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Sign of the Eagle

Early Americana/Excelsior/952-474-2315

Sign of the Eagle

Early Americana/Excelsior/952-474-2315

Just West of Waconia on Hwy 5

952-442-5000

Sebenaler Chiropractic Center

Chaska * 952-448-9908

CORNERSTONE Insurance Agency

David Barsness * 952-448-5028

8661 Deer Run Dr. * Victoria

952-443-2351

MACKENTHUN’S MEAT & DELI

St. Bonifacius * 952-3446-1234

Highway 5 in Victoria

952-443-2491

Said Councilmember Roden, “I’m not prepared to say no to a grocer right now. Residential developers can make just as many mistakes as retailers. I’ve heard from the community they want a grocer and they want senior housing. We’ve heard that taxes are too high and more housing may not solve that. I’m like some projections ... All I’m asking for are some numbers.”

Replied Councilmember Amundsen, “If Doran thought a grocery store would work here, he would have shown one on the plan.” It was pointed out that there are big box grocery stores all around Victoria, in every direction, not far away.

“We need to make a deal,” countered Councilmember Paulsen. “These devel-opers are not going to do this amorphous conversation. We need to make a deal be-cause you don’t want to go to the other place.”

UPDATE ON VICTORIA CREAMERY

PROJECT SHOULD BE UNDERWAY IN 2008

Responding on December 13th to a question from Council about the status of the Creamery project, Administrator Steve Sarvi said, “The applicant has hired RSP Architects and Kraus Anderson as the general.”

“They’re using a new construction technique,” said Administrator Sarvi. “They need a demolition permit and footing permit and intend to do this by March. The project is moving forward, expecting to begin construction this spring. It’s going to be a stressful time [because of the work being done in the confined downtown business district]. They will put dirt in the truck and move it out with another truck ready to pull in behind it.” Demolition is anticipated to begin in the Spring of 2008.

The Creamery project consists of two three-story brick buildings for retail busi-ness, office space, and condominiums with underground parking for the public. The development group is headed by Mary Meuwissen, former mayor of Vic-toria and current Victoria business owner with Counselor Realty, officed in the Clocktower building.

VICTORIA GROWS BY SOME LEAPS

DESPITE HOUSING SLOWDOWN ELSEWHERE

On December 27^th Angie Perera, Assistant Planner with the City of Victoria, presented the 2007 annual report regarding activities of the Victoria Planning Commission.

The City of Victoria issued permits for 106 new residential units in 2007. Of the 106 new residential units, 80 were for single family homes and 26 were for townhomes. There were also permits for 99 decks, 13 signs, and 19 residential re-model jobs. Population of Victoria is currently estimated to be 6,396 with 2,198 households.

In 2006 there were 97 new home permits, a population of 5,837, and 1,995 households. The leap for 2007 therefore included 9 more homes than last year, approximately 559 more people than last year, and 203 more households than last year.

Total number of single family lots available in Victoria as of December 1^st, 2007, is 289. Most of them are located in Rhapsody, Madelyn Creek, Krey Lakes, The Gallery, and Watermark South.

MORE VICTORIA DECEMBER NEWS

VICTORIA HEADS FOR 30,000 POPULATION

*Holly Kreft, Director of Planning, said the comprehensive plan shows an approximate population of 30,000 for the City of Victoria in the year 2030.

*Holly reported that the Building De-partment will be merged with the Plan-ning Department as part of the Communi-ty Development Department, as there has been some overlap in the reviews and planning.

*John Wilhoit donated $100 and the Watermark Neighborhood Association donated $100 to the Victoria Fire Depart-ment in appreciation for services.

*Council authorized the hiring of Keith Breckheimer to the Victoria Fire Department. The basic firefighter posi-tion receives $8 per hour per call while on duty plus receives pension benefits upon a number of years and retirement from the department.

*Council approved the purchase of a new 2007 one-ton truck chassis with a Henderson dump box from Polar Chev-rolet and Aspen Equipment at an estimat-ed total cost of $47,586 including sales tax.

*Tim Walsh was reappointed Chief of the Victoria Fire Department.

*Mount Olivet Rolling Acres donated $300 “payment in lieu of taxes for city services,” as an appreciative member of the community.

*Director of Planning Holly Kreft was appointed to be the city’s Community Development Director. Reported City Administrator Steve Sarvi, “She has per-formed her duties as well as taking on more responsibility with Economic Devel-opment projects. Comments from all who work with Holly are extremely favorable.” Said Richard Tieden, “Holly does an out-standing job. She’s very competent and capable. It’s a well deserved promotion.”

*Council authorized the purchase of a computer for use at the Public Works Building. Currently the Public Works has a computer at the Water Treatment Plant.

*Planner Holly Kreft and Carver County Public Health Planner Trace Bade reported on the Walkable Community Workshop, which included a group walk through part of the city. Said Holly, “One of the reasons we did this walk was for an action plan. Carver County is working on an interactive walking route.” Concluded Jim Paulsen, “The message is that exer-cise is medicine.”