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A LEVY FROM THE LMCD

FOR THE CITY OF VICTORIA: $20,100

Greg Nybeck, Executive Director of the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District, who has been with the agency for 17 years, attended the May 23rd meeting of the Victoria City Council. On the agenda that evening was the proposed 2012 LMCD levy for the City of Victoria.

Victoria's contribution for 2010 was $19,690 and $19,728 for 2011. It is proposed to be $20,100 for 2012. Explained Mr. Nybeck, "There is a slight increase for Victoria. "The levy is based on a city's net tax capacity, which decreased but not as much as other cities around the lake."

Regarding the effort to keep the infestation of milfoil and zebra mussel from increasing in Lake Minnetonka, Councilmember Kim Roden asked, "Are volunteer systems still working?"

"That's a good question," replied Mr. Nybeck. "Frankly, the public is very educated so we're working with a small minority." He said there are 65,000 launches going in and out of Lake Minnetonka on an annual basis.

Stated Councilmember Roden, "It seems we always have to balance public access with health and safety of the lake."

"I think eyes opened up last year when zebra mussel was found in Lake Minnetonka," said Mr. Nybeck.

Councilmember Jim Crowley asked, "Where do you see the budget going with zebra mussels?"

"There will be some limits to what we can do," replied Mr. Nybeck. "The dollar amounts could be substantial." He stated that the growth of zebra mussels begins slowly and then explodes.

Councilmember Crowley commented that Victoria seems to be taxed a disproptionately high amount of dollars compared to the very small amount of Lake Minnetonka shoreline that lies within the City of Victoria.

"We always advise that if there's another funding structure, it can be taken back to the legislature," said Mr. Nybeck.

Total LMCD levy proposed for 2012 is $322,208. Total budget (revenues and expenditures) is $548,008. There are 14 cities in the LMCD. Highest tax is paid by the City of Minnetonka ($64,442), followed by the City of Orono ($57,866) and the City of Wayzata ($35,731). Lowest tax is paid by the City of Spring Park ($5,053) followed by the City of Woodland ($6,288).

ADMINISTRATOR CHECKS INTO IPADS

FOR VICTORIA CITY COUNCILMEMBERS

"If we're going to be here for a while, we'd like to make some improvements," said City Administrator Don Uram. "I am in a position to make a recommendation at this point. I'd like to take a little time to look at a complete package and come back to the city council."

Councilmembers and staff have not been talking about a new City Hall for some time now, probably since the economy went south. Priorities include, instead, a new Public Works Building and a street maintenance plan so all the new streets in Victoria remain in good shape.

The city administrator would like to make some technology improvements in the running of City Hall, especially as they relate to the replacement of city council packets. Every two weeks, city staff is involved in printing, copying, collating, stapling, and delivering large volumes of paper for each of the city councilmembers three to four days prior to each council meeting.

Click here to continue iPads for city councilmembers.

Drs. Dungey, Menser & Associates

Victoria and Waconia. 952-443-2816