Roads and Water Treatment

Friends,

    In the list of priorities, there are two number 1's -- Water Treatment and Roads -- both exactly equal.

    The temptation is to go "damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead" (John Paul Jones) and get it done quickly.   However, when that happens, costly mistakes are made.  If there is not sound, well-thought-out plans agreed upon by the Aldermen, we will end up with "band-aide" solutions that will make the situation worst.

    The following is where we are on both priorities:

    Currently, the Water Treatment plans are with the engineers for design, costs, recommendations, etc.  There is little to be done until we know their recommendations and the costs.  According to our City Manager, we should have that information in the next 30-45 days, certainly by the end of July.
When we have that information, a Town Hall meeting will be called and the facts presented.

    The other number 1 priority is roads.  In the last workshop, Roads were discussed and all agreed that in the near future we had to wisely develop a plan that the village could afford and implement.  Several years ago such a plan was developed.  It is being taken out of the archives and reviewed.

    As the Aldermen and City Manager stated, the roads are in different stages of repair -- some will be costly; others will not.  As we go into the budget cycle for next year, funds will be budgeted for an on-going, feasible plan that will be affordable and continuous for the life of the village.  Of course, modifications will be made as time evolves.

    It is important that our roads are safe, environmentally correct, "pleasing to the eye," and well maintained.  That will be the goal.

    On 12 July, 9 A.M.-3 P.M., Conference Room of COG in Belton, the Aldermen will meet for a 6- hour planning workshop.  Roads will be at the top of the Aldermen's list.

            Very respectfully

             Skip Blancett