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BLUE STAR AWARD FOR VICTORIA

EFFORTS TO PROTECT WATER QUALITY

Trevor Russell (above), member of the Friends of the Mississippi River, attended the November 22nd Victoria City Council meeting to personally present the Blue Star Award to the City of Victoria.

“This is a unique joint venture,” he said. “Groups pooled money to create this program. Over 1.6 million Minnesotans voted to raise taxes for this purpose. It’s a one of a kind program in the state, and across the nation as far as we know. Blue Star communities are those taking a leadership role. You are only 1 out of 9 communities being recognized for this Award. Victoria scored in the top five. More than two dozen communities tried for this award. Most communities don’t even try. Your scores were extraordinarily high. Making water a priority is not easy, especially in hard economic times.”

As reported in another part of the Gazette, the Blue Star Award honors and recognizes the city’s efforts to clean up runoff and protect water quality. “We’re pleased to be right up there in the top ten,” said Mayor Mary Thun, accepting the award. “There are over 800 cities in Minnesota,” pointed out Councilmember Kim Roden. “This doesn’t happen by accident,” said Councilmember Jim Paulsen.

PRELIMINARY EXPENSE FOR 86TH STREET

NO DECISION TO PROCEED WITH CONSTRUCTION

After a very lengthy discussion on November 22nd, Council voted 5-0 to spend $36,200 on a preliminary design for the improvement of 86th Street. This work is useful whether or not a construction project proceeds next year or at a later date. The second phase for final plans and specs would cost about another $30,000.

Most of the discussion centered on whether the existing 60-foot right of way, narrower than city standards, will give the best project to nearby residents who have issues with traffic speed as well as safety concerns about traffic being practically in their backyards at Allegheny Grove.

City Engineer Cara Geheren said the street construction project will cost $900,000 and allows for a street 32 feet wide, a boulevard 10 feet wide, and 8 foot trail. “We had gone down the path of trying to gain additional right of way for additional opportunities for berming and trails but haven’t been successful,” said Cara. “We hosted a meeting of residents on October 16th. We invited 57 property owners and about 12 to 14 were in attendance. We recommend moving forward with the project in 2011. Most of the construction would occur in 2011.” The project would be financed with State Aid money and residents would not be assessed.

In replying to questions, the engineer said the design plan reasonably addresses concerns of the residents and will adequately serve the still vacant south side of the street, which is located in Chaska, if and when it becomes developed. “That could be five years or it could be ten years,” said Administrator Don Uram. “Because of our neighborhood concern, it’s our recommendation to move forward. I think it’s a well spent investment.”

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