes in the entrances to Salado Plaza and Black Smith (the road between Wells Art Studio and Salado Pizza) from Main Street be covered with asphalt.
10. It is obvious that TXDOT is very interested in completing the construction of the Salado portion of I-35. They are very open to suggestions and doing all they can to make life better for us. Communication with TXDOT is critical and will remain open throughout the months ahead. YOU WILL BE KEPT INFORMED ON A REGULAR BASIS.
VR/Skip
Discussions with TXDOT Friday, 3 April:
1. Thomas Arnold Bridge is nearing completion. The safety rails for the bridge will be installed; the top cap over the locking panels will be placed, and grass will be planted.
2. Thomas Arnold on the west side will be paved to the West Village Road. We have asked for Thomas Arnold on the east side from the ending of the bridge to Main Street (First State Bank) to be paved also. TXDOT is giving that careful consideration. If they do, it will save the Village $96,000 since this was one of the streets that was going to be repaired and paved this month. That money will go toward repairing another street this year instead of next year.
3. TXDOT is strongly considering curb and guttering (this also means sidewalks) down main street. They are working through the drainage concern. If TXDOT decides to do curb and guttering, it will be done when Main Street is paved which is the last project of the construction. Hopefully, we can get the sewer lines in place before the paving of Main Street. That is the goal. Neither curb and guttering nor the paving of Main Street will cost the Village. Laying the sewer line will cost the village.
4. TXDOT is working to complete Construction between 1 and 31 December 2015. This will mean I-35 open and all exits and bridges completed. There will probably be some clean-up to do, but the major construction will be over. As you know, it was announced at the last town hall that construction will continue until August 2016.
5. Recently, top Senior Leaders of James Construction and PSC were in the County talking to TXDOT. According to TXDOT, Salado was one of the major items in the discussion. The visiting Senior Leaders were not aware of the Salado construction problems. The Village BOA will be given the names and addresses of the City Leaders. A letter of appreciation will be sent to each Senior Leader for their visit and concern as well as a plea to complete the construction this year.
6. There will be more closings of I-35 as they work on the Salado Bridges. The times for the closings will usually be from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M. At the southern and northern Salado exits, signs will be placed stating no semi- trucks down Main Street during the above period of time (Brookshires grocery trucks will be the exception.) It is a safety hazard to our people walking or driving and if some vehicle hits the Salado Creek Bridge; it will be a disaster that will be difficult to overcome. Last week at 9:30 P.M., when I-35 closed, over 50 semi-trucks came down Main Street in 30 minutes followed by cars off the highway exceeding the speed limit. The order was given to block main street and direct the vehicles to the north-bound frontage road. If the future, if this happens, again, the Chief of Police has been instructed to write tickets to cars speeding down Main Street. Our laws will be observed. We will also request a State Trooper since this is a State Highway.
Blocking Main Street is very difficult because it is a State Highway and Salado has no jurisdiction over it. TXDOT has to give Salado permission to block it. This is one of the reasons the Aldermen/Lady have considered taking over Main Street.
7. I-35 Closures will appear on the Village's Web Pages as well as this Blog. TXDOT is now sending this information directly to the Village Office.
8. The truck that hit the bridge was approximately 9-12 inches too tall and the driver did not have a permit nor did he notice the 4 signs indicating the height of the bridge, according to the Highway Law Enforcement.
9. TXDOT will see that the pot holes in the entrances to Salado Plaza and Black Smith (the road between Wells Art Studio and Salado Pizza) from Main Street be covered with asphalt.
10. It is obvious that TXDOT is very interested in completing the construction of the Salado portion of I-35. They are very open to suggestions and doing all they can to make life better for us. Communication with TXDOT is critical and will remain open throughout the months ahead. YOU WILL BE KEPT INFORMED ON A REGULAR BASIS.
VR/Skip
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