Page Title

FINAL 77-HOME PLAT AT WASSERMAN

SEVEN LAKESHORE LOTS IF DNR APPROVES

Council voted 5-0 on July 22nd to approve the preliminary plat for the Lakeside development located south of Lake Wasserman and north of Marsh Lake Road, with the stipulation that it also receives DNR approval. Council had been introduced to the sketch plat in May.

It consists of 77 single family homes on 50 acres in the $400,000 to $600,000 range, seven homes on lakeshore lots.

Holly Kreft, Community Development Director, mentioned a passive park adjacent to the lake, five wetlands, and an active play area in the southeast corner of the development. She said the Planning Commission recommended approval.

Nearby resident John Hayes spoke to the issue. "I moved here in 1991. It's my understanding there would not be lakeshore lots. I thought Victoria wanted broad public access. I thought we'd have a green parkway along the lake. I'd ask that you carefully consider this. It's hard to recapture once it's lost."

Said Mark Schneider, also a resident on Lake Wasserman, "I've lived here 17 years. We were told a trail would continue along the south side of Lake Wasserman. If you haven't walked that property, you should walk this particular plat. You'd have to be impressed with the size of the trees."

Among others, Mr. Schneider said there was a 124-inch circumference oak tree which is 197 years old, a 102-inch maple that is 162 years old, a 115-year old green ash that is 146 years old.

"These trees are all over that property," he said. "It's an Old Grove Forest, which means it has trees over 125 years old. Cities and counties are protecting these properties. I ask that this plan be delayed and that you do a little more homework. The tree canopy is spectacular. Very few cities have this anymore."

Stan Rud, who is the secretary of the Wasserman Lake Association, stated, "Please give consideration to our concerns. The Comprehensive Plan has shown a trail through the lakeshore property. Our concern is that the trail has been moved. Victoria's past two mayor, Jerry Bohn and Mary Thun, said it would stay a greenland area. There are 450 to 600 feet of shoreline trees. Half would be totally torn down so people can have walkout basements."

He also asked about city light ordinances and lighting restrictions on the lake.

In response, Holly stated, "We do require a full tree inventory, with each tree individually tagged. All are factored into a tree replacement plan that meets city standards and rules."

When asked about the possibility of other lakeshore lots coming with future developments, Holly replied, "There are fringe wetlands on some of the other undeveloped lakeshore," which cannot become lakeshore lots.

Said Councilmember Joe Pavelko, "It'll be impossible to say no to others if we say yes to this. He amended the motion to include approval be based on DNR review.

Councilmember Lani Basa said she would like to understand the Dark Skies and Old Grove Forest issues. Holly said she'd get the DNR's comments in writing.

SHORTER VICTORIA NEWS FROM JULY

WATCH FOR STREET SEALCOATING IN AUGUST

*The upcoming sealcoating project includes Lilac Circle (off 78th Street), 77th Street (off Kochia Lane), Hyacinth and Hyacinth Circle, 78th Street adjacent to Madelyn Creek, Madelyn Creek, 80th Street by the Fire Station (Hwy 5 to Narcissus), Woodstone Drive, Court, Glen, Lane; Kelzer Pond Drive (near Trillium Lane), Trillium Circle & Court, 81st Street from Co. Rd. 11 to Trillium Lane.

*Council accepted $100 from Mr. and Mrs. Dick Mills for the Victoria Fire Department; $5,000 from Chaska Lions Charitable Gambling for the Park and Recreation Department; $200 from Jim and Nan Emmer for the Victoria Fire Department; $1,000 from the Victoria Gazette for the Victoria Fire Department.

*Council authorized the mayor and city manager to execute the Heenie Trail Easement Agreement whereby the city acquires park dedication land from Kevin and Kim Heenie prior to development of their property just west of downtown Victoria. The parcel will give the city opportunity at this time, rather than in the future, to connect a neighborhood trail at Krey Lakes to the trail in Watermark.

*Council approved an encroachment agreement with the owner of Victoria Blue Dog whereby a small city-owned parcel next to the restaurant can be used for up to ten years for their dumpster pad and fence. In return, the owner will construct two additional parking spaces on Quamoclit.

*Council voted 5-0 on July 22nd to amend the feasibility report for the Aster Trail and Aster Circle improvement projects to include a low pressure sewer system instead of the gravity system. Council also voted 5-0 to accept the bids, order the improvements, and award a contract. Midwest Civil Constructors had the low base bid of $961,484. Individual homeowners will be asked if they're interested in an individual lift station.