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Some of the Aster residents spoke to councilmembers that evening. Eric Simmer thanked staff for all of their hard work, stating, "My family strongly supports the improvements."

Kevin Siefering, a 16-year resident, stated, "In 2007 we were extremely disappointed the project didn't move forward."

Said Cindy Ahlm, "My husband and I are the land barons, we have four lots, and we are in support of the project."

Brad Stratton estimated the monthly payment on an assessment would not be unbearable and that a city could get rid of an $80,000 grader. "We look for your support," he said.

The motion passed unanimously to the applause of the audience. When the feasibility report is completed, the city will have more accurate estimates on the cost of doing the streets, sewer, and water projects at Aster Trail and Aster Circle.

According to City Engineer Cara Geheren, the anticipated complete date of the feasibility study is June. If the project is then ordered by Council, construction would begin in 2013.

SHORTER SCOOP FROM MARCH

VICTORIA CONTINUES TO APPLY FOR GRANTS

*Council approved application for the 2012 Minnesota DNR Local Trail Connections Grant Program, after being unsuccessful in being selected for the 2011 Grant Program. According to city staff, Victoria was "strongly encouraged to apply again." If successful, funding would occur in 2013 for a trail connection from the Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail at Rolling Acres Road to Minnewashta Parkway. The city would need to complete the project (estimated cost $260,000) and then be reimbursed up to 75% of the costs to an amount of $150,000.

*Council approved performance agreements formusical groups to entertain at four concerts in the park this summer. They include Island Time Band ($900), Cedar Avenue Big Band ($1,500), Big Walter Smith and the Groove Merchants ($1,100), and Splatter Sisters ($795).

*Council approved the hiring of Travis Renney for front desk position at the Victoria Recreation Center.

*Council approved a lot split for a 10-acre parcel in Victoria known as the Lake Virginia Farmstead, which is located just east of the Sunny Shadows neighborhood on Smithtown Road. As Holly Kreft pointed out, "There will be a northern parcel and a southern parcel, located in the northern city boundary with Shorewood." Both the Planning Commission and city staff recommended approval. The parcels are not considered buildable; they may be combined with lots in Sunny Shadows to give those lots lake access.

*Council agreed that the budget process should be ongoing and approved a budget workshop for April 9th along with a work plan that includes dates for meetings of the Finance Committee along with other full-council workshops. Jim Crowley introduced information technology and model scenarios whereby council could easily see how the movement of line item numbers affects the entire budget.

*Council awarded the refinancing of $3,775,000 in general obligation bonds for a net benefit to the city of $425,000 -- which is more than the $393,000 in net savings that the city had anticipated last month. As Finance Director Jylan Johnson reported, the savings are a result of historically low interest rates.

*Council approved a step pay increase for Holly Kreft, Community Development Director, as recommended by the Personnel Committee, citing much of her important work accomplished for the City of Victoria. She has applied for and received over $250,000 in grants for Victoria, spent hours helping to prepare for the Hwy 5 project and Discover Victoria Day, among other significant tasks beyond her required job duties.

*Council authorized two Victoria firefighters to attend the Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis for five days in April. Topics include Fire Apparatus Financing, Thermal Imaging Cameras, Grant Opportunities, Firefighter Tools, Safety, Accountability Procedures, plus other topics. Cost is $2,000.

*Council authorized the Victoria Fire Department to apply for a grant from CenterPoint Energy to replace two of their existing radios, which would be transferred to Victoria Public Works for assistance during emergencies. Grant maximum is $2,500. Project cost is $4,198.

*Council approved the hiring of Elayne Bohn for a daycare position at the Victoria Recreation Center.

*Council approved a Joint Powers Agreement among the City of Victoria, the City of Carver, and Carver County for the purchase of two street sweepers at a total cost of $372,222. The county will pay for one sweeper, and the two cities will split the cost of the other sweeper. The agreement is in place for five years.

*Council accepted a Safety Hazard Grant of $3,310 from the MN Department of Labor and Industry for a magnetic manhole cover lifter, at a cost of $6,620. The city is responsible for the other half.

*Council authorized the sale through auction of spare sewer parts and pieces of equipment in the Public Works Department that are unusable by the city. Estimated value of the items is $5,000.

*Administrator Don Uram pointed out that one of the items in the March 26th Payment of Bills was $900 for grease bugs. Grease bugs are selectively adapted bacteria used in lift stations that break down grease, sludge, and waste.