|
Chaska Community Center Victoria Memberships. 952-448-3176 |
|
Fairview Jonathan Clinic Chaska * 952-448-3500 |
|
Dine in Downtown Victoria * 952-443-2858 |
|
Victoria * 952-443-2022 |
|
St. Bonifacius * 952-446-1338 |
|
Take the worry out of winter.. Call 1-888-41-SEPTIC. |
|
1915 Arboretum Blvd * Victoria 952-443-2808 |
|
Call for a clinic near you. 952-442-8094 |
|
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 |
|
Birthright. Pregnant and need help? 952-442-4026 |
|
July 2009 |
|
Home Page |
|
The Victoria GAZETTE |
|
City Scoop Continued |
|
DOWNTOWN VICTORIA PHASE II STREET IMPROVEMENTS BEGIN THIS SUMMER Council held a public hearing June 8th to review project costs and a preliminary assessment roll for the Downtown Victoria Phase II Street Improvements. The city engineer estimated total project cost at $660,178 which would be assessed on front footage. This means the assessments on affected properties would vary on the various properties. “Assessments vary quite a bit,” said Engineer Cara Geheren. “They vary from $22,000 to $95,000. These are preliminary assessment amounts based on engineers’ estimates. A reduction in savings would be passed on to the properties if bids come in lower than the estimates.” Reviewing policy, Cara continued, “Properties can pay off the assessment in full or finance over 15 years at 2% above prime. Hardship deferments are available. No action is required tonight if council allows the 75/25 assessment policy to stand.” Council did agree to maintain a 75/25 split for Phase II. Such policy was also used in the first phase of downtown street improvements, whereby the benefitting properties pay 75% of street costs and the City of Victoria picks up the remaining 25% of street costs. As a property owner in Phase II, the City of Victoria is also assessed accordingly. Councilmember Kim Roden asked about the business response to the upcoming improvement and costs. Replied the city engineer, “The majority of questions relate to how are they going to deal with construction and their business. We’ve had multiple meetings with the bank and Rich Gannon. We’ve met with Braunworth’s a second time, Hartmans, Fresh Seasons, Victoria Bar and Grill.” The project includes a full reconstruction of Quamoclit Street from Hwy 5 to Stieger Lake Lane, Stieger Lake Lane from 50 feet west of Quamoclit to 200 feet east of Quamoclit, extension of Tower Boulevard from existing alley to Quamoclit, construction of a turn lane on Hwy 5 to Quamoclit, improving radius on Victoria Drive turning into Fresh Seasons. Cara said that the 1959 sanitary sewer needs to be rebuilt but the 1988 water system is generally in good repair. Some new sewer and water construction is needed.
Bids Accepted; Project Awarded The vote was 4-1 to accept bids and order the project. Councilmember Jim Paulsen cast the dissenting vote. A 4/5 vote was needed because the project was not petitioned. Reported Engineer Cara Geheren on June 8th, “Six bids were received. It’s a smaller project but more complicated so it’s not surprising that we didn’t get the same 12 bids.” Low bid was Chard Tilling and Excavating out of Belle Plaine at $361,000. High bid was $477,000. The engineer’s estimate was $470,000. “Our recommendation is to award the project to Chard Tilling. They’re certainly equipped to handle the work,” continued Cara. When asked about the wide range among bidders, she replied, “We have people making a decision to stay in business and keep their equipment in business. In this economy, bids are all over the place. Numbers are coming in lower to keep people in business. I have the tools in my toolbox to manage the process.” Stated Councilmember Paulsen before the vote, “I am not comfortable spending any more money on the downtown. I’m anxious to get a full understanding of where we’re going.” According to City Administrator Don Uram, construction on the downtown Victoria projects (Quamoclit Street, Tower Boulevard, Turn Lane) is expected to begin in a big way by the Fourth of July. Everyone is hoping the projects will be completed by August 29th, the date of the 2009 Victoria Volksfest.
CONTINUING TO ENHANCE TRAILS AND CONNECTING VICTORIA TO EVERYTHING Council approved a resolution in support of Carver County’s application for transportation enhancement funds for land/easement acquisition and paving of a portion of the Chaska-Victoria Regional Trail into downtown Victoria. As stated in the resolution, “The paving of the Chaska-Victoria Regional Trail and Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail will provide increased safety and economic development to the City of Victoria.” According to Victoria Planner Holly Kreft, total project cost is $480,000 with Victoria portion to cost $180,000 and Chaska’s portion to cost $300,000. It’s an 80% federal funding grant. In approving the resolution, the City of Victoria agrees to pay approximately $18,000 toward the project. There are four parcels/easements privately along the trail at Kirke Lachen that will need to be acquired.
|