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The Scoop

at City Hall

"Sometimes we're taken aback by what we get from larger organizations," said Mr. Uram. "It's certainly our intent to get it reconciled, if not for 2012, then for 2013. What we are doing this time is presenting our costs to the parties that have been involved in this. We're always looking for ways to streamline our processes because there are costs involved."

Asked Councilmember Jim Crowley, "When will you know if this procedure will work?"

Replied Mr. Sweeney, "It is a matter of whether or not they deem it to be an appropriate procedure. We've proceeded with all due haste. I think they can implement it for 2012. It's whether they choose to do so."

"What can we do?" asked Councilmember Crowley?

Replied Mr. Uram, "I'm not sure anything. When the County makes a decision, there is no further action by Victoria. There are a couple of things I'm following on a daily basis and this is one of them."

"There are no financial consequences to the city?" asked Councilmember Tom O'Connor.

Replied Mr. Sweeney, "A modest amount of tax increment. It is more procedural than financial. The County's hesitation might be along the lines of setting a precedent."

"There are not consequences to the properties being removed from the District?" asked Councilmember O'Connor.

"None," replied Mr. Sweeney.

Councilmember Roden asked if Mr. Sweeney has worked on a similar issue in his past experience.

"We have not resolved on an issue like this previously," he replied. He added, however, that the State of Minnesota is working on this issue, that requests to modify TIF districts will become more common in this economy, that it would be to the city's benefit for the state to resolve this issue.

Asked Councilmember Crowley, "What would be a negative impact of establishing a precedent like this? It seems it'd be a positive change."

SHORTER SCOOP FROM DECEMBER

VICTORIA BLOODMOBILE NEEDS COORDINATOR

*Mayor Mary Thun reported there are currently no coordinators for the Victoria Bloodmobile. It is a voluntary position, often shared between two people. The bloodmobile is sponsored by the Victoria Lions club. Said Mayor Thun, "This is serious business."

*Council may hold a closed session on January 9th to review the work of the city administrator.

*Council approved the 2012 Time Savers Recording Secretary Services Agreement. The rates for 2012 remain the same as they have been since 2008. The City of Victoria has contracted with Time Savers for over 20 years to take minutes at the City Council and Planning Commission meetings. Typically, TimeSavers charges $27.50 per hour for meetings including 15 minutes prior to and immediately following adjournment, with a 90-minute minimum. There is a charge of $11.95 for each page of minutes prepared from shorthand or machine notes of the recording secretary as draft minutes. The city administrator or another staff member will take minutes when a city council meeting is anticipated to be under one hour in length. Total amount paid to TimeSavers in 2011 was $6,984.55.

*Council granted a second extension of the watermain agreement with Hartman Communities and the Pemtom Land Company, the original developers for the Krey Lakes (LakeBridge) neighborhood. The first extension was in 2008 and was for three years. The agreement required the expansion of a watermain loop from Krey Lakes to the Rhapsody neighborhood by December 31st, 2008. The current poor economic market conditions continue to be the reason for the request.

*Council accepted a $250 donation from Lisa Bishop for the Victoria Fire Department.

*Councilmember Roden reported that a resident assisted in uniting a lost dog to its owner, thanks to Holly Kreft and a thoughtful staff.