A Board of Aldermen in the Second Grade -- Students pass a Bill

Friends,

The greatest honor came today -- speaking to three second grade classes, each with approximately 20  students.

The questions they asked were on a high school level.  Their thinking was far beyond their age.  Their manners were pristine.  Their attention was absolute.

We did a Board of Aldermen in each class.  None had seen a BOA but they learned quickly.  Five students volunteered and set in the Aldermen seats in front of the class.

One made a motion that school will be reduced from 5 days to 4 days.  A second came immediately.  (REMEMBER THESE ARE SECOND GRADERS)

Discussion:

One Alderman:  If we go to school 5 days, we will learn more.

Two Alderman:  If we do not go to school, we can play more.

Three Alderman:  If we go to school 5 days, we can get smarter.

Four Alderman:  If we go school 4 days, we can have a birthday party and make it last all day.

Five Alderman:  If we go to school 5 days, we will see our friends and go to college.

"Question" called one Alderman.

"The motion is school would be reduced from 5 days to 4 days."

"All in favor, raise your hands."

In all the classes, the motion passed.  The closest was the last class -- 3 to 2.

Sorry, Michael, your Second Grade Class passed a bill making school 4 days each week.  Will help you explain to the Trustees and the State of Texas.  Maybe, we had better wait.  The next second grade BOA is to lengthen the recess periods by an hour.  What a great school; what great students who know and understand Democracy in action.

It is obvious why the Salado Schools are considered the best in Texas -- the parents, teachers, and the Administration are doing an outstanding job.

In every class, there were tremendous participation and excellent attitudes.  Thank you for the invitation.

Here are a couple of pictures with the BOA in session in 2 classes

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PS: The Aldermen/Lady are to meet with these Second Grade Classes next week for lessons.  The children get the job done quickly and they make it FUN!

Creative and Practical Ideas on improving Salado

Friends,

     Sheryl Russell recently sent some creative and practical ideas on improving Salado. Enjoy reading them and if one "tickles your fancy," try it.  As Sheryl says, "It takes a Village to make a Village."

• Make way finding signs that include little maps to pick up and use or maps that can be pulled up on electronic devises and provide information resources everywhere including retailers.  Counter cards in restaurants can get attention while people are waiting for food services. 

• Lights. Our streets are too dark. All of Main (north to Library and south to Holland Road) and Royal to the Methodist Church should be lighted for safety and attractiveness. Exits off of I-35 - our front door to the world - should set an image for our Village that says “Salado is special”. Exits are very dark, too.

• Signs must be accurate; no incorrect information.

• Signs should include and indicate historic sights - Cemetery, Tablerock, College Hill, Pace Park, Sculpture Garden, CTAM, Sirena, Churches, Restaurants, and B&B locations. 

• Signs that point out the things that make Salado unique are intriguing -  maybe signs would just say Especially Salado.

• Add info on unique sights, special award winning gardens, great views of huge trees, scenic drives, etc.

• Create back stories that bring history to life and honor those who have worked to make Salado unique.  Develop a working history of all our business owners and key community leaders.

• Remove out of date info.  Errors or non-info implies that we don’t care enough to offer the very best. The Village should be an example of positive motivation. Key organization like the Chamber and Tourism should lead the way by their good examples. 

• Encourage people to pick up garage sale signs, plant sale buckets, wedding balloons and signs, and any trash. 

• Make Salado look special from I-35 the main view of our Village all year long - not just at Christmas time. 

• Encourage people - don’t punish them or make rules that are hard to enforce and impossible to do or justify. Kindness and compliments usually work like honey and sugar. 

• Acknowledge cooperation and positive results with kudos and thanks. The Baines House was recently awarded Garden of the Month. What a nice way of encouraging me to continue to make our property special.

• Encourage businesses to be lighted inside and outside after dark. Sir Wigglesworth was as bright at night as is was in the daytime and I often saw people window shopping there. Same for Gregory’s - great windows and lights attracted many compliments and shoppers. Many B&B guests stroll around after dark to enjoy Salado at leisure. When I walk at night I see citizens, too, with flash lights.

• Strive to create and maintain empathy between Business Salado, non-business Salado, and school age families.  This synergy is vital and valuable.  Our Village takes a village!

• Bring history to everything we do. History is what makes Salado different and unique. Keep the historic look of Salado a reality.  Our rules and guidelines don’t seem to be user friendly or encouraging for incorporating vintage details, awnings, porches, and people places. Maybe we need some Village parking zones and more trolley services. 

• For a certain age group - if it’s not on the internet or electronic media it’s NOT. We must go into that realm. Printing is expensive and it’s only available once people arrive in town. Even at our B&B, often I don’t actually see folks until breakfast and they may be leaving that day. Thus I’m telling them about our Village after the fact. 

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The Wilmer Memorial Lecture Saturday was better than OUTSTANDING!

The room was filled.  People were sitting around the wall to hear Talmage Boston speak on "Baseball: The Nature, the Personality, and the Power behind the Game."

They were not disappointed when he finished speaking.  Built around a quote from Jacques Barzun, "whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball," he built his case on history and testimonies of baseball players such a Yogi Berra.  Using humor and facts, he hit a home run out of the park.  The people laughed and held on to every word he spoke.  The last hour of the afternoon was dedicated to questions, answers, and personal stories from the audience.

Upon being interrupted while playing a baseball game, by the delegation notifying Abraham Lincoln of his selection as the Republican presidential nominee, he said, "Tell the gentlemen they will have to wait until after I have had my turn at bat."

And, the afternoon went on.

Of all the events, the Institute for the Humanities at Salado, is one of the best.  Their speakers are informative, interesting, and knowledgeable.  The people who attend are thought-provoking, intellectual thinkers who see the issues from all sides.  It is an honor to sit at their feet and learn.

The next time the Institute for the Humanities at Salado, regardless of the subject, has a program, please take the time to attend.  You will walk away with much more than you ever dreamed.

Talmage Boston speaks to a standing room only audience.

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Outstanding! Huge! At least 3500 people! The Art Weekend!

Friends,

You still have one more day to experience a great event.  Saturday, the Art weekend in Salado brought forth the crowds.  Nothing but tremendous compliments from the visitors and the vendors.  Here are just a few of the comments:

"We want to move here!"
"First time to come to Salado.  WOW!  It will not be the last."
"We made a mistake moving to Temple.  Wished we had known about Salado."
"The is my 29th trip to Salado.  There is nothing like it!"
"We are from Wichita, Kansas.  Oh my!"
"We are from Ohio.  It is not green there.  What a great spring in Texas."
"We came from Tyler and are having the time of our life."

Vendors:

"This has been a great day for me."
"We have done well."
"Salado is coming back."
"This is one of our favorite events."
"This town is the best. We are treated so well."
"Thank you for the breakfast.  It started our day just right!"

Here are some pictures to go with their comments.

Look closely.  It is a finely crafted goat by Allen, a 16 year old Salado student who makes metal sculptures as well as spurs and other things.  Talk about talent!

Meet Pamela Mallow and family.  Their business is Dallas Soap Company and their soaps are the best smelling aromas -- fit for kings and queens.

Thank you, Lainey Sirois.  She is one of young families volunteering to make Salado special!

Hans Fields not only drove visitors around yesterday, he did it Friday evening, too.

Say hello to Jeff Hapke, Magician, Balloon, and Bubble Artist from Belton.

See caption below . . . new artists!

Both pictures.  New artists.  They are so new, their company does not have a name, yet.  Salado was their first event and they did well.

Salado, you did right!  Be proud of your accomplishments.  Many, many visitors and vendors wish they had what you have!  Go down and see for yourself, but hurry, it ends at 2 P.M.

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Your Village News in 3 minutes, 27 March

Friends,

1.  Over 30 Texas A&M students and instructors were in town Friday to tour downtown Salado as well as neighborhoods. As a semester project, they will create and present proposals on how to refurbish downtown.  The Municipal Building was filled with local residents expressing their ideas and suggestions.  For over an hour, the students heard and took notes on how Salado Main Street might look in the future.  In a few weeks, there will be another opportunity for the students and residents to ask questions and discuss the progress of the project.

2.  At the suggestion of Representative Jimmy Don Aycock, the Whitis Land Development Company, LLC, has requested a meeting with the SISD School Superintendent, Michael Novotny, County Commissioner Tim Brown, and the Mayor.  The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the concerns of Salado for the creation of Bell County Municipal Utility District #3 outside the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction and any Bell County city but within the boundaries of Salado I.S.D.  The Bill to establish the Utility District has not gone before the Texas Legislature for a vote.  A good understanding and description of what MUD Districts are can be found in the Salado Village Voice, Thursday, March 26, 2015.

3.  What do you do not know is that earlier in the week,  a TXDOT Representative called and discussed the possibility of placing the deck (concrete and asphalt) the last week in March on the 2484 bridge that was hit Thursday.  The discussion centered on when would be the best time to close I-35 Highway so that the least inconvenience would be experienced by Salado residents.  It is appreciated that TXDOT is working with Salado on road closings. The sooner we know, the sooner the information can be departed to our residents.  Meetings are being planned with TXDOT to discuss the bridge, construction, and an earlier completion date.  As of this date, it is not known how much damage was done to the bridge other than the obvious.

4.  Coming to work Friday morning, our City Administrator was listening to radio station, AM 1400. The DJ discussed the economic impact on Salado due to construction and the 2484 bridge being hit.  The DJ said the State owed the City to get in and complete the project as soon as possible.    

The DJ is absolutely correct, the construction must be ended this year, 2015, and not 2016.  Thank you, AM 1400, for supporting Salado.

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Art Weekend

Friends,

     With the arrival of Spring comes the arrival of Wildflower Art Weekend this weekend, 27-29 March.  Artist will be exhibiting their art while neighbors, friends, and visitors will have the opportunity to look, discuss, and purchase the art of their choice.

     As Salado moves forward, take the time to visit the various art locations and enjoy two beautiful days of events and art.  Whether it is a resident art shop or a booth on the Civic Center lawn, this will be a memory-making event.

    The events are from 9 A.M. until 5 P.M. Saturday and 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. on Sunday. There is something for everyone.  Take the time and enjoy a day in Salado.

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In the midst of tragedy were our people

Friends,

     It was a long, sad day for Salado.  Our thoughts and condolences go to those who were in the bridge accident, the ones who worked it, and the ones who witnessed it.  Such tragedies are long remembered.

     In the midst of this accident were our people.  When I-35 was closed, the traffic was re-routed to the side roads.  When that became slow, traffic started down Main Street.  In order to protect our citizens and visitors, our police closed the Holland Road entrance to Main Street.  Not being able to go down Main Street, the traffic started going down Banes Street into our residential areas.  Our police closed the Holland Raod entrance to Banes Street.  Many cars are difficult, but the semi-trucks are impossible down Main Street and the Residential areas.  Additionally, as working the accident continued into the afternoon, our schools were ending their day.  All of our Police Officers were working to keep another accident from occurring.

     As the Police were working the traffic flow, our Firemen were in the heart of the tragedy taking care of the deceased, the hurt, and those working the accident.  Everywhere, at the scene were yellow vests, the yellow vests of our firemen.  Moments after the accident happened, they were there doing what they do best, protecting and taking care of others.  It is not only physically hard to work around the clock, it is emotionally and mentally difficult -- pictures and memories live for years.  Yet, they never back away, never hesitate to go when called.

    Sometimes, in our busy lives, we forget to say "thank you" to those who work endlessly for the sake of many.  Not only do they work accidents, they do things that are never seen like placing high water barriers in low areas or removing debris from the road.  We cannot do much for what they do, but a "thank you" will mean much.  And, maybe even an occasional batch of cookies will bring a smile to some very deserving workers.

On the scene, involved, and taking care of many.  Thank you to our Police and Fire Departments.

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An evening in Dialogue with the Mayor

Friends,

For several months, I have been desiring to do this but wanted to make sure it was worth your time and YOU WOULD COME.

This weekend, visiting shops and listening to neighbors, I decided that the time is now.  No, nothing spectacular was learned.  HOWEVER, What became clear was that in order for you to make good decisions you need to know the latest information, but more important I need to hear you and get your opinions on some issues.

I am planning three evenings in April and May.  The dates are still being determined.  The time will be 6 P.M. and will last for one hour.  It is not lecture, but discussion in the form of questions and answers.  I will lead it.  It will be posted so Aldermen/Lady may attend, but this is between the Mayor and YOU.  Of course, they may join into the discussion, too.

The three evenings in no particular order:

An evening with the Mayor and the shop owners.

An evening with the Mayor and the Leaders of the Service Groups and Religious institutions

An evening with the Mayor and the Citizens

As soon as the dates are set, an announcement will be going forward.

THIS IS IMPORTANT.  THERE IS MUCH HAPPENING THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.  LIKEWISE, I NEED TO LISTEN TO YOU.

Please make plans to attend.

As Henry Ford often said:

Coming together is a 

Beginning

Keeping together is

Progress

Working together is

Success

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Refurbishing your town with Texas A&M

Friends,

     We have been talking about this since early fall.  Texas A&M is coming to listen to YOU and draw plans based from your input!

When:  Friday, 27 Feb, Noon to 1 P.M.

Where:  Municipal Building

Who:  Texas A&M instructors and students.  This is a class semester project.  It will be excellently done.

What:  To listen to you.  This is not some architect telling us how we should look without YOUR input.  This is YOU telling them.  Come with your ideas and suggestions.  Do not expect them to tell you; THEY WANT YOU TO TELL THEM.

Take the time to come.  It is important.

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Coming together on other issues

Friends,

Outside of roads, construction, sewer, new development, and ETJ, which are major, what are other concerns that the Village needs to address?

If one talks to shop owners, it is public restrooms.  There are not very many and they are far and in between.  Visitors often get irritated because there is no place to go.

If one talks to visitors and local residents, the lack of a variety of restaurants, especially those that are open in the evening.  Italian is a favorite suggestion.

If one talks to families with children in the public schools, it is lack of things to do within the Village.    Families would prefer to stay in a safe, convenient environment than travel down I-35.

If one talks to residents, it is keeping the Creek clean, maintaining and keeping a beautiful Salado, and spending more effort in keeping Salado special than in trying to figure out developers and developments.

If one talks to children, it is a "fun city park" where they can play and meet their friends.

If one talks to youth, it is Starbucks, social media, movies, and a safe place to "hangout" with their friends.

If one talks to dog owners, it is a Dog Park.

Do you get the drift of this Post?

These are major issues, too, that must be addressed as Salado moves forward.  It will take all of us to make it happen -- Lion's Club, Rotary, Auxillary, Chamber, Board of Aldermen, Churches, Historical Society, Masonic Lodge, PALS, Keep Salado Beautiful, Salado Art Association, and other civic organizations.

Individually, we can do some, but all together, we can make a major difference.

All of you do much and you are greatly appreciated by all, but a special request.  The next time your organization meets, consider what can be done to improve the quality of life in Salado?  And, take steps to make it happen.

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The new entrepreneurs coming to Salado

Friends,

    Meet Ben and Allie Guenter, owners of Revelation Decor across from the Range in the Solas Gallery Building, 2 Rock Creek, across from the Range.  They are an example of the new entrepreneurs and artists coming to Salado.

    Ben and Allie chose Salado for their home and business.  As a child, she spent many happy days with her family in and around Salado.  She remembers the artists and the shops that made Salado famous and beloved.  Her love for Salado is deep and passionate.

    To get here, they sold their beautiful home in Marble Falls.  They took the money and invested it in their business. Listening to their story and the sacrifices made, there is no doubt they are here to stay.  Recently, they purchased the carpet and flooring building on the I-35 Frontage Road and will begin refurbishing it in the future.

    Revelation Decor only carries art and furniture made by Salado artists.  The wings behind Allie, in the picture below, are outside her shop and they were made by her husband Ben who is a local musician.

  

     Revelation Decor and other businesses in town are examples of how Salado's demographics are changing.  A new generation of thinking, working, and dreaming is making Salado their home.  Like  those who have lived many years in Salado, there is a genuine love for the beauty, history, and lifestyle of the best Village in Texas.  And, these new entrepreneurs are willing to make the sacrifice to keep and make Salado special.

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Passport to Paradise is here and open for business

Friends,

    Our newest business, Passport to Paradise, had their ribbon cutting today.  Inspite of rain, people came and wished Sean and Kevin, owners, well.

     As Sean explained:

"I will be the primary travel agent in the office full time, as I am leaving my current career to begin this business.  I have spent the last 17+ years in the public safety sector as a fire fighter, dispatcher and an executive in a very large private ambulance company.  While I have enjoyed those years and the honor of serving the community, I feel that it is time to jump into something else.  As new residents of Salado, Kevin and I really feel like this is the perfect place for us to live and open our business.  I have found the business owners and citizens to be a very welcoming community who take great pride in “keeping business local”.  I am very excited to begin our business and offer yet another service to the residents of Salado.  The more services offered, the more we can keep our fellow citizens from leaving the Village to conduct business.  I know that we all agree that when folks can shop and conduct business locally, we all benefit."

    The two ladies below are making plans for their next trip.  Lots of choices; lots of fun -- visit Passport to Paradise soon!  They have everything from day trips to ocean cruises.  

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A letter to Salado

Friends,


Friends, 

Recently, this letter came through email:

Mr. Blancett,

Warren and I are from Katy, Tx.
We are just visiting Georgetown/Round Rock...we, indeed, are looking at Salado,
Wahlburg and Georgetown as potential 'home' sites.
We, simply, had not visited Salado after the Christmas Tree Farm closed down.
Until it did, we would bring our grandson (he is now 10) to Saldado to cut down 
three or four trees/have a cup of hot chocolate.
The last time we did this, we decided to go into Salado, have lunch, walk around.
We fell in love with Salado then!
We were driving to look to see what we could find (on our own) and decided to
visit Salado.
Our grandson is a history student...we have taken him to Gettysburg,
Washington, D.C. 
He knows more history than most high school age students/some college
students and for 'fun', he met Tom Blakey, a 91 year old WWII veteran at
the WWII Museum in New Orleans.
"Thank You for your service, Sir!" with a handshake ---makes a grandparent
proud to know that he loves history.
We would be BLESSED to be a member of the Salado Community!
Sincerely,
Jackie and Warren Jeter

When downtown, visitors from across the nation say one thing:  "We love Salado."

"It is hard to be humble when one lives in Salado, but we try.  May we never lose that Salado Spirit that makes us the best Village in Texas.  And may we always be thankful for folks like Jackie and Warren who take the time to write.

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The First of this Year's Road Repairs

Friends,

Have you driven down Royal lately?  Was the ride a little smoother?  That is because Bell County called Alderman Mike McDougal and said, "We have a couple of days to help your Village with Road Repair. Are you interested?"

"Of course," said Mike.  And, Bell County came.

Bell County made repairs from just east of the United Methodist Church to Main Street and Banes in front of the cemetery.

Thank you Bell County and Commissioner Brown!

The next major road repair begins in April and continues through June.  That repair involves Salado Plaza from Main to Chisholm, Mill Creek Drive from Main to Chisholm, and Thomas Arnold from Main to West Village Drive.  The cost is approximately $305,000.  This is major road work so please be prepared for some inconvenience.

This begins the 5-6 year plan to repair all the roads in Salado Village proper.

Thank you, Alderman McDougal and your Road Committee.

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Welcome to the Chamber/Village Family

Friends,

A healthy sign that your Village is improving is the number of businesses and individuals that become members of the Village's Chamber of Commerce.  Please join our applause for the following:

Village Spirits 

Robert Dudeczka

PO Box 1195

Salado, TX 76571

The Barrett House

Lee and Helen Barrett

4018 Outpost Trace

Lago Vista, TX 78645

ERA Colonial Real Estate

Stephanie Nash

777 Indian Trail

Harker Heights, TX 76548

Larry and Elaine Wolfe

PO Box 1299 

Salado, TX 76571

Double JJ Tree Service

*Complementary Basic Level Membership from Tim for shredding Christmas Trees—Need information from him.

Window Genie

Eric Stewart

501 Pondview Drive

Killeen, TX 76542

Strawberry Patch

James Ruesch

PO Box 1187

Salado, TX 76571

REVEAL by Revelation Décor

Allie Guenther

2 Rock Creek Drive

Salado, TX 76571

Media Choice

Derek Belzung

3701 Bee Caves Rd, Suite 101

Austin, TX 78746

Passport to Paradise

Sean Lowery and Kevin Ferrin

PO Box 738 

Salado, TX 76571

Brookshire Brothers #69

Nick Radke

215 Mill Creek Drive

Salado, TX 76571

     Thanks to each of you.  May we never disappoint you; may you always know our appreciation and support.

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A letter to the EDA from U.S. Senator Cornyn

Friends,

      As you know, we are anxiously pacing the floor to learn if the village will receive the 1.5 million dollar grant for the water treatment/sewer plant.  This is a "matching" grant which means that the Village matches every dollar the Economic Development Administration gives us.  By passing the Sewer Bond election, we can match the 1.5 million.  This gives the Village a total of 3 million of which only 1.5 million will have to be paid back.

      To help us is a letter to the EDA from our U.S. Senator, John Cornyn, supporting our grant.  "Thank you, Senator Cornyn for believing in our Village and giving us your total support.  If the grant is awarded, it will decrease the cost of the sewer system as will as save the citizens increased property taxes.  Not only did you support, you asked to be informed of the progress of the application.   Please accept our appreciation for going the extra mile."

The Art of Negotiation -- humble pie

Friends,

      Saturday morning there was a knock on the door.  Gayle opened the door and there stood four beautiful girls -- three in the second grade and one in the fourth.

      Is the Mayor home?

      Yes, but he is on the phone.

      Can we talk to him?

      Yes, you may.  Would you like to come in?

      Sure.  We are studying about President Obama and the Mayor in school.

      Enter the Mayor.

      Hello, Ladies, what an honor.  How may I help you.

      We wanted to meet you because we are studying about you in class.  Can we have your autograph?

      I am really honored.  Thank you.  Yes, but first I would like to ask how the Village can help you?

      How about free ice cream on Saturday.  (girl one)

      Well, I am not sure.  I can get free snow cones.  (Mayor)

      I would like to go to school four days instead of five. (girl two)

      Ok.  I am going to speak to you class in a couple of weeks.  Let's talk about it.  (Mayor)

      I would like to have free pizza.  (girl three)

      Would you like to have a carnival this summer?  (Mayor)

      We have to go now.  (Girl one)

       Thank you for coming.  I will write down your suggestions and discuss them with the Aldermen/Lady and Chamber.

       Ok. Bye.

Only one thought.  The unexpected art of negotiation with second graders is powerful.  As a village, we do not have enough activities for our children and families.

This will be the best Saturday in the history of being Mayor.

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Your Village in 3 Minutes

Friends,

This is the latest news:

1.  Hidden Glenn Senior Citizen Project, what happened to it?

"We are moving forward with the project as expeditiously as possible at this point.  We have submitted our construction plans to the Village for review and are currently responding to some comments on the plan.  We have completed our State accessibility review as well.  Things are tracking along and I do expect to have plan approval soon.  At that point site work preparation can begin.  We have paid the permit fees, we just need sign off on the plans.  We are still working through the subcontractor base at the moment getting bids but all of our design work has been turned into the village."

Best Regards, Jim Markel

2.  Why do you have "executive closed sessions" so frequently?

(1)  Personnel issues -- we do not discuss personnel issues in public.  We never will.

(2)  Sanctuary negotiations -- they are very complex and, sometimes controversial.  Information is given to the Aldermen/Lady and discussion follows.  There are usually an exchange of ideas, suggestions, and straightforward talk.  If something was heard and repeated with less than 100% accuracy, the unintended consequences would be major.  There are no secrets; just precaution.  What is done with Sanctuary will "set the stage" for any development that comes to Salado.  We have to do this right and always consider the village's best interest.  The Aldermen/Lady spend long hours into the night, using the best intellectual, balanced thinking possible.  You would be very appreciative of the concern for you and the village.  They are super!  Once an agreement is reached you will be informed fully and it will be presented to the BOA for a vote.

(3)  The Aldermen/Lady are excited about the road work to begin in mid-April.  Be patient, it will take about 90 days to complete.

(4) Children and Family Activities.  There is much talk that there is nothing for children and families outside the school activities.  Especially during the summer when school is out.  A small committee is forming to begin making plans.  While campaigning for Mayor, the one question that was asked by young families frequently, "Why can't we have something for our families?  A Carnival or something."
Well, we are going to do something for families in Salado.

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What makes a good Mayor?

Friends,

Below should be the standard and not the exception -- I will do my best not to fail at this.

CITY MAYORS
Code of Ethics

2 January 2014: The City Mayors Foundation was established in 2003 to promote, encourage and facilitate good local government. To strengthen local government further, City Mayors has instituted a Code of Ethics for city leaders who wish to perform their duties beyond all reproach

---

Code of Ethics
PreambleGood and honest local government is the foundation of any nation that strives to provide its citizens with happiness, security and prosperity. Incompetence, corruption and misconduct in local government threaten fundamental decency in a society.

Article 1
Mayors shall execute the office of mayor for the common good of their communities while refraining from actions that may harm other communities or the wider world. They shall take full responsibility for any acts performed by themselves or by members of their administrations.

Article 2Mayors shall not discriminate against individuals or groups because of their politics, race, religion, gender, disability or sexual orientation.

Article 3Mayors shall support and uphold the letter and intent of the laws of their cities and nations as well as relevant international laws. They shall demand the same degree of respect for the law from all members of their administrations.

Article 4Mayors shall be free to oppose any laws of their cities and nations where such laws contravene the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Article 5Mayors shall administer public resources for the public benefit of their communities while considering whether such use could cause unreasonable harm to other communities and the wider world.

Article 6Mayors shall never use their official positions to secure unwarranted privileges or advantages for themselves, members of their families, friends, colleagues or others.

Article 7Mayors shall not perform any official actions where a direct or indirect financial or personal involvement might reasonably be expected to prejudice their objectivity or independence of judgment. They shall demand the same degree of impartiality from all members of their administrations.

Article 8Mayors shall accept no gifts or offers based upon an understanding, stated or implied, that they were given to influence them in the discharge of their public duties. They shall demand the same degree of honesty from all members of their administrations.

Article 9Mayors shall be open to public scrutiny of their official actions and those of their staff, including their relationships, contractual and otherwise, with vendors, consultants, and business associates. Mayors shall report any improper actions they witness, such as bribes, kickbacks, and gift offers.

Article 10Mayors shall work to strengthen civil society by raising public awareness of, and confidence in, their city government’s activities.

Article 11Mayors shall use their influence to promote co-operation and good will between cities, nationally and internationally.

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Your Village in 3 minutes

Friends:

1.  The Robertson Ranch contract has fallen through.  Reason:  Sewer.  18 months is too long to put money into a project.

2.  Major Road Repair begins Mid-April and will be finished in July.  Aldermen/Lady voted to award Wheeler construction the contract.  It will be the raining season and Salado will be in 2 construction projects at the same time:  I-35 and this contract.  The good news is that in 90 days, the neighborhood streets will be done.  Please be patient.

3.  The Village is looking for 10 acres to Build their Water Treatment Plant.  Any suggestions.  The Aldermen/Lady want to begin as soon as possible. Please call Kim, 947-5060.

4.  The following emails are from the Deputy Engineer of TXDOT:

"Hello Mayor-

I wanted to let you know that JCG/PSC (the contractor) plans to make the southbound frontage road one way next week.  I believe the plan is for that to take place on Tuesday (3/10).  You probably saw the signs that they have put up notifying traffic.  I think this will help with the area around the Sonic that was an issue that many people raised at the Town Hall meeting.

Also, I will be off next week.  If you need something you can contact Jason Hudson (cell 512/585-4637) or of course you can always contact Bobby Littlefield (254/867-2700).

I will be back in the office on March 16.

Andy"

Concerning all the 18-wheeler traffic on Main Street due to the wreck on 35

Mayor-

This is unfortunate.  But when an accident happens on IH 35, we or PSC cannot keep traffic from finding other routes which might include Main Street.  I will touch base with the DPS and ensure law enforcement working accidents are not directing traffic down Main St.  

We knew this may possibly happen at times during the construction (delayed traffic finding their way to Main St. as an alternate route), that is the reason we set up the re-paving of Main Street as a part of the IH 35 project (to be done at the end of the project).  I cannot assure you this will not happen again but we will work to keep these occurrences to a minimum.

Andy

5.  The Aldermen are discussing the deer problem.  It is controversial -- deer are beautiful animals and are a part of Salado's mystique;  however some are tired of plants being eaten, feces in the yard, and the danger and expense of hitting one in a car.  From a biological and environmental stand point the problem is three fold (1) Malnutrition --  If the deer herds keep growing and it is a dry summer Malnutrition is going to be a serious, inhumane problem.  Corn is not the answer.  All reports indicate that corn is not good for deer as it causes intestinal problems. (2)  Disease --  With malnutrition comes disease.  (3) Spring is usually the fawning season for does.  A large crop of fawns will bring more of the same problems.  Aldermen Amber Preston-Dankart is researching every possible solution that is humane and safe.  

More to come.

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The Aldermen/Lady Election

Friends,

The 4 candidates for Aldermen/Lady are below.  At 5:01 Friday, 27 Feb, 15. the names were drawn in this order and will appear in this order for the May 9 election:

1. David Williams

2. Fred Brown

3. Hans Fields

4. Michael McDougal

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