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HARVESTING ON SCHUTZ LAKE

VICTORIA NEIGHBORHOOD WANTS ASSISTANCE

Scott Wright, a resident on Schutz Lake, spoke to councilmembers July 13th requesting $750 from the City of Victoria to cost-share the harvesting of aquatic plants and algae from Schutz Lake. Council denied the request 4-1-0 with Kim Roden, a Schutz Lake resident, abstaining.

City Planner Holly Kreft pointed out that the Schutz Lake Homeowners Association was requesting 15% of the harvesting cost. In regard to the request, Holly said, “Staff is recommending caution.”

Stated Scott Wright in defense of the request, “This isn’t a storm pond. It’s a lake in the city that people come to use.” He also referred to Flowering Rush as a new invasive species at Smithtown Bay.

Replied Councilmember Tim Amundsen, “The concern I have is using public funds for a private access lake.” It was confirmed there is no public access on Schutz Lake, but that Archie Leizinger operates a boat launch from his private property on the east side of the lake off Rolling Acres Road.

Asked Councilmember Amundsen, “What city fund would this come out of?”

Asked Councilmember Tom O’Connor, ”Is the city doing this anywhere else?”

Replied Holly, “My understanding is no.”

Said Councilmember Amundsen, “This is not a good time financially for anyone.”

Agreed Mayor Mary Thun, “It’s a difficult situation, and I do have problems giving money for this.” She commended the Homeowners’ Association for their work.

Said Councilmember Tom O’Connor, “We’re not flush in cash and there is no precedent for this. Maybe the next group will ask for 50% and then there’s another another and another lake.” Nearly a dozen lakes lie within the city limits of Victoria.

Councilmember Jim Paulsen pointed to several water issues within the city and suggested that they be reviewed and addressed together.

SHORTER VICTORIA NEWS FROM JULY

CITY CONTINUES TO APPLY FOR GRANTS

•The Victoria Fire Department received authorization from the Victoria City Council to apply for a grant to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the completion of the Victoria Fire Station. Preliminary estimated cost for the completion of the build-out is $275,000. The Fire Department recommended a 10% match of funds (or $27,500) from the city.

•Power Systems LLC donated $100 toward the 2009 City Concerts in the Park.

•Deer Run Homeowners Group donated $150 to the Victoria Fire Department.

•The Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce received an on sale one-day temporary liquor license to sell alcohol at the Victoria Volksfest on August 29th.

•Council approved a resolution in support of funding to get the segment of Hwy 212 between Chaska and NYA ready for construction of four lanes, and to get safety improvements for Hwy 5 between Chanhassen and Victoria. The crash rate on Hwy 5 is over 20 percentage points higher than the statewide average. The fatality rate for crashes on Hwy 5 is over 70 percentage points higher than the statewide average. Demographers and the Metropolitan Council believe Victoria will be the largest or second largest city in Carver County with a population reaching nearly 30,000 within the next 10 to 20 years.

*Elite Waste Disposal out of Jordan received a refuse/recycling haulers license to operate within the City of Victoria.

*Council authorized application for a Redevelopment Grant from the Department of Employment and Economic Development. It is a 50% matching grant. If received, the city would use the funds to assist with the reconstruction of Stieger Lake Lane and the development of the Bayfront Trailhead Park.

*Council approved the purchase of a side flail mower to mow trails, road ditches, and intersections. Cost: $12,726.

*Council accepted $250, to be used for a city employee picnic, from each of three city consultants: Kennedy & Graven (city attorney), TKDA (city engineer), Paul Donna of Northland Securities (city financial consultant).

*Councilmember Amundsen suggested the city might consider taking more aggressive measures to prevent invasive species in its lakes.

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