Friends,
In the list of priorities, there are two number 1's -- Water Treatment and Roads -- both exactly equal.
The temptation is to go "damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead" (John Paul Jones) and get it done quickly. However, when that happens, costly mistakes are made. If there is not sound, well-thought-out plans agreed upon by the Aldermen, we will end up with "band-aide" solutions that will make the situation worst.
The following is where we are on both priorities:
Currently, the Water Treatment plans are with the engineers for design, costs, recommendations, etc. There is little to be done until we know their recommendations and the costs. According to our City Manager, we should have that information in the next 30-45 days, certainly by the end of July.
When we have that information, a Town Hall meeting will be called and the facts presented.
The other number 1 priority is roads. In the last workshop, Roads were discussed and all agreed that in the near future we had to wisely develop a plan that the village could afford and implement. Several years ago such a plan was developed. It is being taken out of the archives and reviewed.
As the Aldermen and City Manager stated, the roads are in different stages of repair -- some will be costly; others will not. As we go into the budget cycle for next year, funds will be budgeted for an on-going, feasible plan that will be affordable and continuous for the life of the village. Of course, modifications will be made as time evolves.
It is important that our roads are safe, environmentally correct, "pleasing to the eye," and well maintained. That will be the goal.
On 12 July, 9 A.M.-3 P.M., Conference Room of COG in Belton, the Aldermen will meet for a 6- hour planning workshop. Roads will be at the top of the Aldermen's list.
Very respectfully
Skip Blancett
Friday, June 13, 2014
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Community information meeting. TxDoT
Friends,
Please put on your calendar 26 June, 6:30-7:30 P.M., Thomas Arnold elementary school cafeteria.
TxDoT is briefing our community on the next and Final 18 months of construction.
Discussion topics will center on:
1. How 35 will appear to include exits, frontage roads, and signage
2. Plans we need to be making in preparation for completion
3. Traffic pattern changes
The first 30 minutes will be briefing by TxDoT
7-7:30 PM will be questions and answers
Following the meeting, TxDoT will be available to answer questions concerning personal property.
I-35 concerns all of us -- work, business, emergency vehicle routes, schools, churches -- for our well being we need all the information possible to make good, safe choices.
One hour, no more no less.
VEry Respectfully, Skip Blancett
Please put on your calendar 26 June, 6:30-7:30 P.M., Thomas Arnold elementary school cafeteria.
TxDoT is briefing our community on the next and Final 18 months of construction.
Discussion topics will center on:
1. How 35 will appear to include exits, frontage roads, and signage
2. Plans we need to be making in preparation for completion
3. Traffic pattern changes
The first 30 minutes will be briefing by TxDoT
7-7:30 PM will be questions and answers
Following the meeting, TxDoT will be available to answer questions concerning personal property.
I-35 concerns all of us -- work, business, emergency vehicle routes, schools, churches -- for our well being we need all the information possible to make good, safe choices.
One hour, no more no less.
VEry Respectfully, Skip Blancett
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
What is fair, what is right, what is honest
You have elected a caring;
progressive; and energetic group of
Aldermen.
Working with them is informative, enjoyable, and meaningful.
They
bring to the table:
Experience
Commitment
to you
A
desire to work together for the good of community
Creativity,
balance, and common sense
And
most important –
To do what is fair, what is right, and what is honest.
They may not always believe the same;
Lead the same;
Vote
the same;
Have
the same vision; and
Talk
and walk the issues the same;
but
They are a team that pulls together, works together, and not
afraid to make the difficult decisions.
Talk
to them – they care; support them – their job is not easy; walk with them –
encouragement, enthusiasm, and appreciation goes a long way.
If you will do
that, the sky is not the limit because there is no limit what they can do.
Very
respectfully,
Skip
Blancett
Monday, June 9, 2014
100% Proof Positive
Salado’s spirit is glowing bright and strong. Here is proof positive:
(1) For
the first half of the year, Salado sales tax is up $2,000. Not a tremendous amount but evidence
that we are turning the corner.
Summer is here, there will be more visitors, and two new stores are
opening. In addition, two small malls,
have rented all their spaces according to the owners.
(2) June
26th, Thursday, 6:30-7:30 P.M., TxDot will be giving our village a
Community Briefing on what to expect in the next 18 months which will complete
the Salado segment of I-35 construction.
The briefing, easy to understand, will depict such things as exits, side
roads, signage, and road changes.
It will be divided into two parts:
(1) 6:30 – 7:00 – briefing
and (2)7:00 – 7:30 – questions and answers. TxDot will remain after the briefing to answer any personal
issues.
(3) The
Aldermen will be meeting in COG Conference room, 12 July from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M.,
to plan for the second half of the year.
This is a critical meeting as we will discuss issues such as employee
evaluations; building permits and all that involves a fair comprehensive
program; water treatment plant and bond election; a plan to improve all Salado
roads on a continuous basis; refurbishing the historical section; and a variety
of other issues that are demanding our attention. Our Aldermen are great!
(4) The
morning worship service at First Baptist was excellent. Contemporary with a thought-provoking
sermon. Lots of friendly
conversation. Great spirit in the
fellowship. Great idea for local
mission – fill a baby bottle with change and give it to a local charity that
helps parents and children.
Salado’s outreach to help others has always been first class. This is a prime example.
(5) Texas
Tourism Executive Committee is meeting in Salado this week. Key Business Leaders from across Texas
are here discussing Tourism. Their
comments last evening: “Great
town; I am bringing my family back; friendly and informal; I really like the
atmosphere and spirit.” Nothing
but excellent comments.
(6) The
Chamber of Commerce and PALS has some great events coming to Salado in the next
few weeks.
THIS IS SALADO.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FORWARD PROGRESS; WONDERFUL SPIRIT, AND CARE FOR
EACH OTHER.
Very Respectfully,
Skip Blancett
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
The City Manager
Friends,
Neighbors will ask occasionally "What exactly does a City Manager do?"
Think about the functions of the City Manager in this manner.
You have a car and you want to get from Point A to Point B. The Mayor and the Aldermen share a vision on the end destination but need someone to check-out the car, determine the best route, how many resources are needed, and drive it to the declared destination.
The City Manager is the one who:
(1) Checks out the tires, fills the gasoline tank, makes sure all the equipment is working properly, etc.
(2) Gets the map and researches the best way to go that is safe, sound, and economically feasible. The City Manager will also determine what other resources are needed: personnel, directives, laws, etc.
(3) Briefs the Mayor and the Aldermen on the research, assures them that the trip can be made with the least amount of difficulty, that no laws are broken and that it is financially feasible and within the budget.
(4) The City Manager, with the approval of the Mayor and Aldermen, starts the car and begins the trip. The Mayor and Aldermen travel with the City Manager to help with problems should they arise -- flat tire, detour, construction, traffic, new laws, speed limits, etc.
(5) While driving, they are also planning the next trip (project) and above steps 1-4.
Simplistic?
Yes, but that is how it works. The Mayor and Aldermen develop/have a vision; the Aldermen reviews policy, funds, laws, etc to see if it is feasible; and the City Manager works with the Mayor and the Alderman to make the vision/project happen with the least amount of difficulty and within budget.
There is constant and immediate communication between the City Manager, the Aldermen, and the Mayor who are also in constant communication with the people explaining all the details about the trip to include pictures and written correspondence.
Here is a real, concrete example:
Roads. The Mayor and Aldermen develop a plan to work on roads. The City Manager researches, develops a time table, determines the approximate cost, the unintended consequences, what roads need immediate attention, laws, the bidding procedure and many small but important details. At the same time, the City Manager is looking for possible grants to help pay for the repairs.
When all the information is gathered, the City Manager reports to the Aldermen and Mayor for approval. Once approval is granted and the destination of repairing a certain strip of road is reached, the City Manager oversees every part of the project until it is completed. At the same time other projects are being planned, researched, and started.
All of this is why an experienced, energetic, smart City Manager with great people skills is critical. That person runs the day-by-day business of the Village, town, city with the oversight of the Aldermen and Mayor.
Do villages the size of Salado have a City Manager?
Bartlett hired a City Manager last year and is making a great difference. Other small communities are doing the same and experiencing new life and vitalization.
VR/Skip
Neighbors will ask occasionally "What exactly does a City Manager do?"
Think about the functions of the City Manager in this manner.
You have a car and you want to get from Point A to Point B. The Mayor and the Aldermen share a vision on the end destination but need someone to check-out the car, determine the best route, how many resources are needed, and drive it to the declared destination.
The City Manager is the one who:
(1) Checks out the tires, fills the gasoline tank, makes sure all the equipment is working properly, etc.
(2) Gets the map and researches the best way to go that is safe, sound, and economically feasible. The City Manager will also determine what other resources are needed: personnel, directives, laws, etc.
(3) Briefs the Mayor and the Aldermen on the research, assures them that the trip can be made with the least amount of difficulty, that no laws are broken and that it is financially feasible and within the budget.
(4) The City Manager, with the approval of the Mayor and Aldermen, starts the car and begins the trip. The Mayor and Aldermen travel with the City Manager to help with problems should they arise -- flat tire, detour, construction, traffic, new laws, speed limits, etc.
(5) While driving, they are also planning the next trip (project) and above steps 1-4.
Simplistic?
Yes, but that is how it works. The Mayor and Aldermen develop/have a vision; the Aldermen reviews policy, funds, laws, etc to see if it is feasible; and the City Manager works with the Mayor and the Alderman to make the vision/project happen with the least amount of difficulty and within budget.
There is constant and immediate communication between the City Manager, the Aldermen, and the Mayor who are also in constant communication with the people explaining all the details about the trip to include pictures and written correspondence.
Here is a real, concrete example:
Roads. The Mayor and Aldermen develop a plan to work on roads. The City Manager researches, develops a time table, determines the approximate cost, the unintended consequences, what roads need immediate attention, laws, the bidding procedure and many small but important details. At the same time, the City Manager is looking for possible grants to help pay for the repairs.
When all the information is gathered, the City Manager reports to the Aldermen and Mayor for approval. Once approval is granted and the destination of repairing a certain strip of road is reached, the City Manager oversees every part of the project until it is completed. At the same time other projects are being planned, researched, and started.
All of this is why an experienced, energetic, smart City Manager with great people skills is critical. That person runs the day-by-day business of the Village, town, city with the oversight of the Aldermen and Mayor.
Do villages the size of Salado have a City Manager?
Bartlett hired a City Manager last year and is making a great difference. Other small communities are doing the same and experiencing new life and vitalization.
VR/Skip
Monday, June 2, 2014
Salado Church of Christ and the Salado Vintage Cakery
Friends,
Two more examples of a great village.
(1) The Salado Church of Christ had a great worship service Sunday led by their youth. Some so small they had to have a chair to reach the microphone. As their time came to lead singing or read scripture, they stood up, walked smartly, shoulders square, chin out, determination in their demeanor, and did a flawless job of leading the congregation.
The congregation reciprocated with beaming smiles, proud looks, and genuine appreciation for their children and youth.
Afterwards, the fellowship hall was filled with members, visitors, and relatives. Birthdays were recognized, voices were raised singing happy birthday, and food was served. United Methodist have the reputation of having great cooks, however, they may have met their match. Who would win a cook-off is unknown.
(2) The Salado Vintage Cakery is moving to the location behind Magnolias where Brownings was previously located. They will expand their menu to include soup, sandwiches, and a variety of desserts. Not sure of the exact date, but it may be as early as 1 July.
(3) There is so much going on -- you might want to attend City Council Thursday evening 6 P.M. just to hear a few things. You are always welcome. Please know it could be a long session. There is much business.
This reads like a Chamber of Commerce Report. That is fine, we all have the same goal -- make Salado the best small town in Texas. The Chamber is a great partner with us.
Very Respectfully,
Skip
Two more examples of a great village.
(1) The Salado Church of Christ had a great worship service Sunday led by their youth. Some so small they had to have a chair to reach the microphone. As their time came to lead singing or read scripture, they stood up, walked smartly, shoulders square, chin out, determination in their demeanor, and did a flawless job of leading the congregation.
The congregation reciprocated with beaming smiles, proud looks, and genuine appreciation for their children and youth.
Afterwards, the fellowship hall was filled with members, visitors, and relatives. Birthdays were recognized, voices were raised singing happy birthday, and food was served. United Methodist have the reputation of having great cooks, however, they may have met their match. Who would win a cook-off is unknown.
(2) The Salado Vintage Cakery is moving to the location behind Magnolias where Brownings was previously located. They will expand their menu to include soup, sandwiches, and a variety of desserts. Not sure of the exact date, but it may be as early as 1 July.
(3) There is so much going on -- you might want to attend City Council Thursday evening 6 P.M. just to hear a few things. You are always welcome. Please know it could be a long session. There is much business.
This reads like a Chamber of Commerce Report. That is fine, we all have the same goal -- make Salado the best small town in Texas. The Chamber is a great partner with us.
Very Respectfully,
Skip
Sunday, June 1, 2014
The journey, the mystery, and leadership
We are beginning an incredible journey. One that is filled with excitement, energy, and hope. There is no place like Salado. No people with as much talent, intelligence, and commitment. It is echoed throughout the village and around the nation -- "We love Salado and we love the people."
You are that good. Believe it!
This being said, a trust must be built between you and me. Many of you know me; know of me, or do not know me at all. You ask, Who is this Mayor called "Skip?" The campaign is over. Words are words, but what does he really believe. How will he lead and govern?
Well, let's end the mystery, if there is one. These are the governing rules I will follow:
1. What is done for one will be done for all. Anything less will cause confusion, anger, and division.
2. Remain Focused, Visionary, Flexible, Creative, and Positive. Stay away from the sound and the fury as it is usually shallow.
3. Be Honest and transparent. Anything less will cause disaster.
4. Trust instincts, experience, intelligence, and common sense -- they are seldom wrong.
5. Knowing all the answers is not necessary as long as one is surrounded by knowledgeable, positive, trustworthy people with experience, expertise and love for the people.
6. Be truly humble, serve the people, do not care who gets the credit, and be willing to pay the price for the good of all.
7. Listen intently and then listen some more. No one learns by talking all the time. As much as possible be among the people and listen to their dreams, disappointments, and desires.
8. Look beyond the agenda and see the motive.
9. Never let anger or revenge rule a decision. Read the lid on a jar of mayonnaise often: "Keep cool, but do not freeze."
10. Remember always to: seek wisdom; be patient; be kind but firm, do not let imagination rule; never stop trying, caring, and growing with those you serve. Salado is not about you; it is about the people -- their past, their present, and their future.
VR/Skip
212 degrees
You are that good. Believe it!
This being said, a trust must be built between you and me. Many of you know me; know of me, or do not know me at all. You ask, Who is this Mayor called "Skip?" The campaign is over. Words are words, but what does he really believe. How will he lead and govern?
Well, let's end the mystery, if there is one. These are the governing rules I will follow:
1. What is done for one will be done for all. Anything less will cause confusion, anger, and division.
2. Remain Focused, Visionary, Flexible, Creative, and Positive. Stay away from the sound and the fury as it is usually shallow.
3. Be Honest and transparent. Anything less will cause disaster.
4. Trust instincts, experience, intelligence, and common sense -- they are seldom wrong.
5. Knowing all the answers is not necessary as long as one is surrounded by knowledgeable, positive, trustworthy people with experience, expertise and love for the people.
6. Be truly humble, serve the people, do not care who gets the credit, and be willing to pay the price for the good of all.
7. Listen intently and then listen some more. No one learns by talking all the time. As much as possible be among the people and listen to their dreams, disappointments, and desires.
8. Look beyond the agenda and see the motive.
9. Never let anger or revenge rule a decision. Read the lid on a jar of mayonnaise often: "Keep cool, but do not freeze."
10. Remember always to: seek wisdom; be patient; be kind but firm, do not let imagination rule; never stop trying, caring, and growing with those you serve. Salado is not about you; it is about the people -- their past, their present, and their future.
VR/Skip
212 degrees
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