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Chaska Community Center

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Fairview Jonathan Clinic

Chaska * 952-448-3500

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Victoria * 952-443-2022

St. Bonifacius * 952-446-1338

Said Councilmember Tom O’Connor, in regard to the area proposed for development, “In the background is a beautiful lake. In the foreground is an eyesore. I think the project is a wonderful asset that we can be proud of. I’ve got every confidence the park will be developed well. I’m persuaded that the park and the project is something that should go forward.”

Agreed Councilmember Kim Roden, “The fact that we could have this happen in this economy is huge.”

Stated Councilmember Paulsen, “It’s not about the project. It’s about the long tail of liability. We fail to spend time on the underlying document.”

Replied Mayor Thun, “I do think we’ve spent time on it [the Shared Parking Ordinance]. We have taken the time. I’m heartened by this.”

Total site area is .29 acres. The project includes two buildings, about ten feet apart with 35-foot height restrictions, built with a lakeside cottage feel and double hung windows, and possibly a restaurant in one of the buildings.

NEW STREETS FOR HARTWOOD IN ‘09

ALONG WITH THE LIONS PARK NEIGHBORHOOD

Councilmembers unanimously ordered plans and specifications February 9th for street and utility improvements in the Hartwood neighborhood of Victoria. Assessments for each of the 30 homes amount to $11,375. With 15-year financing at 6%, the annual fee added to the property tax bill becomes $1,170.

Existing streets are gravel and include 79th, 79 1/2, Lilac, and Marigold. Total street and stormwater cost is estimated at $682,330. Under current policy, the City of Victoria is picking up half that tab, or $341,165.

City Engineer Cara Geheren reminded councilmembers that they accepted the feasibility report this past December and also accepted the resident petition to move up the construction schedule from 2010 to 2009. Cara pointed out that responding to the request in speedy fashion was possible because of the 1996 report on file. The project has never moved forward over these many years as councils obliged citizen protests.

The engineer pointed out once again that projects planned for 2010 will have to abide by new watershed rules that could add $1,200 to $3,400 per home in assessment cost.

She said that if the project would have been done back in 2004, when it was also before the council, the per unit assessment would have been $8,000 with the city’s share at $239,600.

“This project can be done with the Lions Park neighborhood this summer,” said Cara. “Construction would begin as soon as possible, in May or June, with the final assessment hearing in the fall of 2010 and assessments levied in January of 2011.”

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Several Hartwood residents attended this February 9th public hearing and spoke to the issue, most all in favor of moving ahead with the project.

Said Vince Beaudette, “I’m looking forward to a good street in the neighborhood.”

Said Curtis Hansen, “I’m very much in favor of the improvement, with much disdain for the decision made in 2004, which was very negligent. The city didn’t need our permission to do this at any point. You put an extra burden on us. Our houses are depreciating yet we have to pay more to fix our street.”

City Attorney Mike Norton commented, “This is kind of uncharted territory where we’re going economically.”

Replied Mayor Mary Thun, the only current councilmember on the city council in 2004, “There wasn’t support for the road improvement at that time. We tried to explain things but the people didn’t want it.”

Said Councilmember Tim Amundsen, “We’re learning, too. We’re getting better. Sorry it has to hit this way.”

Said Councilmember Kim Roden, “Post-2004 we have not wavered. We have gone forward and bit the bullet each time. We’ve been consistent, and when you’re consistent you can explain it. You’re right to hold us accountable.”

Councilmember Tom O’Connor addressed his question to Mr. Hansen. “So do you recommend we go forward at this time?”

“Yes, go forward,” he replied.

Resident Carol Vandeusekom said, “My concern is a safety issue. My husband and I were against it in 2004 because of the safety issue. People already go fast on the dirt road.”

Cara said that keeping the city road at a 24-foot width, rather than a standard 32-foot width, helps control speed.

Said Sandy Beaudette, “We’ve got telephone poles in our neighborhood and I hate ‘em.” She was also hopeful that neighborhood trees would be protected.

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