Victoria MN Newspaper

Councilmember Joe Pavelko asked about safety in regard to a trail connection and bikers trying to cross Hwy 5 at Kochia.

Replied Cara, "My preferred connection for bikers would be down Bavaria Road to the controlled intersection to cross Hwy 5 and get to the regional trail."

When the hearing was opened up to the public, the two sisters who are daughters of the late Tony and Sally Kerber and owners of the Lano-Burau property got up to speak.

Stated Joyce Burau, longtime resident of Victoria, "I've lived there on 78th Street for 42 years. I greatly anticipate this project. But we also own that larger area -- it's more than a double whammy for us -- and perhaps we don't have a strong developer for that property."

The city engineer explained that the street project would still be constructed but that the assessment could be deferred. "A trail would be constructed in the city right of way," she said, "but we'd like to figure out where a stormwater pond would go." The Lano-Burau property has been identified as a possible location for the pond.

Stated Joanne Lano, a resident of Eden Prairie, "We'd like to see the property be developed as proposed." The property was proposed on May 12th to be developed as Harvest Glen, a 77-home neighborhood.

The city engineer told councilmembers there was good representation at the meeting of 78th Street and Kochia Lane neighbors. "They've been informed but we haven't heard from them," said Cara. "There was no indication from them either way, for or against the improvements."

At that point, someone in the audience May 27th shouted, "We are absolutely in favor!" When that person added, "But we don't want to pay for it," people laughed at the familiar retort.

Said Cara, "People have been putting up with the brutal conditions of these roads for a very long time. It's also costly to fill potholes and maintain them."

Councilmember Joe Pavelko stated that, "regardless of road assessments," the Harvest Glen development should stand on its own.

SHORTER CITY SCOOP FROM MAY

CONTINUAL DONATIONS TO CITY OF VICTORIA

*Council accepted the following donations: Victoria Lions ($250) for Concerts in the Park, Victoria Lions ($100) for Bike Konnect, Party Pizza ($300 value) for pizza at Concerts in the Park, Bertas Funeral Home ($100) for Concerts in the Park, HealthSource of Chaska ($150) for T-Ball and Coach Pitch, Mills Fleet Farm ($25 gift card) for Park and Recreation, Walter and Marilyn Pemberton ($50) to the Fire Department, Herbert and Norma Heist ($20) for the Fire Department, Chad and Hollie Mach ($150) for the Fire Department.

*Council authorized a feasibility study for a Lake Minnetonka Scenic Byway Concept. If a "scenic byway" around Lake Minnetonka could be designated, it could be marketed and perhaps benefit lake communities. Some of Victoria's assets include trails that lead to Carver Park, the Arboretum, and the Downtown Business District. There are no financial or legal requirements for participating lake communities.

*Council heard two readings of an ordinance amendment that would allow beer and wine to be used in city parks. The Park and Recreation Committee recommended approval. Council approved it.

*Council approved the vacation of three ingress and egress easements on the property known as Lake Wasserman Woods. Alternate ingress and egress are noted in the final plat.

*Council approved the final plat for Lake Wasserman Woods. It includes 65 family lots rather than 63 as in the preliminary plat. Two of the lakeshore lots were replatted as four non-riparian lots. The lakeshore will be deeded to the city.

*Council approved an agreement between the City of Victoria and Carver County to construct a library as part of the new City Hall building on Stieger Lake Lane. Basically, the city provides the facility and the utilities; the county purchases the equipment, furniture, books and media devices.

*Resident Jane Pinney spoke to councilmembers during the Open Forum part of the agenda on May 27th. She said city officials are employees of the residents, who are the employers. She asked, "Since when does an employee dictate to the employer?" She used the servant and master analogy, and also said, "You are not kings and queens. You exist at my will, and the will of the people. It's time for you to step down. You have failed."

*Finance Manager Kelly Grinnell presented quarterly financials on May 27th that showed the city is on target to exceed the budget on revenues, with 23 new home permits in Victoria through March 2014. Because of the workload, the City of Victoria has to terminate its contract to share the building inspector with St. Boni. Dollars are being set aside for a new water storage facility in Victoria

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