Your Village in 3 minutes Tuesday, 8 Dec

Friends,

A tremendous first-week stroll.  "Thank you" to everyone who worked to make it so successful.  According to those who worked last year's stroll, this one was bigger and better.

The Parade was the largest yet -- over 60 floats.  It was great to see the support of so many.  "Thank you" for the participation.

Stagecoach.  Kim met with Clark Lyda, new owner, and received an update on the Stagecoach Inn project. Potential investors have been touring the property with positive results. Clark is planning on "beginning renovations of the restaurant and related meeting space in February and completing that portion of the project in June." 

I-35.  Monday evening, Rick Lewis took gave a tour of the Construction site.  There was no place that was not visited.  Here are a few reflections beginning with the west side of the 2484 Bridge.

1.  The work on 2484 Bridge will be completed mid-January.  The beams on the west side are in place and the deck plates are being placed this week.  

2.  Asphalt beginning at 2484 and going south toward Austin is going to be the new frontage road. The one that is driven on now will eventually be torn out.

3.  The grading for the permanent I-35 going south is well underway.  Still more to do but it is progressing faster than it appears.   

4.  Notice all the walls around the bridges -- close to completion.

5.  The wreck that occurred under Thomas Arnold bridge did not damage the bridge.  The driver fell asleep and hit the center barrier which will is being replaced. It did not any part of the bridge. To slow people down, 60 MPH speed limit signs are being placed on the north and south Village limits.  

6.  The exit off I-35 South by the CEFCO where the pillars are poured is very high.  On top, the panaromic view of Salado is spectacular.  When it is completed and drivable, you will experience a bird's-eye view of Salado.

7.  The exit from the permanent I-35 to the Holland Bridge is complete but not open.  

8.  Immediately past the Holland Bridge, I-35 going south is COMPLETE with the exception of sweeping and stripping.  Rick drove down the new Highway toward Jarrell -- very nice.

Read carefully -- the Salado portion of I-35 going North and South from the Holland Bridge to the 2484 bridge is being graded for completion.  In some of that area, the metal rods are being laid for the pouring of concrete. Drainage boxes are being connected.  It is 3 months from total completion.

9.  The Salado Plaza Bridge and the Salado Creek frontage road bridge on the south side of Thomas Arnold are the last Major construction phases underway.  Both are expected to be completed by 15 March.  Yes . . . Yes . . . Yes  "we've heard this before."  However, what is seen in the footprint of the construction is much different from what can be seen from the road.  

10.  James Construction is paying a $8800 fine each day for being late in completing the project.  The fine is divided into 2 categories:  Liquidation Damages -- $2800 dollars and Road Usage -- $6000.  A letter is being drafted to the Governor asking that the accumulating $2800 fine be given to Salado for damages. It will be presented to the BOA for approval. 

11.  Rick gave an informative tour with much insight.  The project is moving forward.  There is talk of using double shifts to complete the project.  This will depend on available manpower.  Thus far, the wet weather has not altered the completion schedule.  

Sanctuary Town Hall, Monday 14 February, 6:30 P.M., Municipal Building.  Dr. Bill Hanks will be our guest along with our Village Attorney and Engineer.  Alderman Coachman will explain the agreement, Dr. Hanks will share his vision with you as well as give you information on what is currently happening, and our Attorney and Engineer will answer your questions.  This Town Hall is for information and answering questions.

A great week.  Thank you for all you are doing.  

VR/Skip