|
Drs. Dungey, Menser & Associates Victoria and Waconia. 952-443-2816 |
|
City of Lakes & Parks 952-443-2363 |
|
Creating great spaces for over 40 years. 952-368-4545 |
|
The Victoria Chamber of Commerce 952-334-7135 |
|
Experience God in a personal way. 952-443-0062 |
|
Victoria American Legion Post #1995. Serving America. |
|
The Victoria Fire Department City of Victoria 952-443-2771 |
|
The Victoria Grapevine A directory of Victoria businesses. Located at www.VictoriaGazette.com |
|
WATERBROOKE Fellowship |
|
Home Page |
|
The Victoria GAZETTE |
|
8661 Deer Run Dr. * Victoria 952-443-2351 |
|
Headlines and bylines |
|
Front Page Feature Story |
|
From the Editor |
|
Addie’s Drawing |
|
Letters to the Editor |
|
Victoria Moments |
|
Hook Line & Sinker |
|
Calendar of Events |
|
Click here to Advertise |
|
the Gazette |
|
Return to Home Page |
|
Order paper Gazette |
|
Notes and Quotes |
|
The Scoop at City Hall |
|
HOPING TO COURT FAVOR WITH BUILDERS VICTORIA DEFERS A PORTION OF PERMIT FEES Council unanimously approved a building permit deferral program as requested by Administrator Don Uram whereby a portion of the builder fees will be deferred to a later date. "I want to make a pitch for deferring some fees," he had said. "I've asked what can we do from a city perspective to encourage building in this economy." "I think it will attract multi-family builders rather than single family builders," said Mr. Uram. He stated that the actual permit fee on a six-unit building at Madelyn Creek is $60,000. Total permit fee for a single family home valued at $265,000 is $12,100. Some of that amount (43%) is collected for the city's water and sewer core fees and the park improvement fee, which could easily be deferred. He explained that a portion of the building permit fee could be deferred until a sale occurs or some other length of time. Stated Councilmember Jim Crowley, "I commend you for thinking outside the box. I'm definitely in favor of this." "Also important is the message it sends," said Councilmember Tom O'Connor. "It sends a positive message that we want to work with builders." Said Councilmember Tom Strigel, "Comments from past builders have not always been positive. This is a good idea to help make the process go more smoothly." "What happens if the developer goes under and market conditions fail?" asked Councilmember Kim Roden. "We certify to the taxes," replied Mr. Uram. "A fallback position for the city is that we can always certify the amount to the builder's taxes if the fees don't get paid." "No good deed goes unpunished," added Councilmember Roden. "Does this open up Pandora's Box?" Replied Mr. Uram, "I'm always concerned about what the unintended consequences might be. We can put a window on it -- maybe only two years, maybe only next year." Council agreed on a one-year deferral, to be renewed annually.
KIDS’ CURFEW UPDATED IN VICTORIA PERTAINS TO YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO AGE 17 Council held the first reading of a curfew ordinance on December 12th that changes, for the most part, the time that young people must be home at night on weekdays and weekends. The current city ordinance requires all those younger than 17 be home by 11 p.m. on every night of the week, both weekdays and weekends. The amended city ordinance (a second reading on January 9th is still required before adoption) categorizes different age groups and curfews. It would now be consistent with Carver County's ordinance. Younger than 12: Home by 9 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and by 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Ages 12 to 14: Home by 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and by 11 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Ages 15 to 17: Home by 11 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and by 12 midnight on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Actually, the ordinance reads, they shall not "be present in any public place within the city" between the stated curfew time and 5 a.m. A public place is "not limited to streets, highways, roadways, parks, public recreation, entertainment or civic facilities, schools, and the common areas of hospitals, apartment houses, offices buildings, transport facilities and shops." As reported by city administration, "A local boy scout troop prompted review of this ordinance while doing a project on why and when local curfews were established."
STOLEN CHRISTMAS TREE IN VICTORIA THE THIEF REMAINS ANONYMOUS Councilmember Kim Roden read a letter that she received from resident Jan Olinger about an $800 evergreen tree that was cut and stolen from their backyard. "I read it and felt sad," she said. "It's utterly astounding to me that someone would do that. If we think everything is fine and dandy in our city, it isn't." "Are there other incidents?" asked Councilmember Tom O'Connor. "I'm not been informed of other incidents," replied Administrator Don Uram. Stated Mayor Mary Thun, "I think this is an outstanding community. We don't know who took the tree. It could have been an outsider. We have wonderful people and a lot of talent in this community. I just attended a play by the Chaska Valley Family Theater entitled 'White Christmas.' The little girl in the play is from Victoria. She's ten years old. I was just stunned. There are so many things in this city that we can be proud of."
|
|
January 2012 |
