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PLAYING MARBLES AND HOCKEY

VICTORIA WANTS ISSUES RESOLVED

“What’s going on here?” asked Councilmember Kim Roden on June 12th. “I assume they took their marbles and went home.”

The Minnetonka Youth Hockey Association had asked the City of Victoria to use its Conduit Debt Policy to assist them in refinancing the Pagel Center at the Minnetonka High School at a lower interest rate. In a recent communication, MYHA indicated they would be seeking other refinancing options.

“We still have our claim against them,” said City Attorney Mike Norton. “There are still issues outstanding that we’d like resolved.”

“It concerns me that it appears they’re going somewhere else rather than deal with the issues,” added Councilmember Roden.

Said Attorney Norton, “I wouldn’t want to speculate on what the reason is.”

“At the minimum we should have our attorney make a call to them,” said Mayor Mary Thun.

“It’s disappointing,” said Councilmember Richard Tieden. “This goes back at least two years.”

Victoria City Administrator Don Uram said he and the city attorney will get in touch with the Minnetonka Youth Hockey Association and together review and clarify issues past and present.

BITS AND PIECES OF SCOOP FROMJUNE

*Marques Doppler, new president of KleinBank Victoria, was appointed to the Victoria Business Development Committee, replacing Al Liestman, former bank president on the committee.

*Donations for Victoria’s Summer Concerts in the Park series included $150 from Roulette’s Pizza, $100 from Ann Roeder of ARL Properties, $200 from Hartman Tree Farm, $1,000 from U.S. Charitable Gift Trust, $1,000 from Minnesota Valley Electric, $100 from ABC Family Chiropractic, $100 from Party Pizza, plus $100 from Party Pizza for T-Ball and Coach Pitch.

*Memberships at the Victoria Field House have now climbed to 289.

*Council approved an annual fire aid agreement for the City of Victoria to provide fire protection to Laketown Township. For 2008-2009, the fee will be $16,325.

*The City of Victoria will install an emergency warning siren on an outlot in the Madelyn Creek subdivision owned by K & K homes. As agreed upon with the developer, the outlot will be deeded to the city.

*The city’s Comprehensive Plan Task Force is working with representatives of the Marsh Lake Hunt Club on the re-guiding of that area from agricultural zoning to low density residential zoning.

*The St. Victoria Catholic Church received an exempt gambling permit to hold a raffle fundraiser at its Sunset Fest on August 16th, and also a one-day temporary liquor license.

*The following city offices are up for election this November: Mayor Mary Thun, Councilmember Kim Roden, and Councilmember Richard Tieden.

*Council adopted the Noise Ordinance. It also addresses generators and refuse haulers.

*Council moved June 26th that stormwater ponds and wetlands located on city-owned property be allowed to be chemically treated for vegetation according to a staff recommended process. There are also stormwater ponds that are part of neighborhood associations. As Councilmember Tim Amundsen explained, “Past policy was to do nothing. We’re allowing them to take control of the treatment method they use but the city retains control of our pocketbooks. We retain control in what they use but they pay for it. We’re leaving the options open to the homeowners.

*Don Uram reported June 26th that the Creamery developer is ordering concrete and finalizing construction bids.

*He also reported June 26th that Southwest Metro Transit had contacted staff about halting service in Victoria, but will continue that service for now. Ridership from Victoria averages only 16 people.

*The American Red Cross is doing an evaluation to determine if the Victoria Field House would work as an emergency shelter for Carver County. It’s already the emergency shelter for Holy Family Catholic High School.

*Information for the proposed 2009 city budget will be presented to councilmembers on July 10th. Don Uram said preliminary estimates suggest a $9 increase in the city portion of property taxes. The median value of a home in Victoria is expected to increase by only $2,400.

*Jim Paulsen is interested in knowing who the bondholders are for city bonds

*Kim Roden said that the gravel portioin of Park Drive needs dust abatement. Originally a city-owned it was vacated by the City of Victoria to Hennepin County Park Reserve, now known as Three Rivers Park District.

*Council approved the appointment of the following election judges in the City of Victoria for the September 9th Primary Election and the November 4th General Election: Wendy Amundsen, Gary Bailey, David Boorsma, Peter Bren, Donald Dahl, Sandra Dahl, Kim Gildow, Mary Hadaway, Sue Hamburge, Michelle Hammers, Richard Harker, Rosean Harker, Judith Hassig, Patricia Hawke, Joyce Heiland, Jim Hoffman, Marlene Kaufhold, Jeanne Klukas, Joan Leonard, Deborah Price, Carol Schmidt, Charles Schmidt, Doris Schmieg, Frayne Seeley, Marie Steinberger, Judith Witt, Shirley Zachman. Head Election judges are Elizabeth Anderson, RaNaye Miller, Candace Souweine.