Taking over Main Street Salado

Friends,

     The workshop following Monday's Special Called Session of BOA, had one order of business:  meeting with TeXDOT representatives to discuss Salado taking over Main Street.

     The meeting was congenial and informational.

     TeXDoT said that part of the I-35 Construction was re-doing the surface of Main Street at no charge to the City.  The cost to re-surface Main Street is $185,000.  James Construction will do it shortly after finishing I-35, November 2015.  This is part of the original contract between the State of Texas and James Construction; therefore, it is 100% sure.

     TexDot went on to say that to curb and sidewalk both sides of Main Street beginning with Stage Coach and going to the Episcopal church would cost about $650,000 plus drainage pipes.  "We cannot afford that," they said.

     The Bridge according to tests two years ago is in good shape with about 75% of life left.  According to TeXDoT, if something happened to the bridge, the Federal Government has a plan that will re-build the bridge and pay 80% while the city pays 20%.  However, the wait time is considerable.

     The BOA immediately reached the decision that there is no benefit for taking over Main Street and adjourned the Workshop.

     This is one more item taken off the plate of  the Aldermen/lady.   We will move on to other items waiting to be discussed.

           Respectfully,  Skip

   

Going Forward with a unanimous vote

Friends,

Last evening, the Board of Aldermen/lady approved the FY14-15 budget and the property tax increase of 6 cents.  None of this has been easy.  Not one elected official found joy in increasing property tax.  However, to move the village forward, they unanimously voted for both.  Conservative, liberal, independent, or somewhere in the middle, they united as one for the health and welfare of Salado.

There is now a full-time City Administrator to serve you.  Kim Faust will begin 1 October.  However, she has volunteered her time every day this week and worked in the office reading ordinances, learning the village, and observing the daily workings of the village.  Saturday, 4 October, 7-11 A.M., she will lead the Aldermen in a 4-hour workshop at the Bell County COG.  The public is welcome to attend and listen.  However, there will be little time for discussion from the floor since the workshop has been cut from 6 hours to 4 hours in order to attend the Village Picnic.

The Aldermen/lady care about your welfare and health of the village.  Mike McDougal and his committee will soon unveil the plan for road repair.  The plan has been presented to the engineers for an evaluation and estimated cost.  Once this has been received, a Town Hall will be called and information will be shared.  You need to know so that you can make plans.  There will be some disruption as roads are repaired.

Finally, an example of how committed your elected officials are in performing their duties.  Alderlady Amber Preston-Dankert's husband took ill late afternoon and went into emergency surgery at 5:30.  She took care of her husband making sure he received the care needed before rushing to the called session of BOA at 6:30 P.M.  She had every excuse not to come, but she cared enough about you and the village's welfare to attend and cast her vote.

She is not the only one, since 10 May, not one Aldermen/Alderlady has missed a Board of Aldermen Meeting.  Thanks to them and commitment, hard decisions are being made and we are going forward.

Very Respectfully, Skip

Sunday at the Episcopal Church and College Hill

Friends, 

    The Episcopal church is friendly as well as inspirational.  When they have "passing the Peace" (shaking hands), it is like a family reunion.  What fun!  They shake hands, welcome, and visit for 3 or 4 minutes -- right in the middle of church.  

     There was standing room only for the service.  In the near future, they are going to have to add-on or build a new church.  This church is doing well. And, the people are wonderfully special.

     After service, everyone went to their Parish Hall for cookies, coffee, doughnuts, and wraps.  Much joy and fellowship.

     Next Saturday, at 3 P.M., Father Bob is going to bless the pets at the Episcopal Church.  The picture below is Gov (short for Governor), an 8-week toy poodle.  He will arrive at 2 P.M. to be first in line.  He needs the best blessing that Father Bob can do.  If that does not help, an exorcism may be in order.  He has got too much energy, mischievousness, and can go 90 mph terrorizing the house and everything in it.  

(2)  What a great afternoon on College Hill planting wild flower seed.  A large number of people came by took their turn at sowing blue bonnets and Texas wild flower seed.

Thank you for taking the time.  If you have not been in a while, College Hill is doing some refurbishing of the Salado College foundation.  The paths are nice and if you look close you will find some fossils. Come and enjoy a history lesson and the natural beauty of the park.

Have a great week.

          VR/Skip

Busy, Busy Week for BOA

Friends,

The Board of Aldermen have a very busy week beginning this Monday.

29 September, 6:30 P.M.

     a.  Vote on the FY 15 Budget and the Tax Increase

     b.  Workshop:  TexDot and Main Street.  Information only.

02 October, 6:30 P.M.  (see website or see posting at the city hall for agenda.)

    a.  Monthly meeting

    b. Workshop

04 October (time is being changed due to village picnic)  Will be posted 72 hours before the workshop on the Web and at the city hall.  It is opened to the public, but this is a heavy scheduled event will little opportunity for comments from the floor.  

    a.  4-hour Workshop with Kim Faust our City Administrator

    b.  11 A.M. -- Village Picnic -- enjoy no-cost hamburgers and hot dogs; meet your neighbors; fun for the children.

06 October -- 6:30 P.M. -- The second of three town hall meetings in the INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CAFETERIA.  Information on the Sewer System evolves and it is important that you know the latest in order to make a good decision.  This is your village; your future; and your legacy.

BY THE WAY, IF IT IS A BUSY TIME FOR THE ALDERMEN/LADY; IT IS A BUSY TIME FOR YOU, TOO.  ALL OF THESE MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Very Respectfully, Skip

Springing on College Hill and Welcome Wells and Strawberry Patch

Friends,

(1)  The Historical Society needs your help tomorrow, Sunday, 28 September.  Come to College Hill across from Stage Coach Inn at 1:30 P.M. tomorrow and plant wild flower seeds.

And like magic -- flowers, flowers, flowers next spring.

If you do not have any seeds, the Society will have some for sale.  Buy a few packs and enjoy the beauty next spring.

(2)  What a great art gallery!  The Wells Art Gallery is a treasure of art and sculpture -- all done by Mr. Wells, the artist.

If you ask, you will learn how the bronze statues are made and bronzed.  Most fascinating.

Additionally, there are flat screen televisions in ever room depicting beautiful works of art.

Take the time to stop by and see a world-renown artist.  What a great family and a great business that has opened in Salado.

(3)  And, take time to go by Stawberry Patch, too.  Mike will treat you like royalty and make you feel at home.  A great shop and a great spirit.

Folks, if you have not noticed -- Salado is turning around.

Take the time to welcome our new stores and shop our great established stores.

Christmas is in the air and it is not Halloween, yet.

VR/Skip

A special thank you to a faithful Tourism Committee

Friends,

    The last Tourism Committee was held Tuesday.  A huge "thank you" is in order to their many accomplishments through the years of service.

    It is hard to imagine what Salado would have been like without their tireless efforts.  The events they supported and brought to Salado during the construction probably enabled some of our businesses to remain.   Equally important, the events bonded us together as a community giving hope, energy, and encouragement.

    Those who served, "thank you."  Please do not retire or fade-away from community service.  Your experience and love of the community is needed in so many areas.  You are the essence of Salado.

     Leaving the last meeting and observing those who served left a moment of sadness as this family dissolved.  But it was short-lived because these folks will become members of other Village families that will pave the way for a bright, vibrant future.

    Thank you Tourism Committee from your neighbors and friends that have benefitted from your selfless service.

                            VR/Skip

Read carefully . . . decide wisely

Friends,

     Rudyard Kipling wrote the poem "IF," in which the second stanza reads:

"If you can dream---and not make dreams your master;

If you can think---and not make thoughts your aim,

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same:.

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;"

      Your time has come, Salado, when you must make a decision.  In May, your vote said that you wanted leadership that was positive, open, and balanced.  In an open forum, you asked each candidate where they were on positions such as sewer, roads, and business.  The Village Voice asked each candidate to write a 200 word statement on questions presented.  All candidates verbally and in writing told the Village their position.

     The overwhelming majority got what they asked for.  The Aldermen/Alderlady have been unanimous in sewer, roads, business, ordinances, environment, and a number of other issues.  We have also been open in saying,  "It will cost.  A 2008 budget does not work in 2015."  "If you want a sewer, it will cost.  It has been very clear in two town halls that the cost will be somewhere between $1 and 10.5 million dollars."  "If you want roads, it will cost.  A plan for roads is near completion."  

     You know this.  You dream, but you do not make dreams your master.  Salado is unique because you dream realistically and build boldly.

     You think but you do not make thoughts your aim.  Your reputation is educated, intelligent, and street-smart.

     You have met triumph and disaster and have treated triumph and disaster just the same.  In each case, you have kept your head, your spirit, your courage, and plowed ahead.  Just think what you have gone through -- floods, construction, and loss of businesses.  

     You are currently being tested, again.  Your elected officials are not going to lie to you; we are not manipulating you with untruths; and we are open.  

     Yes, we make mistakes and we admit them.  Once, when we forgot to vote on a motion with an amendment, we admitted it.  The next BOA, we corrected it.  And, last evening, we did not have copies of the budget available for a called session of the BOA, and it was a mistake.  We should have had them and we will on the 25th when we vote.  You may also want to pick a copy up from the city hall.  There are no secrets; no hidden agenda.  The Village Voice did an excellent job several weeks ago explaining the increase.

     On 25 September, 6:30 P.M., the Aldermen/Alderlady will vote on the budget and the increase in property tax.  No secrets -- it has been in the Village Voice, in the monthly BOA meetings, and this BLOG which averages 60 readers a day.  And, when that time comes there will be no "wishy-washy" vote.  We will do what you elected us to do.

     One of the speakers Monday evening said that he was going to begin a "roll-back" on the proposed increase of 6 cents per hundred property tax.  A roll-back is when a petition is circulated to acquire enough names to force an election to repeal a tax increase.  Such an election usually costs the village between $4000 and $6000 according to the officials who administer the election. It is his right to do so. 

    In the end you will make the decision.

   There will be two more town hall meetings on the Bond election.  The purpose is to make sure everyone has a chance to hear the latest, voice an opinion, and ask a question.

    On 4 November, you will make a decision.

   All that is asked is research, examine, and know the actual facts in making your decision.  

    Finally, it is very easy to sink to the level of a verbal confrontation that requires mud slinging and accusations.  It only divides a village.  What good does that do?  Besides, you are intelligent, educated, and street-smart; you will determine what is truth and untruth.  

   Therefore, we ask you to make the decision.  We are convinced that whatever you decide will be right.

   A very good friend said recently, "the right always wins."  And, it will.  This is Salado

         With the greatest of respect,

         Skip Blancett and I am your Mayor.

    

    

     

     

      

Though the Looking Glass Downtown

Friends,

Rain was gently falling as visitors, shoppers, and chocolate lovers ambled through the streets.  Shop owners were smiling as they mentally tallied sales in their head.  They spoke optimistically:

"It has been a good day."

"Sales are turning around." 

"Christmas sales are starting."

"We feel hope, see progress."

"The village is really helping us."

"I was going to retire.  Not now."

From Michigan, Atlanta, New Mexico, Dallas, Houston, Florida, Fort Worth, Austin, Round Rock, San Antonio they came.  All said, "We love this town."

One man from Round Rock said, "Every day I come this way going to Fort Hood.  I thought Salado was just a couple of gas stations.  I am surprised what a great village this is."

Salado is turning itself around.  It is evident.  New businesses are opening.  Wells Art Gallery and Strawberry Patch being the latest.  

What is even more evident are the neighborhoods.  Salado has always been known for beautiful yards and well-kept homes.  This year, they are especially beautiful.  Pride is bubbling everywhere.  Street repair is just around the corner.  

While walking and shaking hands with as many as possible, a brief rest was taken by the Mermaid on the Creek and even the catfish was smiling.

Through the Looking Glass, you are changing the spirit of Salado.  Stay positive.  Keep an open mind.  Do what Salado does best -- move forward with confidence and self-assurance.  The best is yet to be.

                        Most respectfully,   Skip Blancett

Jazzin in Salado

Friends,

    Last evening was an example of Salado magic.  The Army Jazz Band, 1st CAV, performed in the Venue with a show featuring some of the best Jazz music in Texas.  With unbelievable talent, they brought the audience to their feet not once but several times.  A show that would have cost $100 a ticket in Austin, Dallas, Houston, or Fort Worth was free to anyone that attended.  Much of the audience were people who were in Salado for the Wine and Chocolate fest.  And, they enjoyed it immensely -- clapping, singing, foot-patting- and picture-taking.

    It was art-centered, music-loving, smiling-people Salado at its best.   This may have been one of the best events for 2014 -- talented musicians and performers not only giving their best to our country but giving Salado a night-to-remember.

Salado Happenings -- Good News

Friends,

Sometimes the schedule does not allow writing every day.  This was one week that writing could not be done.  That being said, There is some great news to share with you.

Friday, 11 A.M:  A meeting was held with the Economic Development Administration in Belton.  The result of the meeting is the opportunity to submit a grant by 15 Oct for the Water Treatment Plant.   CITCOG is tasked with writing and submitting the grant.  Jim Reed and Jimmy Martin will start preparing it immediately.

 Friday,  2 P.M.  A discussion with Senator Cornyn's office staff discussed the Texas Water Infrastructure Coordinating Committee (TWICC)  as another source of funding.  Kim, our City Administrator, will take this for action.    

Friday,  5:30 P.M. Aldermen Fred Brown called the Downtown Committee together to hear the Representative from Texas A&M discuss the drawing of plans for renovating the historic district of the Village.  Dr. John suggested a vision committee to work with a professor and/or students to make sure everyone has the same concept.  The approximate cost:  one or two hotel rooms, gas, and food for one or two days.  Nothing else.  It is a bargain considering what other communities have to pay for theses services.  Thank you Texas A&M for supporting us.

Finally, Fred, Kim, and Mike are working on a Grant for our Bell County Region.  That Grant must be submitted by 15 October.  

Want more good news.

Mike McDougal and his committee are working feverishly to get the overall plan ready to begin road repair.  When the plan is finalized, a Town Hall will be called so that you will know exactly when, where, and what will be done.  You will need dates and road construction so that you can make your plans.  

And, yes, the ordinances are being reviewed and corrected where necessary by Aldermen Frank Coachman and Hans Fields.  When an Ordinance is changed, it must come before the Board of Aldermen for reading and approval.  This is a slow process as there are over 20 Ordinances, some consisting of over 175 pages.  

You have a great group of Aldermen/lady and a City Manager burning the midnight oil to meet your expectations.  Support them with encouragement and appreciation.  

               VR/Skip

Salado Volunteer Fire Department

Friends,

What a great Fire Department we have!

The Fish Fry, 6 Sept, brought the community together for a great cause -- supporting the Fire Department who does many things that we sometimes never acknowledge.

Last Thursday, Salado Schools, remembered 9/11.  Upon arriving, the first thing on the scene was the Salado Fire Department.  Not one or two people but a number of volunteers along with the Salado Police, Bell County Sheriff, Scott and White EMS, and others.

Most of the time, we enjoy the game or the event and never notice that they are there for our health and safety.  If you ever attended a City Council meeting and heard Fire Chief Barrier's report, it is quickly realized what a great Fire Department we have!  You leave "awed" at all they do.

On 11 October, the village will have the opportunity to support the Fire Department in their Smokin' Sneakers 5 K and half-marathon.  For the 5K run/walk, the cost is $35.  For the Half Marathon, it is $70.  After the 5K, there will be 2-hours of family fun from 2-4 P.M. at Station 2 on FM 2484.  What a great idea.

Do not know about you, but the treadmill is coming to life today.  There are about 3 week until the event, time to get in shape.

Thank you Salado Fire Department.  You not only protect us -- you bond us together as a village.

VR/Skip

Town Hall meeting last Thursday

Friends,

Emails and telephone calls from those who attended have been overwhelming positive that the Town Hall meeting was "very good."

Reasons:

Good information.  It is recognized that all answers are not known and that research is still evolving.

Great questions, great points, excellent suggestions and recommendations.

People had the chance to voice their opinion and it was received honorably and with respect.

It was Democracy at its best.

Thank you for taking the time attend and for your interest in the Village.  Regardless of your position, it was very evident that you care.

By the end of the day, the date of the next Town Hall will be known.  It will be in the Salado High School.

A huge thanks to our District Superintendent for permission to use the High School.

Your Bond election is noticed outside of Salado as indicated in this email received Friday:

"Dear Skip, It was good to see you last night. I think the town hall went very well. Please let me know of the date for next meeting.

Also, please reply with your contact information and specific needs for help with the Bond as they develop. Judge Carter wants to help anyway he can.

Cheryl

 

Cheryl Hassmann, Constituent and Academy Liaison

Congressman John R. Carter-Texas 31"

Salado was, is, and will always be important.  You are a very unique and special village.  Take Pride in that and celebrate it.  Regardless of the issue and your position; When Salado speaks, people listen.

Most respectfully,  Skip 

After four months of being Mayor.

Friends,

After 4 months of being Mayor, these are absolutes:

1.  The village citizens are intelligent, street smart, and balanced in their thinking.  When they know and understand the facts, they are excellent at seeing through the rhetoric and the fluff to see the real question as well as the solution.  Trust them to do what is best for the village.  They will always make the right decision

2.  The Aldermen/Alderlady are essential to a strong village.  The five you elected are a bonded team that cares deeply for your village and do not want to do anything to hurt it.  However, they are not magicians pulling rabbits out of the air.  They have to have adequate resources to maintain a healthy village.

2.  Conversation and personal communication are preferred to death by PowerPoint.  Walking the streets, attending the events, shaking hands, listening to achievements and concerns, and getting to know the citizens individually are the keys to trust.  However, trust is fragile and when broken it can never be totally put back together.  Treat it like your mother's finest china.

3.  It is essential to work in an open, transparent manner.  Make sure the information given is correct and factual even if it takes a few extra days.  Town Halls are necessary.  The goal is always to make no major decisions without the citizens having ample opportunity to weigh in.  That is why public hearings and town halls are held.

4.  On tough issues, it is assumed there will be criticism and that everyone will not be pleased.  Consensus is always the goal, however, in the end; the majority wins.  If it is right, hold your ground. If it is wrong, change.  When there is peace and confidence in the heart; it is usually right.

5.  The "good-old-boy" system and out-dated ordinances are the cause of the most difficult issues to overcome.  The hours spent; the confusion and frustration caused; and the hurt feelings made have damaged morale and the spirit of the village.  What is done for one must be done for everyone.  No elected official should ever sign building permits.  There is a temptation to trade signatures for votes.

6.  Always take the high road.  An eye for an eye will only make one blind.  Do what is right, honest, and fair.  Never lie -- they breed other lies.

7.  Anyone trying to do their job will make mistakes.  Apologize and make amends quickly.  Mistakes are not forever.

8.  Avoid being negative.  It is a killing frost that does nothing but harm.  Most people will not tolerate it and will withdraw their friendship quickly.

8.  As Susan McMillan said in a recent email:  "live simply, give generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and trust."


Much has been learned.  Much more will be learned in the days to come.  Thank you for being excellent mentors and coaches.

Very Respectfully, Skip

Taking the High Road -- Believing You will make the right decision

Friends,

     In the workshop, after Thursday's Board of Aldermen's meeting, the Board of Aldermen agreed that we will take the "high road" on the tax increase and the Bond election.

     We will present the facts and answer the questions honestly and fairly.  There is nothing to hide, nothing to lie about, and nothing to misrepresent.  What purpose would that serve?

    You will have to decide and I have full confidence in your decision-making ability.  In the last election, you made it very clear the new direction the majority of you wanted to go.  We are following your mandate.

     Here are the facts:

     (1)  This is not 2005-2010.  It is 2014-2015.  The city government cannot run an effective, healthy government on yesterday's budget.  You know this because you experience the same price increase in your personal expenses.  Part of the budget is to give city employees a 3% raise.  There are no discounts for them at the grocery store, water dept, etc.

     (2)  The $50,000 for downtown comes out of Reserves (Savings).  That has always been the plan and voted on by the Alderman.  How much of it will be used is unknown.  Private citizens are putting in money and we have a better-than-average chance at a Grant from the State of Texas.  Our paperwork for the grant is due 15 October and it is for the Bell County region not the state of Texas. We will know by the end of the year if we get the grant.   There is a very active citizen's community working on the project and grant now.  Yes, everything is built on "IF," and there are no guarantees.  BUT WE ARE TRYING to find money other than city money.
   
    (3)  Aldermen McDougal and a committee of 5 are working the road issue very well.  If you were at the last Aldermen's meeting, Thursday, you would have heard what they are doing.  FACTS not speculation were given on the most used roads in Salado.  These facts come from road counters on loan from Bell County.  A plan based on those facts will be presented in the near future.  Not-a-hit-and-miss plan but one that makes sense, one that is feasible, and one that we can afford over the next 5 years.  When this plan is ready,  a TOWN HALL MEETING will be called to have it presented to you by Mike and his committee.

   (4)  Yes, the tax proposed is a 6 cents increase -- $10 per household if your house is valued at $200,000.  Yes, there is a bond election for a sewer system 4 November.  A town hall meeting is this Tuesday, 6:30 P.M. Salado High School.  Straight facts will be given.  You will probably be surprised at what you are going to hear.  AT LEAST GIVE IT A CHANCE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS.

  (5)  Believe it or not, whether you are downtown or just a citizen in a neighborhood, your property values are attached to the health of Salado.  Want proof?  Journey to towns around Salado and see for yourself.

In the end you will believe what you want to believe.  However, attend the Board of Aldermen's meetings and stay to hear all the business; call an Aldermen that you trust and ask the hard questions.  They make the policy and they know the answers.

Your Aldermen are Fred Brown, Hans Fields, Amber Preston-Dankart; Mike McDougal; and Frank Coachman.  They have no agenda except to give you a healthy Salado, and their integrity is beyond reproach.

This is Salado and you will make the right choice.  You always do. You are very intelligent and very street-smart, capable of seeing all sides of the issues.  This I know from tradition and experience.

VR/Skip
   

Tattoo Parlor and other news

Friends,

    (1)   This week the ladies who wanted the Tattoo Parlor told our City Administrator they were no longer interested.

     One of the ladies and her husband are moving out of state.  The other lady, the tattooist, did not want to have a business in Salado.

     Therefore, there will not be a Tattoo Parlor.

     (2)  Mr. Cody, who worked for James Construction, has accepted another job and will be leaving.  He has been a true friend to our village, one who made things happen, and, more important; kept his word.  Cody will be greatly missed.  We give him our best wishes and deepest gratitude as he goes.  "Thank you, Cody, for helping us get through a difficult time."

     (3)  Speculation may come to an end next week.  It could be very exciting news for our village.  In fact, there are three other rumors going around. All three have some credibility.

    (4)  Those playing golf say that the golf course is improving every day and will become one of the most beautiful golf courses in Central Texas.

    (5)  This fall will be an excellent time to walk the trails of College Hill.  One of the trails has a large number of fossils engraved in rocks.  History will come alive as you see Salado's college and learn of future restoration.  It is free and there is lots of parking.

    (6)  Remember 11 September and the Remembrance events occurring at the Salado Schools.  If at all possible, please participate.

    (7)  Recycling is doing well.  If you are recycling please continue.  If not, please consider.

    VR/Skip

   

Hear the latest on the Sewer and Bond Election, Town Hall 11 Sept

Friends,

Please put on your calendar the Town Hall meeting on the Sewer System, 11 September.  Jim Reed, our City Administrator, will give an overview and answer your questions.

Place:  Salado High School Cafeteria (please park in the back behind the cafeteria)

Time:  6:30 -7:30 P.M.  (However, it could go 30 minutes longer, but no more.)

Purpose:  To learn more about the proposed system, hear opinions, and answer questions.  (This is not a debate.  It is to voice an opinion or ask a question.)

Fact sheets will be available with the latest information.  As always, it is encouraged that you research the facts to your satisfaction.

The Aldermen will be present to hear your remarks.

This is the first of three Town Halls; probably the most basic.  It will give a foundation for the other two which will add new information that may not be available for this Town Hall.  By the end of the third Town Hall,  you will have a total picture that will help you decide how to cast your vote.

Please take time to attend.

VR/Skip

Questions to ask at the Town Hall, 11 September

Friends,

     What questions should you be considering for the Town Hall, 11 September, 6:30 P.M., Salado High School?

      Please do not take this Town Hall Lightly.  It will be informational, factual, and honest.

      Questions that need to be resolved for the Sewer Bond Plan:

Financial:

1.  What will be the cost of the bond, interest rate?

2.  If the measure passes, when will the charges be levied against each property owner?

3.  Will the city condemn right away land or purchase it on a market basis?

Operational:

1.  What will be the cost to hookup to the sewer line?

2.  What will be the monthly charges for the sewer hookup?

3.  What are the estimated annual cost for running the sewer plant?

4.  Who will manage the business?  Will it be the city or will the city form a company to run the system?

5.  Who will repair?

6.  Will the sewer company run the lines to the building or just connect at the street?

7.  If approved, what is the estimated project start date?

Project management:

1.  Will the city hire a project manager, (team) to oversee the building of the system?

2.  If the BOA membership changed in upcoming elections, what assurances does the project team have that the project will continue without severe restrictions?

Other questions:

1.  Will the Plant be an eyesore?

2.  Will there be an offensive smell?

3.  What is in it for me?

4.  If I cannot use it, why should I have to help pay for it?

5.  Where will the plant be located?

6.  When will the next Town Hall Meeting be?

Very Respectfully,  Skip

How much is a healthy village worth?

Friends,

ISN'T YOUR COMMUNITY WORTH $120 MORE A YEAR TO YOU?

The benefits of the FY 15 budget are:

1.  We get a qualified, full-time city manager to manage the day-to-day operations of the city

  

2.  We get the roads repaired, NOW, not a promise into the future

3.  We protect the current property values of the community

4.  We get a start on the improvement of  downtown that will enhance the beauty of our village

5.  We have an equipped  Police and Volunteer Fire Department to keep us secure

6.  We give our hard-working village employees a much needed cost of living raise

7.  We get a positive and actively working Aldermen's Board who can help make the vision real

NOW ISN'T THAT WORTH $10 A MONTH?  A HEALTHY VILLAGE IS WORTH MORE THAN A MONTHLY $10 MEAL AT THE GOLDEN ARCHES.

         Most respectfully,

         Skip