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The Victoria GAZETTE |
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City Scoop Continued |
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LOOKING TO REWORD CITY ORDINANCE TO CURB POWER OF VICTORIA ADMINISTRATOR November 9th Councilmember Jim Paulsen suggested the possibility of a building moratorium in downtown Victoria in order to rework the city ordinance as it relates to downtown construction without council approval. “I’m not comfortable with our inability to control what we’ve historically done,” he said. In the past six months, city administration has approved the large expansion projects to both Floyd’s and the Clocktower without bringing the plans to city councilmembers for their comment and review. Asked Councilmember Tom O’Connor, “Is there any reason we can’t get that specific ordinance in front of us now? I’m assuming we could get it [the rewording] done very quickly.” “That doesn’t take me there,” replied Councilmember Paulsen. “I’m very uncomfortable that we may lose control of our downtown. It’s horrible but it’s history. It can happen so quickly.” Mayor Mary Thun stated, “I support we get those ordinances in front of us as soon as possible, but I will not support a moratorium. That would be a funeral for some of these businesses downtown. We have to ensure that masses come into this town. Fresh Seasons especially needs it. I understand Joel’s Barbershop is moving to the Clocktower. A moratorium is a hamper on businesses.” “You’re confusing growth and planning,” said Councilmember Paulsen. “As for all that time we spent on shared parking, I feel like a fool. I don’t want anyone to confuse abdicating our responsibility and being in favor of growth.” The ordinance in question was rewritten in 2007 to say that staff discretion can be used in granting building permits.
November 23rd Discussion continued two weeks later and culminated with staff being directed to place the ordinance issue and the various language options on the agenda for the December 14th council meeting. Administrator Don Uram pointed out that Vic’s Bar and Grill resided their building this fall without council approval. “Is that something you want to see?” he asked. Replied Councilmember Tim Amundsen, “A bunch of business people saying they can build whatever they want? Fundamentally, it’s just not right. There are plenty of cities far more restrictive than we are. I’d like the courtesy to look at it [building proposals].” Said Councilmember Tom O’Connor, “I’ve been in business development for a long time. The rules have to be clear. I’ve always had to come before a council body. We are the elected representatives of this city. I’m a strong pro-development supporter, but we’ve got to do our responsblity to the citizens.” “As elected representatives,” he continued, “it’s our obligation to take the heat when there’s heat. It should come before the council for approval.” Stated Councilmember Jim Paulsen, “I agree with everything you said, Councilmember O’Connor.” Stated Mayor Thun, “I don’t want to go back to where we were before 2007. What would we go back to? Could be put that in the ordinance -- ‘final council approval’?” Stated Councilmember Kim Roden, “Maybe we do need something else, not what we had and not this, but something in the middle.” Replied Mr. Uram, “We’ll bring back some language change options.”
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December 2009 |
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Merry Christmas, Victoria City Staff & Consultants. There are other city staff members and consultants working for the City of Victoria, but those pictured are found at most all of the city council meetings and city workshops throughout the year. L-r): City Attorney Mike Norton, Public Works Director Ann Mahnke, Community Development/Planner Holly Kreft, City Engineer Cara Geheren, Finance Director Jylan Johnson, Administrator Don Uram. |