The Latest on Holland Road Bridge and a Town Hall

Friends,

The latest on Holland Road Bridge is in this email received last Thursday,

"Mayor Blancett-

I wanted to send you an email to let you know that, although James Construction crews are working diligently on the retaining walls and approach to FM 2268 bridge, it will not be open for traffic by January 31 as previously promised.  It turns out, as crews got started a few weeks ago, they found that the fill material behind the wall was wetter and more unstable than they had realized.  This along with the presence of some groundwater has slowed the progress.  However, we have been told they feel they will be complete with the repairs and have the bridge open, weather permitting, by February 20, 2015.

I regret to bring you this news but I assure you work will continue relentlessly until the bridge is open once again to traffic.  Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this issue."

Based on this email, I have invited TXDOT and James Construction and they have accepted to meet with the citizens of Salado, 17 February, 6:30 P.M. The location will be determined today.  Even though the crew has been working and the weather has been wet, it is time for constructive, positive straight talk.  

You are encouraged to attend.  Tomorrow, the location of the meeting will be posted in this blog.

VR/Skip

The State of Salado

Friends,

Thursday, 6:30 P.M., 5 February, is the Board of Aldermen in the Municipal Building.  During the Mayor's Report, there will be a written State of Salado address briefly explaining where we have been, where we are, and where we are going.  Since there is a robust agenda for both the BOA and the workshop that follows, there will be no time for questions and answers.

At first it was thought to do this separately but because there are so many meetings taking place involving a large number of people; common sense dictated to combine it with a BOA.  To do this meant to shorten it and make it factual.

The people of Salado have accomplished much.  You have earned and deserve the credit.  We will talk about this Thursday evening.  Currently, we are involved in a history-making agenda that must be done right; and the future is unfolding at a speed no one predicted.  As one person whispered who had run for Mayor last year said, "I am now glad you were elected and not me."

This thought haunts the mind and challenges the reason.  However, nothing can dimension the responsibility and the honor that comes for "such a time as this."  It can only be thought that "things happen for a reason."  It is believed that the other two Aldermen/Lady feel the same.

And, so it is.

VR/Skip

Volunteer Day -- Saturday

Friends,

     This Saturday, we will begin getting the Police House ready for a move.  There will be cleaning, painting, and general repairs.

     We will start at 8 A.M. and work until we get tired or have to go.  Whether you have 30 minutes or an hour or a day, your help will be greatly appreciated.

     Do not like cleaning?

     Do not like painting?

     Can't hammer a nail without bending it?

     Allergic to dust?

     We understand . . . . but we still need your help.  It will save the Village money than can be spent on roads.

      Come when can, stay as long a you want, and help us.

      Thank you.

      VR/Skip

 

Thank you for the wonderful gift

Friends,

No more hot sand in the Park.

No more egg-frying sun in August.

No more parents sweating in the baking July heat.

Why?

Because the Rotary has generously given the village a wonderful shelter over the children's play area.

Welcome the shade.

Welcome the children playing even on the hottest days.

Welcome the fun, the laughter, and the happiness that comes from children and parents alike.

Thank you, Rotary!  It was indeed a very generous gift.

VR/Skip

The latest news, Sunday 25 Jan 15.

Friends,

Shane Barrier gave an excellent Volunteer Fire Department Report at Thursday's BOA meeting.  There are approximately 32 volunteer firemen who answer calls 24//7 without hesitation, without pay, without due appreciation.  Shane and our Police Chief will be added to our negotiation committees as their say will be significant.

Alderman McDougal reported that the Engineers have completed their study and recommendation on Roads, request for bids sent out, and the opening of bids on 17 Feb with completion of this section of road repair by the end of July.  By the end of March you will see the first major road work beginning.  We will do as much money as we have this year.  Next year, we will do more.  Prepare yourself for some inconvenience.

Among the events being planned by the PALS (Public Art League Salado), is a Magic Show for the summer.  Like Blue Lapis, it will be a family event.

The Board of Aldermen is considering applying for a million dollar TXDOT grant.  This grant is a 70% - 30% grant -- TXDOT gives 70% and the city gives 30%.  They will make a decision in the Board of Aldermen meeting 5 February.  There is approximately 54 million dollars in available grant money.

We are still waiting to hear from EDA on our 1.5 million dollar grant request.

Last evening's Surprise Birthday Party for Jack Schlock was very well planned and attended.  Jack was very surprised to see the large number of friends and relatives that attended.

The State of Salado report will be given 5 February at the beginning of the Board of Aldermen/lady meeting, 6:30, Municipal Building.

The first meeting of the three committees -- Development and Economics; Water Treatment Plant, and ETJ/Annexation will be this week.  They will be studying two proposals made by Sanctuary and making recommendations to the Aldermen/Lady.  Kim is working the exact date and time.

Do not forget the second annual Lions Club Brisket Bing is Sunday afternoon, 25 January, 1:30 P.M. in the Civic Center.  Should be lots of fun.

Texas A&M is on the schedule to come this Spring.  One of their architecture/city planning classes will spend a weekend in Salado talking to citizens and store owners on how best to design  downtown Salado.  This will become that class' main project for the semester.

VR/Skip

Tuesday, 21 January -- Latest Happenings

Friends,

I.

(1)  The Holland Bridge:  A 30-40’ huge drill was drilling yesterday as part of stabilizing the northwest side ramp.  The bridge is fine; it is the side ramp coming off the bridge that presented the problem.  31 January is the date for completion – the clock is ticking.

(2)  Construction street sweepers are sweeping the frontage roads.  That helps keep the area neat and orderly.

(3)  The concerns are centered on much construction and not much progress.  There are a number of projects that were started months ago and are still not completed.  When TXDOT has the town hall meeting in early February, these concerns will be raised.

II.

(1)  The  Mall containing Village Voice, Anytime Fitness, etc., is receiving a

new roof painting. Looking good!

(2)  The Golf Course continues to improve as work is continually being done.  Golfers are playing every day – some in the cold and a few in the rain.  Spring is coming.  Have you considered becoming a member?

(3)  The Mill Creek Association has requested and paid for the permit with Texas Parks and Wild Life  to clean the Low Water Bridge Area.  Amber is requesting the second permit.  Both should be received in the next few weeks.  

(4)  The Trees with limbs over the road are presenting a problem to our Fire Department.  If they are too low, they will damage the lights and roofs of the trucks.  Repairs are expensive.  If you have large trees near the road, respectfully request the limbs be inspected to ensure they are not causing a problem. 

III.

Sunday, 3 P.M., the first meeting between Robert Sulasky, Sanctuary’s CEO, Madison Inselmann, project Manager, the Village City Manager, and Mayor was held.  The basis for the meeting was clarification of Sanctuary’s proposal letter which was received by the City Manager and the Mayor.  No negotiations took place.  It was simply questions and answers.   The meeting was cordial, informative, and beneficial. Kim will be presenting the letter to the three committees, Development and Economics, Water Treatment/Sewer, and ETJ/Annexation in the next two weeks.  The committees, consisting of two Aldermen and two or three citizens will review, research, and make recommendations to be used in formal negotiations.   

VR/Skip

Sunday, 18 Jan 15, Village Information

Friends,

1.  The work on Holland Road Bridge continues.  There have been crews working on it this week.  If the weather remains favorable this week, there should be good progress made.  The clock is ticking and 31 January is a couple of weeks away.

2.  A Town Hall with TXDOT is being planned for early February.  TXDOT is working on the date and time.  Please strongly consider attending.  Your comments and questions are encouraged.  Of interested, will be Salado Plaza intersection, completing the on and off ramps, and curbs and sidewalks for Main Street.  TXDOT has assisted Bartlett and Temple with sidewalks and curbs; Salado should be considered also.

3.  The first negotiations with Sanctuary begin Monday at 3 P.M.   Following this meeting our 3 committees will immediately begin working the proposal.  Kim will be arranging the times and meeting places.  Communication will be through the Village Voice and this Blog.  Please take time to read as often as it is convenient.   The Village will ask Sanctuary to do a joint Town Hall in March to give you the agreements reached and Sanctuary’s future plans. 

4.  The Mill Creek Association is working with Aldermen Preston-Dankart and Bill Helm in cleaning out the low water bridge by the old Club House. 

5.  Aldermen McDougal announced in the BOA meeting Thursday that the engineers’ road reports are ready and will be going out for bid by the end of January.  The Village will do as much work as the budget permits:  somewhere between $200,000 and $400,000.  YOU CAN HELP BY SHOPPING SALADO.  MONEY FROM SALES TAXES WILL HELP DEFRAY THE COSTS. 

6.  The Village of Salado is strengthening its relationship with our Volunteer Fire Department.  Beginning immediately, the Fire Chief or his designated representatives will begin serving on Village Committees.  The Fire Chief will serve on the Development and Economics Committees during Negotiations. 

        One of the concerns are the trees over the roads.  If they are not trimmed or too low, the limbs will damage the fire trucks or make it impossible for trucks to pass through.  Please see if any of your trees are hindering the fire trucks passage.

7.  There are a number of complaints concerning the large number of deer.  Alderman Amber is working with Texas Park and Wildlife to see what can be done.

This is enough information for today.  There will be more tomorrow.  Read the Village Voice and this Blog regularly.  Accurate communication is critical as our village goes forward. 

VR/Skip