Stuff That Matters: A lot of stuff to know on Friday 23 Sept 16

Friends,

Fall is here and this weekend with the coming of a strong cold front, the weather will drop into the high 70's, low 80's.  Joining with the cooler weather, here are some other news:

1.  The latest from TXDoT on I-35 Construction:

The concrete pavement for the northbound mainlanes from Thomas Arnold to just south of the Salado Plaza overpass is nearing completion. The northbound frontage road south of Salado Plaza is ready for reinforcement steel to be placed and then the final concrete pavement will follow. The traffic pattern of the southbound frontage road to the north of FM 2484 is planned to be changed on Saturday (Sept 24^th) and at that time the FM 2484 bridge will be opened to full width.  The resurfacing of Main Street has been completed with stripe work remaining.  

The current set of project information is shown below.  

As of September 23, 2016:

Days allowed (per contract)- 920
Contract Amount = $72,719,643.64
Days charged – 1,279

Time used – 139.0%

Liquidated Damages-  359 days
- Cost per day - $2,800
- Total cost to date - $1,005,200

Road User Costs – 359 days
- Cost per day - $6,000
- Total cost to date - $2,154,000

Per the August estimate (8/25/16):
June Estimate paid to contractor - $776,723.05 (minus Liquidated Damages and Road User Costs)
June Estimate total pay items - $1,018,673.05
Total Paid to Date - $62,645,356.34

2.  Our City Secretary, Mary Ann Ray will officially retire 30 September.  Christina Lee (Chrissy) will become the City Secretary by a unanimous vote of the Board Of Aldermen/Lady.   From having worked in the Village Office for over 3 years, she knows and understands the workings of the Village.  Lacking only 1 Math Course, she is completing her Associate Degree at Central Texas College. 

     Also leaving is Ashly Bingham.  When one calls the Village Office, she is the one who answers the telephone and answers questions or assists you with getting to the right person.  

      

We will miss Mary Ann and Ashly.  Thursday, 29 October, 6 P.M., Municipal Building, a farewell reception will be given for both in their honor. Everyone is cordially invited.

3.  Our many thanks to Kerry Phillips for helping Mary Ann this week.  With Chrissy and Ashly on vacation, she helped Mary Ann with the Village Office 2-3 hours a day Monday-Wednesday as a volunteer with no pay.  Now that Chrissy and Ashly are back, she has returned to her job as Outreach and Membership Coordinator at CTCOG.  

Chrissy will be learning Mary Ann's job in great detail as she prepares to officially become the Village Secretary 1 October.

4.  The Board of Aldermen/Lady voted unanimously to employ legal counsel to conduct the investigation into complaints against the Village Administrator.  Counsel will report to the Board of Aldermen/Lady on or before 6 October.  Until then,

“On advice of the Village Attorney: Officials and Employees of the Village of Salado will not comment on the ongoing investigation regarding the Village Administrator. When the investigation is over and a decision is made regarding the Village Administrator’s Contract, it will be communicated through official action of the Board of Aldermen in an open meeting.” 

5.  Calling all actors or want-to-be-actors!  Tryouts for Fright Night and Christmas Carol are this weekend.  Here is your invitation:

Hello All!!

 

Just a note to remind you that Fright Trail and Christmas Carol auditions are this weekend. Saturday or Sunday, Sept. 24 & 25.  Meet at Tablerock at 3:00 pm on either day. Please pass the word. 

 

Thank you!

Shannon Ashe

Christmas Carol Director - 2016

Visit with you tomorrow.  Have a good day.

VR/Skip Blancett, Mayor