14 April meeting with TXDOT

Friends,

The following items were discussed in the 14 April meeting with Waco TXDOT:

(1)  The construction ending August, 2016, that is unacceptable.

       If James and PSC construction will dedicate the workmen, Construction can end earlier than August.  TXDOT will work to make this happen.  March, 2016 is a realistic goal, and, if other ways can be found to shorten the construction period, it will be done.  That is a huge "IF" on the part of the Construction Companies.  TXDOT wants it over.

(2)  Is curbs and guttering a possibility?

     Yes, that is being studied.  TXDOT needs to know what is Salado's vision -- curbs and guttering, walking paths, bike paths, etc.  One of the problems with curbs and gutters is a way to drain the water.  Salado has no drain pipes.  Ditches look terrible and is not an option.  TXDOT will look at all the feasible options and make recommendations.  If a recommendation is acceptable, it needs to be done before construction is completed.

(3)  Currently a study is being done as to the feasibility of joining the Temple/Belton Water Treatment Plant.  If the Village finds it feasible to ask Belton and Temple if they can join the Temple/Belton Water Treatment Plant, can the Village use TXDOT's right of way to run sewer pipe down the east side of I-35 to join with Belton's sewer pipe to the Water Treatment Plant

    Yes.  The Village's engineer will have to work with TXDOT and Belton engineers.  Digging, laying the pipe, and the cost of the pipe and connections will be at the expense of the respective cities.

(4)  When the Salado Plaza overpass is re-built, will TXDOT allow and help the Village run a sewer pipe under the overpass for the west side?

    Yes, however, the city will have to pay for the sewer pipe and connections  This will have to be done during the construction of the new overpass not afterwards.

(5)  Main Street does not belong to the Village as it is a state road and cannot be blocked without state permission.  When accidents occur or the lanes are closed, semi-trucks and cars come down Main Street causing a serious safety concern.  In such cases, can Main Street be blocked?

    Yes.  However, your Police are responsible.  The cars and trucks are to use the frontage road and should be directed by the Police to do so.  Private citizens should not be blocking the road.

    Also, if TXDOT knows of special Salado events in advance, you can request permission to close the road.  The chances are favorable that it will be approved.  However, this should be done at least t months in advance.

(6)  The Aldermen/Lady have considered accepting Main Street from the State.  If that was to happen will TXDOT keep the bridge?

    If the Village takes Main Street, TXDOT would be happy.  However, with Main Street comes the Bridge.  If you decide to take Main Street and something happens to the Bridge, the Federal Government will assist in re-building the bridge, however, getting the financial resources will take time. If TXDOT keeps Main Street and something happens to the bridge, TXDOT must immediately bring together all the available resources to open the bridge as soon as possible.  There can be no delay.  We will also maintain Main Street at no cost to the Village.

(7)  If I-35 construction continues to drag on and there is limited progress, the Village is going to ask for a meeting with the State's Senior TXDOT Official.  Also, since there is Federal money being used in the construction, the Village will ask for assistance from Senator Cornyn, Judge Carter, and our State Representatives.  How would you feel about that?

    As Mayor of Salado, you should do everything in your power to ease the burden on the citizens of Salado.  However, please give us 60 days before you take your next step.

(8)  If Construction Companies do not meet their completion deadlines, can they be fined?

    Yes, but the Village will not get money.  If money is collected, it will go the State; not the Village.

This was not a short meeting.  Each one of the above questions was discussed in detail.  It was a good meeting.  In 60 days, if there is not considerable progress, an appointment will be made with the Senior TXDOT Representative.  A group of citizens will accompany the Mayor.  Letters are also being prepared for our Federal and State Representatives as well as to the Presidents of PSC and James Construction.  The plan is in motion.

VR/Skip