Page Title

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

Specialized assisted living for those

with memory challenges.

Victoria. 952-908-2215

Weinzierl

Jewelers

Waconia 952-442-2885

Highway 5 in Victoria

952-443-2491

Mr. Otto spoke at the podium that evening. “I’m a Waconia resident. I’ve been an employee since August of 1985. I’ve been member of the Legion for many, many years. In 1990 I was told to jump off a tailer by the supervisor and I injured my back. All this while I’ve done my job.”

He referred to a successful surgery. “Now there’s no more pain and no more limitations,” he said. “Under the Veterans Act I’m entitled to a hearing. I do have restrictions but it’s related to my thoracic and not my lumbar. I know I can do my job.”

Attorney Norton stated, “Council action tonight sets up the 60 days in which he can get a hearing.”

“The Personnel Committee reviewed this recommendation,” said Mayor Mary Thun.

“The Minnesota League of Cities would help him with a job search,” said City Finance Director Jylan Johnson.

Councilmember Kim Roden cast the nay vote. Tim Amundsen was absent.

OTHER VICTORIA NEWS FROM FEBRUARY

MORE DONATIONS TO THE VICTORIA FIRE DEPT.

*Council accepted donations on February 9th to the city including a 2009 Eagle Aut30-12 Trailer valued at $3,075 to the Victoria Fire Department from the Victoria Lions; $75 to the Victoria Fire Department from Matt and Jody Thuli; and $100 to the Victoria Parks and Recreation Department from Barry and Mary Johnson.

*Council accepted on February 23rd a $20 donation from Neal and Lynne Briest to the Victoria Fire Department.

*Council approved the City of Victoria’s annual animal impound contract with Ralph Molnau and Countryside Veterinarian Inc. in Norwood Young America. In 2008 five animals recovered in Victoria were impounded at Countryside at a cost to the city of $243.

*Council approved a resolution expressing concerns and asking for the City of Victoria to be included as a third party in the City of Carver/Dahlgren Township Orderly Annexation Area. Some sections of that area may be best served with utility from the City of Victoria. Said Jim Paulsen, “We’ve got to make sure staff has all the support needed. We’re playing for big chips here.” Stated City Attorney Mike Norton on February 23rd, “There is time to continue discussing this if that is Council’s desire. There’s still time to negotiate.”

*City Administrator Don Uram reported, “We’re back in city offices on schedule. The kitchen is essentially remodeled. Tom Gray has worked to manage costs. The silver duct work will be painted. We are still under budget. The Hall will be set for the Lions Pancake Breakfast.” Said Mayor Thun, “You all did a wonderful job. I didn’t get any complaints.” Upon hearing that waterpipes unexpectedly burst and flooded an area of City Hall, Tom O’Connor stated, “This building has significant limitations.”

*Regarding the nation’s economic stimulus package, the city engineer stated on February 9th, “We looked at how it could or could not impact Victoria. We submitted a demonstration of need. Now specific solicitations are being made. They’re looking at current formulas and not earmarks ... MnDOT has been very pro-active to distribute jobs all over the place ... The only project that would impact us is for Trunk Highway 5, not to widen it but take care of items on the list. State Aid projects could help Victoria, if we get a request and meet specific criteria.” Mayor Thun said that money to Minnesota will be disbursed through the City of Minneapolis, and that 20 out of 25 mayors approved that move. On February 23rd, City Engineer Cara Geheren said the city put in for $14.7 million for Hwy 5 improvements from 41 to Rolling Acres Road, not a full four-lane but additional shouldering, realignment at Minnewashta Parkway, and turning lane improvements. “What are the odds?” asked Jim Paulsen. Replied Cara, “The odds are probably not great but if we don’t try, it’s zero. The corridor study was extremely helpful in making this proposal possible.” Said Jim, “That’s refreshing.”

*Tom O’Connor reported, “I’m interested in adopting a Social Host Ordinance in the City of Victoria. It’s a fairly simple ordinance. It’s a no-brainer. Eighteen cities have adopted this.” Tim Amundsen said he’s interested in further insights on such an ordinance and agreed a council workshop would be a good thing.

*Council approved a one-day liquor license for the St. Victoria Parish and their annual Sunset Fest to be held on Saturday, August 22nd, at Lions Park.

*Council approved bylaws of the Victoria Senior Commission, whose mission statement is “to mobilize seniors, elected officials, city staff, and community leaders to plan and prepare for the needs and contributions of the aging and senior residents.”

*Council requested additional time -- until May 29th, 2009 -- in which to complete the 2030 Comprehensive Plan for review by the Metropolitan Council.

*The next session of Victoria’s Strategic Planning Session will be held on Tuesday, March 3rd, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria.

*The date for this year’s Victoria Volksfest has been set for Saturday, August 29th, in the downtown Central Business District.