Victoria MN Newspaper

"You have been transparent. Our local newspaper the Victoria Gazette, and the Chan Villager and Cable TV, have continually informed the people. You were elected on your credentials to do the hard work on their behalf. Thank you for your hard work and leadership. Cross the finish line and vote yes on the EDA Lease Revenue Bonds."

Rae Ann Vandeputte, a resident on Allegheny Grove Boulevard, said, "I feel you've all done a great job. I've been to several meetings. Two things bring people to meetings: food or problems. I know that a couple of my neighbors signed the petition and didn't really understand what it was all about. People are confused. I'd be nervous about holding a referendum." She said it's not easy for the average person to to understand complicated finance..

Linda McNulty, a resident on Pointe Vista Drive, stated, "I'd like to know that my vote in the past November elections counted for something. Mr. Funk can extrapolate all he wants. I gave you, the people I voted for, a job to do. People who voted for you want you to do the job."

Louise Lehner, a resident on Sky Drive, said, "I am a re-entry into this beautiful city. I know how cautious you all are and how diligent you are. I commend you. You are doing a great job."

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All five city councilmembers then spoke before casting their vote on this long discussed issue.

Mayor Tom O'Connor said, "I support the Lease Revenue Bond based on principle and substance. Some decisions are easy. Others are not. We have duties and responsibilities. We have a grossly substandard City Hall and Public Works building. Residents are counting on us for the best long term solution. We've studied this issue in great detail. The buildings will be built. Interest rates remain low. It's time to make a decision and move on. This council has other important issues to deal with. Lease Revenue Bonds are in the best interest of Victoria."

The mayor then made a motion to authorize the Victoria Economic Development Authority to issue its Lease Revenue Bonds in an estimated maximum principal amount of $3.4 million in order to finance the acquisition and construction of a City Hall facility. The new Public Works facility will be constructed using cash reserves.

Councilmember Jim Crowley seconded the motion. Comments continued.

Councilmember Tom Strigel said, "I've been on the council since January 2011. These two buildings were recognized as inadequate at that time. We can't keep throwing money at them. Council has been unanimous about the need for these facilities, but we have been challenged along the way, internally and externally. I will support a cash and Lease Revenue Bond financing approach."

Councilmember Crowley said, "I've come to rely on advice from an old friend at times of emotional events. This is an emotional event. We've never wavered from our objective to provide a safe place for our employees to work. In dividing emotions there are still facts, and the facts are on our side. The decision made here will affect our city in a positive or negative way. I'm voting for the positive."

Councilmember Lani Basa said, "I've been on the council since 2013. It's been interesting. It's been a journey. You're expected to be a fortune teller. You're expected to guarantee every decision you make is 100% perfect. It's not easy. You rely on trusted people around you. We councilmembers live here in Victoria, too. Every decision is also for ourselves. We've researched and spent hours on this. We cannot continue to wait. Interest rates may rise. Prices are already rising. We want to attract people to our city and have them see what we're enjoying. I support moving forward with Lease Revenue Bonds."

Councilmember Joe Pavelko said, "I was actually excited to come here tonight, actually using some cash to pay for the buildings. But I refuse to go against the will of the voters. I'm a little skeptical of the downtown location for City Hall. You talk about the three pillars of a downtown and one of them just crumbled, the grocery store. The Recreation Center loses money every year. Yes, it's an asset but it loses money. The 13.5 acres sit vacant. You might as well have a picnic there. The downtown area is great and people love it, but the footprint of our downtown is like a footprint of a Target store and its parking lot. It's not like an economic boom. It's a hobby."

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The motion passed 4 -1, with Councilmember Pavelko casting the dissenting vote.

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