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The Scoop at City Hall |
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PROJECT STOPS BEFORE IT BEGINS VICTORIA’S 80TH STREET OKAY FOR A COUPLE YEARS Council voted 3-2 to not hold a public hearing for proposed 2010 street, drainage, and utility improvements because of the anticipated high cost per property owner (over $20,000) in the 80th Street neighborhood of Victoria on the west side of Bavaria Road. Mayor Mary Thun made the motion and it was supported by Councilmembers Jim Paulsen and Tom O’Connor. Those who preferred to hold the hearing and at least hear the information were Councilmembers Kim Roden and Tim Amundsen. City Engineer Cara Geheren presented her findings from the feasibility report on November 9th. She said that December 14th would be the date to make a decision to move forward with the project and also whether municipal water would be included along with street reconstruction. The neighborhood is on private wells, not municipal water. “There was an existing gravel road but it’s unique because in 1996 the residents got together and got the street paved,” said Cara. It was paved but not up to city standards. “The street [80th] is not as bad as those in the Lions Park neighborhood or Baycliffe area, but it’s demonstrating subgrade failure,” said the city engineer. “It’s not as simple as just filling the cracks.” She anticipated total street reconstruction to be $232,911 which means a street assessment of $12,940 and that includes the City of Victoria picking up the other half of street reconstruction costs. She anticipated total water extension cost to be $80,821 which means a $8,891 water unit assessment. Residents pay 100% of water installation costs. Said Cara, “I’m still in a difficult estimating climate. These are conservative numbers.” “That’s $22,000 per house!” stated Councilmember Tom O’Connor. “That’s a huge number. Is there a clamoring for this to be done? I can’t see championing for nine homeowners to pay this. I don’t know how I can support this.” Replied the city engineer, “This one is unique because you don’t see complaints. It’ll never cost less, but I wouldn’t have a problem deferring this.” She reminded councilmembers that when the citywide street reconstruction plan was laid out in 2005, she was instructed to include all streets that didn’t meet city standards. “I think Tom makes some excellent points,” said Councilmember Roden. “Sometimes the city is autocratic,” said Councilmember Paulsen, “but we ought to be very democratic in a small finite neighborhood.” Stated Mayor Thun, “In this time and in this economy, I’m not willing to accept this. The road looks to me like it could withstand another couple of winters. It would cost more money for more work from Cara and more money to post the hearings and pay for publication.” The mayor made the motion to “not hold a public hearing nor go any further on this.” Said Councilmember Roden, “I’m not comfortable until I hear from the citizens.” City Attorney Mike Norton suggested that staff solicit information from the nine affected property owners and relay that information to Council. Replied Councilmember Roden, “Then I’d be making a decision based on second hand information. I’m not comfortable with that.”
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December 2009 |
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Merry Christmas, Victoria City Councilmembers. In addition to the numerous city council meetings and workshops held throughout the year(s), Victoria councilmembers tend to other assignments and appointments as liaison representatives to other groups in the city and the area. The Victoria City Council includes five elected people. (L-r): Tim Amundsen, Mayor Mary Hershberger Thun, Jim Paulsen, Kim Roden, and Tom O’Connor. |