Victoria MN Newspaper

LIONS TO PROPOSE COMMUNITY CENTER

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CITY OF VICTORIA

Councilmember Jim Crowley reported December 22nd that the Victoria Lions are working on a proposal to be presented to the City of Victoria. He pointed out that the Victoria Lions are heavy users of the existing City Hall for their various functions such as the Pancake Breakfasts and the Spring Fling. It is anticipated that the Hall will be demolished soon after City Offices are moved to their new location on Stieger Lake Lane this year.

"They are putting together a proposal for a partnership with the City of Victoria," said Councilmember Crowley, who added that he himself is a member of the Lions.

Stated Mayor Tom O'Connor, "It has to be a credible supportable proposition. Not unlike the Bandshell, it's being proposed by a volunteer group. Look at all what the Lions have done for the past decades. Their proposal is definitely worth considering."

The Lions have formed a Building Committee that is currently designing the large community building and an accompanying large parking lot that would be able to handle large community occasions, both public and private. The facility is proposed to be located in Lions Park."

VICTORIA BAND STAND ON AGENDA

COULD BE IN OPERATION IN 2015

Council voted 5-0 on December 8th to approve a ground lease agreement with the Three Rivers Park District for a Band Stand to be located on Stieger Lake Lane in downtown Victoria. An agreement was needed because the Band Stand is proposed to be built on property owned by Three Rivers Park.

Also, the Band Stand is proposed to be constructed by private citizens with maintenance and operation to be transferred to the City of Victoria at an estimated annual cost of $5,000.

The agreement states, "Community Involvement Endowment Inc. (CIE), a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the State of Minnesota, proposes to finance and construct a facility described herein as the Band Stand ... The Band Stand will be a public facility and gathering place adjacent to Stieger Lake and the city's Central Business District."

Asked Councilmember Joe Pavelko, "What if the private citizens run out of money part way through construction?"

Replied City Attorney Bob Vose, "The lease does not trigger until completed."

Stated Ann Mahnke, Victoria Director of Parks and Publc Works, "By approving this agreement doesn't guarantee it will be constructed."

Asked Councilmember Pavelko,"Is the city allowed to lease it out for rent?"

Replied the attorney, "The permitted uses include private uses."

Stated Councilmember Pavelko, "I don't want this to turn into a commercial thing where there are weddings every day."

"The city will decide the uses," said Mayor Tom O'Connor.

Replied the attorney, "We wanted to give the city the most broad rights as possible. You have the ability to impose limits as to how the Band Stand is used."

Added Ann, "We'd put something together like we have for the shelters." There are two shelters located in Lions Park which were constructed by the Lions and given to the city for public and private use."

It is the intent of CIE that the Band Stand begin operations no later than June 30th, 2015.

VICTORIA SEES MUCH COOPERATION

BETWEEN BUSINESS AND CITY GOVERNMENT

Mayor Tom O'Connor and the City of Victoria received a letter from Randy Miller, President of the Victoria Business Association. It stated ...

"On behalf of the Victoria Business Association, I would personally like to thank the City of Victoria and the staff for their contributions, involvement, and participation in the VBA community activities."

Randy listed Classic Car Nights, Christmas in Victoria, Discover Victoria Day, Halloween Kids Party, Volksfest and Art Fair, and the First Wednesday Meet and Greet Coffee Hours.

Continued Randy, "Activities and events of this magnitude have an enormous responsibility, and recognition should be extended to Ann Mahnke and the staff of Public Works for their resources and logistics, Jennifer Kretsch in city administration, Fire Chief Andrew Heger for staff hours provided, and the City of Victoria staff for their cooperation in assisting the VBA. It gives me great pleasure to express my gratitude to all their involvement. Thank you."

Stated City Manager Laurie Hokkanen on December 22nd, "These events are part of the fabric of our community. It's really the volunteers of the Victoria Business Association that makes this happen."

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