This is the State of Salado as of today, 22 February. It is divided into three sections: Where We Were, Where We Are, and Where We Are Going. I have tried to give you as clear and concise look into the Village Government as possible. I am sure some things have been left out unintentionally. If so, I apologize.
The State of Salado
February 2015
Where we were
In May, 2014, the issues were sewer vs septic, roads, ordinances, permits, I-35 Construction, lack of business, and citizen depression. The election had not been easy and the aftermath confusing and frustrating. People were divided, groups had formed, and people were generally unhappy.
In
a 6-hour workshop with the Aldermen/Lady, we decided it was up to us to turn
things around. We had to become
optimistic, positive, and enthusiastic.
We had to decide to stop being a Village that “can’t” and become a
village that “can.”
In
that meeting, 5 major issues were identified: Sewer, Roads, Ordinances, Environment, and Downtown. Alderman McDougal was the first to say,
“I will take roads.” Alderman
Brown wanted “Downtown.” Aldermen
Coachmen and Fields agreed to Ordinances.
AlderLady Dankart was a natural for “Environment.” Jim Reed and I took on the possibility
of a sewer bond election. We all
agreed that what we did for down town, we had to do equal for the
neighborhoods.
At
the same time, the Vision Committee was designing a plan to bring Salado
together and improve the Village. Their vision was very similar to the
Aldermen/lady’s vision; therefore, it was easy to meld them together.
The 5 Aldermen/Lady begin to make things happen. Mike McDougal formed a committee of 5 and started working on
a plan to improve roads in 5 years.
Fred Brown started a committee to bring “downtown to life” starting with
lights and having a Texas A&M class to design downtown. Frank and Hans started reading and
re-writing the Ordinances. Amber
took on recycling and cleaning the low water bridge along with creek
environment.
And
in all of this, no one predicted the need for a tax increase, the immediate
need of a Sewer Bond Election, the disorganization of the Municipal Office, and
the problem of permits. And, if
that was not enough, Sanctuary became a reality presenting an entire new set of
opportunities that the Village was not prepared to meet or address. And, the “hits kept on coming” – closing Holland Bridge, the
sale of Robertson Ranch acreage, and the I-35 construction that continues to be
torn up and never completed.
Yet,
the Spirit of Salado grew stronger.
It started with the refurbishment of the Golf Course, the Memorial Day
Service in the Cemetery, and the beautiful 4th of July
fireworks. It continued with Blue
Lapis in the Park, Keep Salado Beautiful, and College Hill. The Art Festival in August, the Village
Picnic in Sheryl Park, Christmas in October, and the Christmas Stroll featuring
the largest parade in history.
The
Village Voice allowing the Mayor’s article, the editorials, the Salado Mayors
Blog were also instrumental in positive communication.
The
Chamber of Commerce and the Village formed a partnership that will reap
benefits for the future. Salado
was chosen to become a Purple Heart Village. The Village Choir’s gave inspiring performances, the art
guilds/leagues displayed beautiful paintings and pottery, and Tablerock gave
stellar performances that were the envy of Hollywood.
All
of these events began to turn the depression of Salado into the hope of
tomorrow.
Five
Town Halls were held giving people a voice, and a Sewer Bond election passed.
Where we are now
We are in the greatest challenge in the
history of Salado. At least 750
acres of development will begin between 2015 and 2017. A Water Treatment plant and sewer lines are in the beginning
planning stages and will be implemented. The I-35
construction continues to cause frustration and hardships. Businesses strive to overcome slow
sales. The perfect storm has
formed.
Yet,
there is progress.
For
the first time, there is a 5-6 year road repair plan that will begin in March.
Our
first Ordinance changes are approved and are in effect.
A Texas
A&M city architectural class will soon visit the Village to talk to the
citizens about their desires for downtown. The first lights have been installed around the Civic
Center.
The
low water bridge by Sheryl Park is on the schedule to be cleaned. Due to permits, this has been difficult.
The
engineers are working the details for the Water Treatment Plant. The citizens will be very pleasantly surprised.
To
meet the challenge of development, three working committees are preparing the
way forward :
Develop
and Economic Agreements are staggeringly huge. Yet, this committee is already making recommendations on
points of negotiation.
The
Water Treatment Plant has very experienced citizens working out the
details. With this committee, you
are in good hands. Again, citizens will be pleased.
The
ETJ and Annexation committee will take on the difficult task of city annexation and the
ETJ. These are not easy subjects
and can become controversial quickly.
The
partnership between the City and the Chamber of Commerce is becoming more
defined and stronger.
The deer and buzzard problems are difficult, but they are being addressed. The question is not the need, but how and when.
The deer and buzzard problems are difficult, but they are being addressed. The question is not the need, but how and when.
Most
important, all the stacks of papers are now neatly filed; our accounting is on
line; and the Ordinances can be found easily. It has taken 3 months of long hours to organize the Village
Office but it is well on its way. There is still much to do.
In
June and July, we will review the budget line by line.
By
early winter, we will re-do our website and update our Comprehensive Plan that
was written in 2004.
Our
Police will soon be in a new Police Station next door to the Village Municipal
Building, and our Village Municipal Building will have a new look. Volunteers did most of the work.
We
do not have the money to hire experience, but we have the experience of smart, experienced Salado people. In the
coming weeks, that will be tapped as the three committees grow.
Most
important, we have an experienced City Manager and a great, committed staff
handling the day-by-day activities.
Guessing is no longer a part of this system.
Where we are going
This one is most difficult to predict. There is no crystal ball. However, we are striving to do the following:
By May,
2016:
More roads will be repaired.
More
Ordinances will be updated.
Environmental
agreements will be reached.
Downtown
will be improved. At all cost, the
cultural, historic district will not be lost.
The
plans for the sewer lines and the water treatment plant will be completed and started
Construction
of I-35 will come to an end.
Negotiations with Sanctuary and Robinson Ranch acreage will be completed.
Sanctuary
development building is scheduled to begin.
By
the end of the year, an agreement on the ETJ will be reached.
Hidden
Glenn Senior Retirement Home will be completed. Open House is scheduled for December.
The
partnership between the City and the Village will produce new events, new
ideas, and strengthen old events and ideas. And, as a result, our businesses will find new life and
flourish.
In
May, 2015, three Aldermen seats will be up for re-election or new ones elected. Choose wisely.
To
keep you informed, there are at least three Town Halls planned.
The
way is long; sometimes foggy; often bumpy; and will require both hands on the
wheel and absolute focus. There
will be mistakes, there will be hard choices to make, there will be
criticism. However, you will get
our best, we will remain flexible, and regardless of the environment; we will
remain positive and open.
We
ask your support, your understanding, and most of all your encouragement. This is a labor of love for Salado and
for you. We do not have all the
answers. We probably never
will. The best we can do is take
it a day or an event at a time, while staying clearly focused on our clearly defined goals.
We
are committed to keeping Salado a wonderful Village for all of its
citizens. However, change is here
now and we must manage it well.
Most
respectfully,
Skip
Blancett,
Mayor
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