Page Title

Chanhassen * 952-934-5659

Leuthner Well Company

Victoria * 952-443-2582

Laser and Electrolysis

Chanhassen 952-474-7474

Dine in Downtown Victoria * 952-443-2858

Victoria * 952-443-2022

MACKENTHUN’S MEAT & DELI

St. Bonifacius * 952-3446-1234

St. Bonifacius * 952-446-1338

Crossroads Medical Centers, P.A.

Chaska 448-2050

Shakopee 496-6700 Prior Lake 447-1700

Holy Family Catholic High School

Victoria * 952-443-4659

Island View Dining

Waconia. 952-442-2956

PREPARING FOR ‘08 STREET RECONSTRUCTION

IN VARIOUS VICTORIA NEIGHBORHOODS

Council unanimously approved plans and specifications for the 2008 street, drainage, and utility improvements on March 13th and ordered advertisement for bids. The projects are located at Victoria Circle, 80th Street, 81st Street, 82nd Street, Park Drive and 73rd Street.

Said City Engineer Cara Geheren, “Victoria Circle is the most significant portion of the project.” In noting areas of the sewer pipe in that area that needed repairs she said, “We ended up highlighting the entire map with spot repairs.” The pipe was probably installed in the ‘50’s or ‘60’s.

“It’s a clay pipe with a lot of root growth,” Cara reported. “We need to replace the sewer line. We weren’t surprised by this, based on public works, but we always re-televise. Also, that line behind the row of houses along County Road 11 is horrendous. We couldn’t even get a camera through it. The pipe is functioning now but we need to bring in a boring contractor. We’ll maybe wait with that until we bring in a boring contractor at Highway 7.”

Asked Councilmember Jim Paulsen, “What does all this good news cost?”

Cara said the sewer expense will add an additional $360,000 to the project. “We didn’t have any other major surprises,” she added. “You’ve got $1.4 million in the budget for these projects.” Individual assessments, as noted in the public hearing, are not increased because of surprises.

About Victoria Circle she said, “It’s really been an enjoyable neighborhood to work with.” Cara added that the neighbors determined together where the No Parking signs would be placed.

Councilmember Jim Paulsen asked whose idea it was to place No Parking signs all over the City of Victoria. “People come in and spend $200,000 for a lot plus $500,000 for a house -- a nice $700,000 package -- and they like to have parties but there is no place for anybody to park!!”

Replied Administrator Steve Sarvi, “It’s the Fire Department. With all due respect, you need to talk to the Fire Department about this ... There’s a fire code.”

Stated Mayor Mary Thun, “But there has to be some reasonableness to this. This is absolutely insane. I drive around this city and see all those signs!”

Councilmember Tim Amundsen spoke about parking in neighborhoods and asked, “Why do we have to legislate common sense all the time?”

Stated the city engineer, “The engineering department and the Fire Department have been at odds over this.”

Regarding the street project at Park Drive, Councilmember Kim Roden asked for an update on getting the Three Rivers Park District to help pay for costs of improvements to Park Drive. Park Drive is the only access to that area of Carver Park and their Dog Park.

Stated Kim, “That dog park is a major contributor to the traffic. It’s a personal concern of mine that all users pay.”

Asked directly, City Attorney Mike Norton repeated what he has said in the past: “The Park is not immune to assessments.”

It might not be common knowledge that when Park Drive was paved -- long before the Park had dog-related traffic -- the Park District paid 25% of the paving and street improvement cost.

UPDATE ON 13.5 ACRES

COBURN’S GROCERY STORE BACKS OUT

February 28th. City Administrator Steve Sarvi reported on February 28th that there is still an issue regarding the acquisition of a parcel for the anchor tenant, a grocery store. He said that Shingobee, the city’s chosen developer for the 13.5 acres, is working on another plan and that they’re still interesting in being the city’s developer. Steve mentioned the possibility that Shingobee might be moving the extension of Stieger Lake Lane back to the northern Park boundary of the acreage.

March 13th. Steve reported there is a new site plan, with 2.5 acres being earmarked for senior housing and city hall. The road through the 13.5 acres was moved back to its original siting along the boundary with Carver Park. They’re working to maintain it as a state aid road. Internal access would have to be provided to existing businesses such as the Dairy Queen.

Said Councilmember Jim Paulsen, “I think we have other users and we should bring others to Victoria. Hopefully we don’t need a Plan B, but we might. Our message should be, “Come to Victoria!”

Said City Attorney Mike Norton, “There are still some things we have to do to get the title in the city’s name. My recommendation is that we would not immediately close on the land, to a developer.”

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