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City Scoop Continued |
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Replied Councilmember Amundsen, “I don’t have a problem with loans. I have a problem with loans not getting paid back. Partnering and participation I’m all for, but not paying.” Mayor Mary Thun reported that the Finance Committee felt a business loan would be more desirable to improve the exterior of a building rather than to purchase tables and chairs, for example. Asked Councilmember Paulsen, “Who represents our citizenry? Their homes are their largest investment. How about tree replacement? We should have something for our citizenry as well.” He added, “What is the criteria to use public funds? Seems we should start to know who needs the money. I know that’s a slippery slope there.” Summarizing the workshop, Administrator Uram stated, “Our recommendation would be a loan program rather than a giveable program. The city has $30,000 in a fund now for this purpose.” He also recommended keeping loan amounts small rather than, say, $20,000. Criteria will be formulated to assist in clarifying a Revolving Loan Program for the City of Victoria.
FROM DURANCE CORP. TO LIFE SCIENCE ON THE WESTERN SHORE OF LAKE ZUMBRA Council approved a conditional use permit on May 24th for a Planned Unit Development for Life Science Foundation located on Lake Zumbra in the former Durance Corporation location. Holly Kreft, Community Development Director, reported that size of the PUD is 118 acres bordered by Stone Lake, Lake Zumbra, and Carver Park Reserve. She said the property was part of the 1981 township annexation to the City of Victoria. “Life Science provides facilities for groups to use,” said Holly. “MnDOT has no concerns with the request. The Planning Commission discussed the loss of taxes, since Life Science is a nonprofit and eligible for tax exempt status. However, the Planning Commission recommended approval.” Asked Councilmember Kim Roden, “Is this going to come as a surprise to neighbors?” Holly said that notices were sent out even beyond the required 350 feet, and the city received no feedback. Although City Attorney Mike Norton expressed some concern since “It’s not entirely clear what the intended uses will be,” council approved the resolution, amending it to state that no more than 125 guests are allowed at one time and it’s subject to building and fire code occupancy standards. Some descriptive words of the property, as mentioned in the city’s agenda statement, include retreat center, hotel/motel, club or lodge, parking stalls, overnight guests, paved and grassy area. According to the internet, Lynn Charlson is the owner of the Durance Corporation and Lynn Charlson is the founder of the Life Science Foundation. “The Life Science Foundation explores wellness, intuition, intuitive decision making, the science of energy, unified field theories, and their related areas.” Topics listed at the Life Science Foundation website include Eco-Healing, Sustainability, Climate Change, stating, “The UN’s December 2009 Climate Change meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, crystallized public education and debate on climate change. Learn about activities of specialists such as Minnesota’s Will Steger, The Earth Charter, The Earth Policy Institute, and the State of the World Forum.” According to information in the Victoria City Council packet, “When Mr. Charlson died in April of 2004, this land and Durance Corporation became the property of the Irrevocable Trust of Lynn Charlson. Durance continued operating at this location until the company was dissolved in December 2009. On April 23rd, 2010, under the terms of his Trust, the property was transferred to the Life Science Foundation.” “Buildings on the Lake Zumbra property include a main house, chalet, caretaker’s cottage, barn, vehicle/maintenance building, research lab, and executive office building. The buildings are located on the eastern portion of the property overlooking Lake Zumbra. The majority of the property consists of rolling hills with open natural grass areas, wetlands, and a one-mile walking trail through a heavily wooded area that stretches to Stone Lake. Mr. Charlson believed in providing an environment helpful to the creative process and during his lifetime enjoyed being a careful steward of this land.”
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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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June 2010 |
