News on the fly

Friends,

The following is some news you may or may not know:

1.  The Village Police Cars now have cameras paid from their annual budget.  Over the past several months, we have been inundated with national accounts of civil violence.  The cameras in our cars will protect our Policemen as well as our citizens.  They will also help eliminate "He said, They said" with proof of what actually happened.

2.  Riding in the Village Trolly with driver, Fred Brown, during the "Salado on the Rocks," was interesting and informative.  Here are some observations and comments from the participants:

     a.  not many Salado citizens participated.
     b.  not many stores stayed open, however, the ones that did had good sales in the late evening
     c.  the participants were between 21 and 40 -- lots of energy and fun
     d.  the majority had participated in "Salado on the Rock" or had visited Salado in the past.  99% of those offering comments seemed to enjoy the evening and spoke highly of the event.  When asked how it might be improved, they gave the following suggestions:
          -- If a free goodie bag is promised through advertisement, please give it.  At least 6 visitors mentioned that they were not offered or received one.
          -- Advertise better so that more people will come.  8 said they called the Village to find out about it; if they had not called they would not have known when it was.
          -- Approximately 11 participants said the price increase was fine, but they expected more from the price increase.
          -- 99% of those making comments thought a live outside band would be great.
          -- Many complimented the food and wine however some wanted more food.

100% gave an overall ("thumbs-up) for the event.

3.  Please do not forget the TXDOT Town Hall meeting is 17 Feb, 6:30 P.M., Intermediate School Cafeteria.  We need a good mixture of neighborhood people and shop owners expressing their concerns and experiences.  The more the better.

4.  Negotiations with Sanctuary will continue 24 February.  Subject is "Water Treatment Plant."  The meeting will be held in the City Lawyer's office.  It will not be an open meeting and by law, only two Aldermen/Lady may attend if they desire.  It was thought that other Aldermen/lady could attend if they only "listened."  However, according to our City Attorney, that is not true.  More than two Aldermen/Lady present constitutes an Open Meeting regardless of what they do or say.  However, the middle of April, there will be a Town Hall meeting to inform the community of all the on-going negotiations.  Please know that no negotiations will be enacted without the permission of the Aldermen/Lady.

5.  No new positions have been created in the Village Office.  There is no money to do so.  An Assistant to the City Manager position has not been created nor will it be created.  The Aldermen/Lady did fill the vacant part time position of Ordinance Code Enforcer with a Code Enforcer Clerk.  This is not a new position but filling a vacant position.

More information and reports will be forthcoming in the near future.  Keep reading the Village Voice and this BLOG.  Tell your friend, neighbors, and acquaintances.

VR/Skip