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"I want the public to know what we are doing," said Councilmember Roden. "I've had response from the public that maybe we should lower our standards. I think there are a lot of competing factors." "The plan is really dependent on a site," said Mr. Uram. "It could be a while before we have a plan in front of the city council." Stated Councilmember Jim Crowley, "That's what I wanted to hear. There are too many things to consider right now besides a Public Works facility." Asked Councilmember Roden, "Is it wise to spend money on residential development when single family homes are decreasing in value?" Recognizing that the Victoria Recreation Center annually consumes a good chunk of city revenue, Councilmember Tom Strigel asked, "What is the payoff date on the bonds for the Recreation Center?" Jylan said the year was 2032.
FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN IT’S VICTORIA’S GUIDELINE AND PLANNING TOOL Council unanimously adopted a five year 2012-2016 Capital Improvement Plan on December 12th. As the Capital Improvement Fiscal Policy states, "The City of Victoria CIP reflects an assessment of the community's needs and its ability to pay for major improvements." The CIP total for 2012 is $2,961,410 and includes things like $200,000 for a trail connection; $150,000 to refurbish a fire engine; $310,000 in park improvements at Krey Lakes, Madelyn Creek, and Rhapsody; $170,000 to replace a 1998 Elgin street sweeper; $150,000 to improve two sewer lift stations; and $1.5 million for street improvements. The CIP total for 2013 is $4,399,935 and includes things like $300,000 to renovate South Lake Virginia Shores Park; another $150,000 for Krey Lakes Park; $150,00 to improve a lift station; and $2 million towards a new public works facility. The CIP total for 2014 is $2,067,160 and includes things like $60,000 for ballfield, shelter, and dugouts at Diethelm Park. The CIP total for 2015 is $2,933,405 and includes $850,000 for the purchase of a Quint fire truck. Stated Finance Director Jylan Johnson, "This Plan reflects the city's needs. The expenditures either replace or improve or expand. It's a planning tool and not a request for funding. Anything that costs over $10,000 would have to come before the City Council for approval." Councilmember Tom O'Connor pointed out, "Like with the budget, this document has had weeks and months of scrutiny."
VICTORIA IMPROVES SAFETY RECORD SAVING DOLLARS AND ACCIDENT CLAIMS Council approved the city's AWAIR Program and Reward of Achievement. AWAIR stands for "A Workplace And Injury Reduction Program." Explained Ann Mahnke, Victoria's Public Works and Parks and Recreation Director, "Basically, it's our health and safety program. During this past year, we've worked hard on this. It's required by state statute to have this and it must be approved by the city council." "It looks at new ways to improve health and safety in the city," said Ann, "and includes corrective action when accidents happen. We currently have four employees on the Safety Committee. Many kudos go to them." The Safety Committee includes Chuck Almhjeld, Troy Walsh, Holly Kaufhold, and Nola Dickhausen and represents the city's four departments. "We've had zero injuries in the workplace this last year and no loss of work," said Ann. City Administrator Don Uram stated that employees are requesting four hours (or a half day) for a floating holiday in 2012, and that the Fire Department would receive, instead, a dinner on the city. "The total cost would probably be $2,500," said Mr. Uram, "and it would be in recognition of the hard work they've given this and their safety record." Council unanimously approved the request. It was pointed out that in recent years the city has paid out a substantial amount of money in lost time accident claims. The city paid out Work Comp plan claims of $5,845 in 2009 and $7,349 in 2010. "Thank you, Ann, and others," said Councilmember Tom Strigel. "I commend you for this."
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Sue’s Album A symphony of photos and fewer than a thousand words at www.VictoriaGazette.com |
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January 2012 |
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WATERBROOKE Fellowship A place where all may experience God in a meaningful and personal way, in Victoria. 952-443-0062 |
