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Waconia Dodge Chrysler Jeep

Highway 5 * 952-442-2010

Jay Swenson

Chanhassen 952-906-2405

Sue’s Album

A symphony of photos

and fewer than a thousand words

at www.VictoriaGazette.com

BILL SCHWANKE “MOVES” TEMPORARILY

VICTORIA ONLY NEEDS ONE BUILDING OFFICIAL

City Administrator Don Uram reported on November 13th that 26 single family home permits have been issued in the City of Victoria so far in 2008. “Chanhassen and Chaska issued permits in the 30’s and they’re much larger than we are,” he said.

In response to the low number of building permits being issued these past couple of years, there is not a need for two building inspectors working in Victoria. Mr. Uram reported that Victoria’s Bill Schwanke is able to work a position in St. Louis Park for the time being, until permit activity picks up. Said Don, “This is at no cost to the City of Victoria and it’s keeping him busy.” He remains a Victoria employee.

HUMPTY DUMPTY SIDELINED

IN FAVOR OF STOP SIGNS ON NARCISSUS

Council cast a split 3-2 vote on November 13th in favor of installing inexpensive stop signs on Narcissus Street in an effort to control excessive speed rather than expensive speed humps. Those voting in favor of the stop signs were Mayor Mary Thun and Councilmembers Kim Roden and Richard Tieden. Those in favor of speed humps were Jim Paulsen and Tim Amundsen.

Cost of two speed humps was $4,400. Signs would also have needed to be purchased, signs that foretold the humps were coming and signs that told where the humps were located.

City Engineer Cara Geheren had said permanent speed humps could be installed if the temporary humps worked. Stated Councilmember Richard, “This is a drastic measure in my mind. They are not attractive in a very nice neighborhood.”

When Scott Manion, a resident on Narcissus Street who has been very concerned about speed and all the children in the neighborhood, was asked his opinion he stated, “I am definitely all right with this. I’m on board with the speed humps.”

Continued Richard, “I’d rather see stop signs than speed humps throughout the city. It worked at Wintergreen. It’s anecdotal.’

Said City Administrator Dave Uram, “We’re not interested in speed humps all over Victoria either.”

Commented Councilmember Tim Amundsen, “People can overrun a stop sign but heaven help those who run a speed hump.”

A motion to approve the speed humps failed 2-3 with the girls and guys on opposite sides of the motion, respectively. The motion to install stop signs passed 2-3 with Richard Tieden making the motion.

EIGHT MORE NEW HOMES FOR VICTORIA

FINAL PLAT APPROVED AT BAVARIA ROAD

Council cast a split 3-2 vote on November 13th approving the final plat of the Cornerstone Development for 8 half-acre single family lots on the east side of Bavaria Road. That parcel is sandwiched between the Spargo and Vanderlinde properties.

Said Councilmember Jim Paulsen, who cast one of the nay votes along with Tim Amundsen, “This does not rise to the level of the work that has been done in this city. Other plats have had a comprehensive view of where the city is going. Do not underestimate my disappointment with this.”

He asked that the developer’s agreement reflect that there’ll be a development of higher density just to the south, which will increase traffic through their neighborhood. He asked that signs be installed in that area to reflect what’s coming, signs such as those that once indicated a park and park lights were planned for the Eklo property which became Diethelm Park. “Signs seem to work,” said Jim.

WILL VICTORIA’S STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

CONTINUE IN 2009? DECISION IN DECEMBER

Council held a public hearing on November 13th in anticipation of the city’s 2009 reconstruction projects which include streets in the Lions Park area of Victoria. After receiving comments from several of the affected residents who would each be facing a $12,000 assessment, Council voted unanimously to defer the issue to the December 1st city council meeting and acquire more information.

When asked about tabling or deferring the item to the subsequent council meeting, City Engineer Cara Geheren stated the delay wouldn’t have an impact on the project.

As Councilmember Tim Amundsen had said at the conclusion of the lengthy hearing, “I want a better handle on hardship deferments and on creative engineering now rather than later.” He agreed with residents when he stated, “I didn’t get enough information either.”

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City Engineer Cara Geheren reminded councilmembers that in 1998 the project for this area was planned for 2000, and it was also looked at again in 2003. She said that plans and specs were first adopted in 2005, then updated in 2007.

“The streets have deteriorated to a point of needing complete reconstruction with complete excavation of what’s currently there, with the addition of curb and gutter along all of the streets and drain tile for sub pumps.”

She explained that the street on the east end of this area can be reclaimed rather than reconstructed because it’s in better condition than the others.

The engineer recommended assessing for 28-foot wide streets, which is the city standard, but that the city should consider possibly widening the streets to 32 feet to accommodate parking that overflows from the Lions Tournament and Summer Concerts in the Park. “The extra cost for this would be picked up by the city,” she said.

Click here to continue ‘09 Street Project.