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The Victoria GAZETTE

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November 2013

December 2013

VICTORIA GETS BIKE TRAIL TO THE ARBORETUM

AND PRIORITY TRUMPS “PRINCIPLE”

         After nearly an hour of back and forth, Council voted 5-0 on November 25th to construct the trail connection between Swiss Mountain Farm and the MN Landscape Arboretum.  It includes access to the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail.  Council accepted bids on the project and awarded the contract to Minnesota Dirt Works, Burnsville, who had low bid of $258,448. 

         Eight bids were received.  Completion date for the project is July 31st, 2014. 

         Overall projected cost of the trail connection is $381,000.  It includes $61,049 for easements.  There were additional engineering costs than anticipated because of increased grading needed to raise the trail in low areas and install a culvert, said City Engineer Cara Geheren.  The City received a grant of $150,000 for this project.

         The fee to the University of MN for an easement across their property was reduced from $61,000 to $20,000.  Victoria will also give one acres of city-owned wetland near Lake Tamarack to the University/Arboretum in lieu of the additional $40,000 in cash.  The piece is adjacent to property (the Kerber farm) recently purchased by the Arboretum. 

         Said the city engineer, "The city owns 13 acres adjacent to their property.  We don't have any other use for it."  The wetland area was part of parkland dedication deeded to the city with the nearby Swiss Mountain development.

         Councilmembers Jim Crowley and Tom Strigel continued being against paying $20,000 to the University/Arb for a trail easement, as reported in the past, for various reasons, "the principle of the thing" and also "they might make us move the trail."

          Said City Attorney Mike Norton, "They are not dictating law.  We are not giving up any rights because the bike trail doesn't  give us rights in the first place.  The county has similar agreements."

         Said Cara, "There is no funding plan for Hwy 5 to become a four-lane.  From a practical standpoint, they'd design it to accommodate the trail rather than rip it up."

          Said Kelly Brandt, University of MN Real Estate Transaction Manager, "It's our policy to not treat anybody differently.  Chanhassen and Carver County have entered into agreements with us.  That Kerber farm purchase was a costly one.  We'll be using that property for a public purpose with no fee charge."

         Said Councilmember Lani Basa, "So the new Arb property is another trail destination, in addition to the current Arb property and the Regional Trail!"

         Said Mr. Brandt, "We'll be willing to work with you on how that $20,000 is paid back, over time, like five years."

         Said Mayor Tom O'Connor, "This trail connection is one of the singular most important assets we could develop.  550 homes will have direct access to the Arboretum.  Yes, the Arboretum benefits, but the City of Victoria benefits as well.  We'd never get anything done if we didn't take some risk.  I think this is the darndest important element in the city, new City Hall and Public Works notwithstanding.  Think of it this way:  Instead of getting a $150,000 grant, we're getting $130,000.  Some day it's going to cost a lot more than it does today."

         Said resident Mike Miles, "We have very few bike trails that go anywhere.  This connection is in our Comprehensive Plan.  Trails are on the city's priority list.  Finding excuses to not do this is a huge mistake."

 

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City Attorney Mike Norton (with Kennedy and Graven) flanked by Holly Kreft, left (Victoria Community Development Director), and Cara Geheren (Victoria City Engineer with Focus Engineering).