Victoria MN Newspaper-City Scoop

Stated Councilmember Crowley, "Metal buildings are being built!"

"I'm not aware of anyone building a metal building for this use," said Mr. Uram.

Said Mayor O'Connor, "We five councilmembers have an opportunity to do something very significant. We need to make the right decision for the long term. I think it would be a shame to miss the opportunity."

Since no consensus was reached that evening of July 1st, Councilmember Basa offered the solution in regard to the focus and direction to staff for the July 9th special informational gathering. "Present the options to the public."

CONTINUED IN NEXT ARTICLE.

JULY 9TH: RESIDENTS GATHER AT CITY HALL

TO LEARN ABOUT NEED FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES

Approximately 80 to 90 people -- including staff and councilmembers -- attended the information tours and public gathering on Tuesday evening, July 9th, sponsored by the City of Victoria. Three times that evening, the audience broke out in applause: after former Mayor Mary Meuwissen spoke, after former Mayor Jerry Bohn spoke, and after current Mayor Tom O'Connor spoke.

Tours of the existing City Hall and Public Works facilities were conducted from 5 to 6 p.m. with presentations afterwards by City Manager Don Uram. Several other staff members and city councilmembers were also on hand to answer questions. Purpose of the evening was to further inform residents of the need for new facilities and to answer questions.

Said Mr. Uram, "I started working in Victoria in 2008 and the city has been talking about new facilities since that time. The city council has authority over whatever we do. Public Works is one of our basic core services. They do what people see. We're talking about 18,000 square feet and certainly not a lavish building."

"Plans developed today range in cost from $6 million to $7 million," he said. "We currently have $1.8 million in a Capital Facilities Fund to offset that cost. Council hasn't decided the best financial plan. We can use the $1.8 million and not have a tax impact for four years. Staff has been directed to minimize tax impact.

"We also have the option of including a library if citizens are interested. We are the largest city in Carver County that doesn't have a library. A library would cost $1 million. Council has directed me to sell the city's 94 acres in Laketown Township. Those dollars can offset a library. Please make your comments known."

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The city manager then opened it up for questions from the audience. We learned that there are seven, corrected to eight, employees currently working in 2,500 square feet of city office space. "There is no location for more staff." City offices are located in the former old Fire Hall. Council Chambers are located in the old Village Hall, formerly a gymnasium; it's where this gathering occurred, where council meetings are held, and where community events like Lions Pancake Breakfasts are held.

Resident John Kroening asked why a City Hall and a Public Works Facility can't be located in the same building. "Why do we need two separate buildings?" he asked.

Said Mr. Uram, "The majority of the city council did not support co-location."

Explained Mayor Tom O'Connor, "There is such a difference in use. They have different purposes. One is for trucks and hard core worker bees. The other is for office work and it would help draw people to the downtown."

Referring to discussion about the new Public Works facility, resident Tom Vogt stated, "The life of a precast building is 50 to 75 years. The life of a steel building is 20 to 25 years. Precast lasts three times longer than steel. The difference in cost between the two is minimal, so why are we still talking about a metal building?"

We learned that the city-owned property next to the Post Office no longer ranks as the preferred site for the new City Hall. "I think that site could use additional tax producing businesses," said Mr. Uram. Consideration now points to the parcel along Stieger Lake Lane and the LRT trail, across from the Victoria House and Vic's.

"What is the plan for parking?" asked resident and former councilmember Tim Amundsen.

"We'd tear down this building and put in 18 new parking spaces," said Mr. Uram.

Holly Kreft, Community Development Director, elaborated that ramps and parking decks are being considered for the future long term needs. "There are other opportunities for downtown parking," she said. "There is a plan. When do we hit that traffic point, that success?"

Stated resident and former councilmember Jim Paulsen, "Who's making money downtown? I don't think we have 20 people. We sell services. We don't sell things. There are probably no more taxes that they can stand."

Click here to continue RESIDENTS GATHERED AT CITY HALL.