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8661 Deer Run Dr. * Victoria

952-443-2351

JOHNSON FUNERAL HOME

Waconia 952-442-2121

Leipold’s of Excelsior

Gifts. Books. Lamps. 952-474-5880

Metropolitan Ford

Jerry Chapman 952-943-9000

Pediatric Rehabilitation Clinic.

Occupational Therapy. Speech Therapy.

952-443-9888

Victoria’s Corner Bar. Nightly Specials and Menus. 952-443-9944

Buying or Selling Victoria?

Call Nan Emmer. 612-702-2020

THINKING ABOUT A CODE OF ETHICS

FOR ADOPTION IN THE CITY OF VICTORIA

Council voted 3-2 on May 22nd to consider adopting a Code of Ethics for the City of Victoria but to wait until the League of Minnesota Cities completes its own work in that regard so Victoria has another model to review at the League’s expense. Tim Amundsen and Richard Tieden voted against the move.

Councilmember Kim Roden initiated the action “in an effort to continue to bring transparency and a spirit of high ethical standards to the staff, elected, and appointed officials in Victoria.”

She continued, “City government exists to serve the people. In order to do so effectively, the people must have confidence and trust in the integrity of their city government ... When at council meetings or acting as a body, councilmembers should show respect for each other, actively listen to one another, keep emotions in check, and use respectful language.”

“We are a city getting things done,” she said. “I am presenting a draft code this evening; I didn’t want the city to occur expense so I served as the author. I am open to edits.” She said that since Victoria is expected to become the largest city in Carver County, a code of ethics should be adopted.

Mayor Mary Thun said the Personnel Committee and Finance Committee received Kim’s draft but did not make a recommendation at this time. As the mayor said, “The League’s goal is to develop a model code of ethics.”

KIRKE-LACHEN PARK IN VICTORIA

TO BE DEVELOPED THIS SUMMER

*Council approved a site plan for Kirke Lachen Park and authorized staff to move forward with the project that includes the assistance of Garden Buddies at a cost of $6,000 for plantings and $2,000 for grading, benches, and signage.

*Asked resident Keith Geske, “Why are the street lights on in downtown Victoria, half on and half off? What’s going on?” Replied Steve Sarvi on May 8th, “For some reason we can’t seem to get them timed properly. It’s very frustrating. It’s been on and off for five years. I think we’re about done working with the manufacturer. I think we need to find an electrical engineering company.” The city attorney was asked to check into the situation for possible recompense for the City of Victoria.

*Council accepted a $75 donation from Steven and Jeanne Becraft for the Victoria Fire Department.

*Council approved an expenditure of $2,925 to replace worn out and outdated fitness equipment for fitness classes and members at the Victoria Field House.

*Council approved a performance agreement for $800 with Tropical Breeze for the Splatter Sisters to perform at the June 11th Concert in the Park.

*Council approved the hiring of Cody Boll and Jaymie Kaufhold as part time staff for the Field House and Park & Recreation Department at $10/hour.

*Council approved a request from the Victoria Vics to sell advertising on the outfield fence at Lions Field #4 in order to pay for improvements to the field.

*Council amended the city’s comprehensive credit card use policy that increases the line of credit from $4,000 to $5,000 for budgeted purposes. Those authorized to use the credit card include the city administrator, finance director, city clerk, fire chief, community development director, and fieldhouse/park and rec director.

*Regarding stormwater pollution prevention, Kim Roden said, “We’ve got neighborhood associations that could help us with stormwater problems. They could be deputized for this. What happens to stormwater affects the quality of lakes.”

*Council accepted a $200 contribution from City Attorney Michael Norton and Kennedy & Graven Chartered for the city’s employee appreciation event in Steve Sarvi’s final week with the City of Victoria.

*Council approved the purchase of a backup and future 3rd precinct voting machine at a cost of $4,500.

*Council approved a minor subdivision that allows Waterbrooke Fellowship to separate a four-acre parcel on the east side of its property at County Road 43. Said Pastor Bill Bonner, “We are actually selling it to a parishioner who will deed it back to us upon his passing. We are doing this to raise money through the sale.” The site may be used for future ministry expansion, perhaps a retreat center. There are no immediate plans to improve the property.

*Steve Sarvi reported May 8th that the Creamery Project is going out for bids with expectations to start construction in July. The city attorney reported the Creamery developers are working on title issues.

*When City Attorney Mike Norton reported that the city will eventually be required to do criminal histories on potential employees, Councilmember Richard Tieden, who works as a probation officer for Hennepin County, said, “Individuals with criminal records have an extremely difficult time getting jobs. That’s probably part of the activity bringing that to the forefront. I’ve got so many of my people hired and working, until the BCA record comes in, sometimes three to four to five months later. And they can’t find a place to live. It’s tragic.”

*Richard Tieden attended the Association of Carver County Elected Leaders and reported its purpose is to enhance relationships. “It’s sort of a collaborative for common goals, to get a pulse of what’s going on among us. It was interesting. It was fun. I’d like to go back.” He will continue to attend on behalf of the council

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