A meeting with the Police Department

Friends,

Last week, a meeting was held with our Police Officers.  Here are a few things that were discussed; a few things you may not know:

1,  The Salado Police section of I-35 is from Holland Road to the bridge of 2484.  Tickets are not written on I-35 due to construction and safety.  There are not many places in which to stop cars.   

2.  If a wreck occurs on I-35 and it is in the Salado Police Section, a Salado Police Officer works the accident.  If a call from a citizen is received, the Officer cannot leave the scene of the accident.  The Sheriff Department has to be notified to assist but if they are not in Salado, it takes time to get them here.  A State Trooper does not have to assist with either.  Some will help, others will say “not my territory.”

3.  In 6 years, Salado Police Officers have received two raises.

4.  A Police Officer may have a second job after their normal working hours.  (i.e. security at a business, manager, etc)

5.  If Salado Police Property is involved, the city must give permission for its use.  For instance working for PSC Construction.  The Officer must pay $10 an hour for the use of a Salado Police Car.  No more than 2-days-a-week should be worked.  If a call is received from a Village citizen, the Police Officer must leave his place of duty and answer the call.  Loyalty to the Village is always first.  Workshop Thursday will discuss Police Officers working for PSC Construction.

6.  Teamwork with surrounding Police and Sheriff Departments is essential.  If there is a drunk driver on I-35, it may take the Sheriff, State High Partrol, and the Salado Police Department working together to apprehend the suspect.  If there was a robbery, a shooter, a murder, etc., other Police Departments will be called to help if necessary.  The same is true with PSC construction.  If Temple or Belton do not have enough cars to help, our Police Officers may be asked.  Yes, they will receive $40 an hour of which $10 an hour will go to Salado Village.

7.   During the summer, the Aldermen/Lady have requested an assessment of the Salado Police Department.  Alderman David Williams and Alderlady Amber Dankart will manage the Assessment.  Retired Police Officers and citizens with experience will assist also.  The Assessment will award praise for things done correctly and recommendations for things that need improving or changing.  They will also review the number of Policeman needed now and in the future. 

It was decided that the Mayor the Police Officers will meet quarterly to discuss issues of the Village and the Police Department.

Very Respectfully, Skip

Lightening

Friends,

Last week our home was hit by lightening causing damage.  Our internet and a significant number of  mother boards are still being repaired.  When I needed the internet and telephone service most, only the cell phone was working.  

I am typing this through our cell phone hot spot.

Hopefully, we will be up tomorrow or Monday.  If not, I will see what Horizon can do.

There is much to tell you about.  Keep reading and I will try to write as often as possible,

VR/Skip

Last Weekend -- Great events

Friends,

     Last weekend held great events.

 1.    The Lion's Club Pancake Breakfast was outstanding.  The food was excellent, but the fellowship was even better.  Even before entering the fellowship hall, Lion members at the desk waved and said "welcome."  On the way to the pancake table, at least three Lions greeted you and made you feel very welcome.

    There were not only the residents who have lived here many years, there were also young couples and children. No one seemed to be in a rush -- much visiting and enjoying the morning of togetherness.

     Lions were everywhere.  Cooking, cleaning tables, washing dishes, serving and visiting with their guests.

     It was a great morning as the Village came together to help a great organization and see old friends and make new friends.

2.     Sunday morning the 10 A.M. Church of Christ was excellent.  Not using music instruments, the singing voices of the people were simply beautiful as they sang in parts and harmony.

Before and after the service, there was a feeling of care and concern for each other -- lots of "how are you," hugs and hand shakes, and genuine "glad to see you."  One thank you note in the bulletin ended with "You are truly family."

And of course, Joe Keyes' sermon, "Keeping God in you Plans" was thought-provoking.  

3.  Sunday afternoon, 16 children and youth, gave a piano recital in the First Baptist Church that lifted spirits and made everyone proud.  It is amazing how much their musical talents have grown.  All played and sang without music.  One child was 4 years old -- how amazing is that

    Salado has some very special young people -- really special!  They are smart, gifted, courteous, and a pleasure to know.

    It was a remarkable afternoon with parents, grandparents, and friends -- smiling, laughing, clapping -- all wearing their "proud suits."

Sometimes we forget what a great Village we are.  Sure we have our problem and our worries, but like any family we have our wonderful moments that far out weigh our bad times.

VR/Skip

Your Personal Invitation to say, "Thank you" and "Welcome"

Friends,

Thursday evening, before the Board of Aldermen Meeting, 6:30 P.M., there will be a reception from 6:30 P.M. - 7 P.M. to say "thank you" to Alderman Hans Fields for the service he has provided the Village in his years as Alderman.  And, to say "Welcome" to Dave Williams as he assumes the duty of Alderman.  Following the reception will be the swearing in of Alderman Fred Brown, Alderman Mike McDougal, and Dave Williams.

Every election the is ending of a Chapter of the Village and beginning a new one.  It is the past, present, and the future coming together in a rare moment that combines all three.

It is worth your time and attendance.  May I strongly encourage you to attend.  Our community is known for hospitality and caring for one another.  One way to do this is a coming together to say "Thank you" and "Welcome" to those who have given a portion of their lives and to those will give a portion of their lives to the Village.

When:  Thursday, 21 May
Time:  6:30 P.M.
Where:  Municipal Building, Salado
Why:  To say "Thank you" to Hans and to say "Welcome to Dave."

VR/Skip

Tired of Construction? Your chance to become involved

Friends,

Friends,

A letter has been created by members of the Chamber to elected officials of Texas and the Federal Government, TxDOT, and Presidents/Vice Presidents of James Construction and PSC Construction. 

The letter is well-written, firm, and to-the-point.  Below is a copy of the letter.  IT IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY. Please do not sign it and send it by email.  It must have an original signature. 

If you would like to sign, please come by the Information Center (Log Cabin on North Main Street) and sign.  There are at least 2 full pages of signature as of Saturday, 16 May.

The letter will be mailed 27 May.  

Dear _____________________________:

THE VILLAGE OF SALADO NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Residents and business owners of Salado ask for your immediate attention in completing the Salado portion of the I-35 construction.  Our community has been very patient and very cooperative during this 5 year long construction process.  Despite this, we believe we have been forgotten. To exacerbate the problem, TxDot personnel have not been given the latitude, authority, or tools to take affirmative action to cure this problem. This has left us with no choice but to contact our elected officials.

Outlined below is a condensed account of the undue hardships this poorly scheduled and disruptive construction process has caused Salado. 

BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

Of the four major bridges that connect the east side of Salado with the west side none have been completed. Piles of construction debris have been allowed to line both sides of the roads. Many of our school children live on the east side of Salado and go to school on the west side.  Losing the capability to utilize these bridges has caused undue hardship for our students and their families. 

ACCIDENT FATILITIES

As I am sure you are very aware, the 2484 bridge in Salado recently had a tragic fatality with the collapse of the bridge. Just a few days ago, a motorcyclist trying to exit I-35 into Salado died after hitting construction signs.  Your help is needed in completing this construction so that there will not be any more senseless highway deaths due to the Salado I-35 construction.

HIGHWAY CLOSINGS, RAMP AND LANE CHANGES

There is constant confusion for travelers on I-35 through Salado, specifically the frontage roads when exiting I-35. Constant ramp and lane changes seem to occur weekly without any appropriate warning signs or advance notices.  Main entrances to businesses are blocked for months or are shifted resulting in the interruption of business activity.  For example, one new business along a quarter mile stretch has had to deal with this construction for two years now. And during this process, the business has had the entrance changed or blocked on a monthly, if not weekly, basis.

Scheduling of the Salado project of I-35 was to be completed by the spring of 2015. The latest completion date provided by TxDot and James Construction/PSC is now late summer of 2016. That date is not acceptable and certainly not believable. We believe that work resources have been moved to other jobs or communities because of their respective size or influence.

We request that there be an immediate priority placed on the completion of the Salado I-35 project.    Since 2011, there have been 82-127 businesses that have closed or moved because of this inadequate construction process. This is unacceptable.  If James Construction/PSC is trying to shut down Salado completely, they are doing an outstanding job of it.   Portions of the construction are started and then left uncompleted, only to move to a different area and start another portion of the construction and leave that area uncompleted.  There is no linear method of completion.

We also believe that a formal review of this construction process will confirm what we have stated. Salado’s economy relies heavily on tourists visiting our community. When there is this failed construction process, the Village of Salado loses revenue as well as the State.

It is our sincere hope that you will give this historic village your much needed attention.

Yours very truly,

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Our Fire Department

Friends,

      If you ever have a moment, visit Fire Department #2 and talk to Shane Barrier.  You will be inspired by his experience, wisdom, and passion for what he does, and the respect he has for his volunteer firepeople.

      In the last months, the community has seen this Fire Department in action.  When the Bridge was hit and tragedy occurred, in the middle of it was our Fire Department doing what they could to help.  Many took off from a paying job to do their part.

      When the golf cart building of the Mill Creek Golf Course caught fire, the Fire Department was there quickly.  Their experience and hard work did much to keep the fire under control and from spreading.

      Ask citizens in our community who had a medical emergency what would have happened if the Volunteer Fire Department had not come.  They were the difference between life and death.

      And, in the midst of all of this is Shane Barrier taking charge and making things happen.  Thank, you, Shane.

     Listen carefully because he is now saying, "It is not me, it is the Volunteers of the Fire Department that make the difference."  A humble man with great leadership skills.

     By the way, the picture below is the much needed meeting room, offices, and living quarters that Fire Department # 2 is building with NO DEBT.
They are paying as they go.

VR/Skip

Hans will be missed

Friends,

    Hans not being re-elected will be a loss to the Board of Aldermen (BOA).

    He worked hard to meet the needs of his constituents often saying, "I may not agree with the way I am voting but I am voting for the people who elected me."  It is for that reason that his campaign signs said, "Voice of the People."

    When the City Administrator needed assistance with the Stagecoach sewer plant, Hans spent his time and resources meeting her requests.  Those were not simple requests and required a special skill in understanding and researching.  His answers were accurate and thought-provoking.

     Saturday after Saturday, he drove the Tourism/Chamber trolley taking and escorting visitors and citizens from one shop to the other.  Always with a smile; always with words of welcome.  Always representing the Aldermen with the finest of hospitality.

     Day after day, he was working with VIPs mowing grass that was an eye-sore or for people who could not take care of their yard because of health or age.  As one drives through the neighborhoods, it is obvious that they set the example for the rest of us.  As always, he was an Alderman leading by example.

     Many times he did not vote with the majority of the BOA.  And that was fine -- no one ever wants all "Yes" people.  I can still hear him saying, "I just can't go along with that."

     In the workshops, he listened carefully and spoke straight forwardly.  On more than once occasion, he disagreed verbally with another Aldermen.  In the end, they agreed to disagree and still be friends.

      I use to watch him as a discussion got long and for the most part, boring, close his black binder as if to say, "I got it.  Let's get on with what we need to do."  Yet, he continued to sit quietly, listening, and thinking.  Sometimes during BOAs and Workshops, he text continually.

     Losing by 19 votes is difficult but in these elections the majority wins.  It says nothing about the quality of the person, the sacrifices that has been made for the love of the community, or the difference one life has made.

     Hans has made a difference and, if our community is fortunate, he will continue to do so.

     Hans will be missed on the BOA.  When you see him, tell him what a difference he has made.

     Thank you, Hans.  George Bernard Shaw was right, "a gentleman puts more into the world than he takes out."  And, you have done that.

VR/Skip