Friends,
Hans not being re-elected will be a loss to the Board of Aldermen (BOA).
He worked hard to meet the needs of his constituents often saying, "I may not agree with the way I am voting but I am voting for the people who elected me." It is for that reason that his campaign signs said, "Voice of the People."
When the City Administrator needed assistance with the Stagecoach sewer plant, Hans spent his time and resources meeting her requests. Those were not simple requests and required a special skill in understanding and researching. His answers were accurate and thought-provoking.
Saturday after Saturday, he drove the Tourism/Chamber trolley taking and escorting visitors and citizens from one shop to the other. Always with a smile; always with words of welcome. Always representing the Aldermen with the finest of hospitality.
Day after day, he was working with VIPs mowing grass that was an eye-sore or for people who could not take care of their yard because of health or age. As one drives through the neighborhoods, it is obvious that they set the example for the rest of us. As always, he was an Alderman leading by example.
Many times he did not vote with the majority of the BOA. And that was fine -- no one ever wants all "Yes" people. I can still hear him saying, "I just can't go along with that."
In the workshops, he listened carefully and spoke straight forwardly. On more than once occasion, he disagreed verbally with another Aldermen. In the end, they agreed to disagree and still be friends.
I use to watch him as a discussion got long and for the most part, boring, close his black binder as if to say, "I got it. Let's get on with what we need to do." Yet, he continued to sit quietly, listening, and thinking. Sometimes during BOAs and Workshops, he text continually.
Losing by 19 votes is difficult but in these elections the majority wins. It says nothing about the quality of the person, the sacrifices that has been made for the love of the community, or the difference one life has made.
Hans has made a difference and, if our community is fortunate, he will continue to do so.
Hans will be missed on the BOA. When you see him, tell him what a difference he has made.
Thank you, Hans. George Bernard Shaw was right, "a gentleman puts more into the world than he takes out." And, you have done that.
VR/Skip
Monday, May 11, 2015
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
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:
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
Rodney James
Vice President
Michael Killgore, P.E.
Senior Vice President
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
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
Sunday, April 26, 2015
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.
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
Saturday, April 25, 2015
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?
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
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
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
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