Tuesday, October 28, 2014

4 Town Halls

Friends,

The last of the Sewer Town Halls are over.

You are complimented on your questions, comments, and recommendations.

. . . .They made us think, consider, and research.

. . . .We are smarter, more informed.

. . . .We better know each other as neighbors and friends.

. . . . Most important, we communicated with each other in an honorable way.

Now, it is time to vote.

The results will be a mandate from the Citizens:

       Yes -- continue on.

        No -- not interested; what's next on the agenda?

Either way, the Aldermen/lady put it before the people for a vote -- the outcome will be heard as the Village's voice.

This is the purest form of Democracy.

The next Town Hall will be on roads.   It may come in December, but more likely in January after the holidays.

Thank you for your interest and participation.


VR/Skip

Monday, October 27, 2014

Lauren Hill

Friends,

Lauren Hill is a Freshman in College.  Her love is basketball, life, and people.  It is obvious when you see her, listen to her words, and watch her actions.

Lauren Hill has a brain tumor the size of a lemon that is growing daily.  Her life expectancy is two weeks as of today, Monday, 27 October.

She can no longer do the drills, but she keeps trying.  She can not longer run as fast as the other girls but she keeps trying.

Her one dream is to play one game of college basketball which is next week.  Her only tears are shed when she realizes how much love people around the United States have for her and her research charity.

Lauren Hill is a giver; not a taker.  Her life centers around being everything you can while it is possible.

She does not sit around asking "what is in it for me?"  She plays with a staggering stride and uncoordinated hands and she is giving all she has; making whatever sacrifices need to be made.

Lauren reminds me of the people of Salado.  Giving their best.  The people of Salado are not dumb, ignorant, or stupid.  They are smart, intelligent, and giving.

Believe it -- Salado people are special.

VR/Skip

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Town Hall, Monday, 6:30 P.M. Intermediate School

Friends,

The last Town Hall concerning the Sewer Bond Election will be Monday, 27 October, 6:30 P.M., in Salado Independent School.

This Town Hall will present the latest information on the Bond election.

Following Jim Reed's presentation, there will be questions, answer, and comments from the floor.
So that those everyone who desires to make a comment or ask a question has time to speak, the 3-minute rule will be strictly imposed with no exceptions.

As always:

       This is not a debate.  It is for information only.

       People's opinions will be honored without extra sounds from the audience.  Everyone has the right to their own opinion.

       The Mayor and Aldermen/Alderlady will be present to hear, but cannot answer questions of speak for or against the Sewer bond election.

       The event is from 6:30-7:30 P.M., however, if necessary it will be extended to 8 P.M.

       When it is over, we will still be friends and neighbors regardless of opinions.

This is the last full week of voting before the Nov 4th election.  Use this time to listen carefully to everything being said so that you can make a good decision.

VR/Skip

Fright Night: Simply Spectacular!

Friends,

    When Fright Night is thought of one thinks of guts, brains, arms torn off, and every other gruel- some pictures imaginable.

    Not this fright night.  It is done with great taste depicting childhood fairy tales and authors such Little Red Riding Hood; Edgar Allen Poe, Annabel Lee; Lewis Carol, Alice in Wonderland; Wizzard of Oz; the Headless Horseman; Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol; Phantom of the Opera; and fun witches to name a few.

     There is a gently "fright" element but not one that will leave children with nightmares.  It was enjoyable as well as informative as the "tales" came alive.  And, some tales that we grew up with do have a degree of fright like Little Red Riding Hood and the big, bad wolf as well as Jacob Marley's ghost of a Christmas Carol.

     Jackie and Denver Mills and their many actors deserve a "standing ovation" for an event that had 100's of people attending.  What a gift they are to our community.

     Here are some pictures from the evening:


The ghost of Jacob Marley from a Christmas Carol


Beautiful opera from Phantom of the Opera


Edgar Alan Poe read Annabel Lee


"Double, Double, Toil and Trouble, fire burning, and caldron bubble"


Alice in Wonderland


A great show.

VR/Skip
 

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Three Developers and three developments

Friends,

The question that is asked frequently is "Are there really three Developers looking at Salado?  In the past it has been said, "Developers are interested and then nothing happens."

The straightforward answer is "Yes, their money is on the table and a contract is signed."  No rumor; no hearsay, that is fact.

Here they are:

Sanctuary -- Developer, Robert Sulaski, met with citizens 20 october and gave a powerpoint presentation complete with map of what the project might look like.  He took questions from the floor and answered them.  This week's Village Voice gave an overview of the meeting that lasted for about 1.5 hours.  To add to the land already owned, Mr. Sulaski has purchased Wild Fire, the roping arena on Holland road.  One does not make those kind of purchases unless they are serious.

Robertson Planation Land -- Robert Young, College Station, and a Houston Developer has a contract on the 585 acres of land that does not include the plantation house.  When asked, if this can be discussed, the answer was "Yes, it has been announced.  We are now discussing with Sanctuary Developers how we can compliment each other in our plans."  No other details have been given, but this is no longer speculation -- money is on the table and a contract signed.

Stage Coach Inn -- The potential buyer has a contract on Stage Coach Inn.  Negotiations and planning are on going, therefore, nothing else can be said at this point.  What can be said is that "Stage Coach will remain Stage Coach only completely refurbished."  Again, money is on the table and a contract signed.

From talking with each of these Developers what is known:

1.  Salado did not go looking for them.  They had been looking at Salado for a lengthy period of time.  The Stage Coach developer started coming to Salado with his family at the age of 7.  His memories of Salado are fondly expressed.

2.  They want to develop quality.

3.  They respect the historical values and real estate of Salado.  They do not want to compete against the historical downtown.

4.  Sanctuary spent a large amount of money Monday evening to "hear" from the citizens of Salado.  And, they did.  The citizens asked very straightforward questions and offered their opinions. It was excellent "give and take."

5.  They each expressed interest in coming into the city limits.

6.  They are interested in the outcome of the 4 November election.

Will this really happen?

1.  As mentioned earlier, there is real money on the table and signed contracts.  Like all business deals, nothing is final until it is final.  TIME WILL TELL.

2.  When they are asked, "is this really going to happen?"  The answer without hesitation is "yes."

3.  The village has NOT started any negotiations with them.  Just listened.  The Village is beginning to "ramp-up" its Planning and Zoning Committee and other entities to ensure the quality and ambiance of Salado remains.

4.  Change is coming.  There is no way to stop it.  It must be planned carefully and wisely.  That is number one priority.  WE MUST BE PREPARED!  If not, Belton, Harker Heights, Killeen, and Temple will dictate for us.  This is not a fear-tactic -- they are coming and their intentions are to surround Salado because they need property tax money.  When this happens, they will dictate what stores will come.

VR/Skip






Sunday, October 19, 2014

Road Repairs for Salado

Friends,

In the last Board of Aldermen Meeting, Alderman Mike McDougal announced the plans for Road Repair in Salado.  For the last three months his committee has physically driven and inspected every road in the city limits.  Additionally, they borrowed traffic counters from the county and counted the traffic on various roads.  In their meetings, the gathered facts were discussed fully on how to effectively repair the roads at a reasonable cost.

Currently, the plan is to do the following:

Chip seal Roads:

     Royal street
     Baines Street
     Old Mill
     Southridge
     Mill Creek Drive

Crack Seal Roads:
     All roads in Salado except Salado Creek Plaza, Mill Creek from Main to Chisholm Train and Thomas Arnold.

Spot Repairs (Assume a 10X20 Section)

     Royal Street

        Curve near Smith Branch
        South of curve -- 2 spots
        East entrance to Methodist Church
        South of east entrance -- 2 spots
        Curve southeast of Methodist Church
        703 Royal
        709 Royal

    Baines Street

        Baines and Royal
        Between Holland highway and Santa Rosa -- 4 spots

    Chisholm Trail

       1407 Chisholm Trail
       1513 Chisholm Trail
       1607 Chisholm Trail
       2288 Chisholm Trail at curve
       West of Elizabeth Court -- 2 spots
       2901 Chisholm Trail
       3201 Chisholm Trail at curve
       3307 to 3312 Chisholm Trail -- 3 spots
       Chisholim Trail at the 9th Tee

   Old Mill

       1209 Old Mill
       Southride and Old Mill

Mill Creek Drive

       813 Mill Creek Drive
       814 Mill Creek Drive
       902 Mill Creek Drive
       Curves south of Salado Plaza -- 3 places
       South of Degrummund -- 2 spots

Old Mill Road

      Chisholm Court -- 2 spots

Currently, Mike McDougal and our City Manager are discussing these repairs with Bell County to ascertain costs and schedule.  As was explained, it takes time to implement a plan but it is near completion.  In the near future, the schedule and cost of the above will be given.

If you have questions or suggestions, Aldermen McDougal and our City Manager will be glad to meet with you.  Please call 947-5060 and set an appointment.

VR/Skip
 

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Town Hall and Two Major events: Monday 20 October

Friends,

     Please know that the Town Hall meeting is the 27th and not the 23rd.  The meeting was changed because of a schedule conflict that could not be changed.  It will be the last Town Hall before the 4 November election.  Time:  6:30.  Place: Intermediate school.

     20 October:

    Several things will happen on Monday:

     (1)  This is the first day of early voting.  On all levels the elections will decide the future direction of our state, counties, and communities.  This may be one of the most important elections in recent years.  No matter how one "shakes and bakes" it, we will live with the results in the years to come.
Regardless of who you vote for or what you vote for -- please vote.

    As has been said many times, you are street-smart, wise, and intelligent.  Your tradition and history speak for themselves.  You will make the right choice and we will continue our journey as a state, county, and community.

    When the results are tallied on 4 November, we will still be neighbors and friends.  That is most important because it is the source of our strength when times get hard.  And, it appears that with Ebola and Isis, our challenges will be gigantic affecting every area of our lives and our country's infrastructure.

     The time is now -- do what Salado does best.  Be Salado.

   (2)  The first developer will discuss with those that desire, the plans for Sanctuary, a mixed use development of homes and businesses on the corner of I-35 and the road to Holland.  According to the Village Voice, this will be a time for the citizens to learn and ask questions about the potential development.

Dinner and snacks will be served but you must RSVP by 18 October to Madison@sanctuarytx.com.

Place:  Stonecreek Settlement : the bed and breakfast located on the south side of College Hill Drive.

Time:  5:30 P.M.

Two great opportunities to have a voice in your community.

VR/Skip

This is the Chamber of Commerce announcement:

Sanctuary Developmentwill be hosting a Meet & Greet Monday, October 20th beginning at 5:30pm at the Stonecreek Settlement Bed and Breakfast.  Please join them for a PowerPoint presentation and interactive Q&A.  Snacks and dinner will be provided.  Please RSVP by Sat, 10/18 toMadison@sanctuarytx.com.