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The Victoria

GAZETTE

March 2012

Swanson Insurance

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David Barsness, CPCU

Chaska 952-448-5028

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Text Box: City Scoop Continued

SHORTER CITY OF VICTORIA SCOOP

FROM THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2012

         *Council approved the transfer of $1,361,926 from the General Fund to designated funds such as the Fire Truck Fund, Capital Facilities Fund, Capital Equipment Fund, Economic Development Authority,  Downtown Redevelopment Fund, Revenue Stabilization Fund, Gifts to the Park Fund, and Street Fund.  The transfers include $150,000 to repay a loan from the Water Core Fund and $207,125 for repayment of a note payable to the Three Rivers Park District for the land swap.  As staff reported, the city experienced lower than expected expenditures and higher than expected revenues in 2011.

         *Council called for a public hearing in order to disburse remaining bond proceeds from the 2009 street reconstruction project in the amount of $442,561.  The extra funds must be used to fund certain street reconstruction.  It was recommended by staff to use approximately half for completing 86th Street ($257,463 estimated to complete the project) and approximately half for the city's share (estimated at $217,309) of the upcoming Highway 5 improvements.  The public hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 12th.

         *Council authorized staff to apply for a $25,000 grant from the Minnesota DNR that would help pay for city plantings such as boulevard and park trees.  The "Community Forest Bonding Grants for Planting for a Diverse Community Forest" have a maximum amount of $25,000 and do not require a matching amount of dollars from the City of Victoria.  Reported city staff, the grant money would  be used to offset the cost of removing dead and diseased trees, new purchases, site preparation, and planting.  Notice of awards is expected in March 2012.

         *Council approved a resolution that accepts utility improvements as installed in the Krey Lakes Phase One development west of downtown Victoria.  The 2006 developer's agreement between the city and D.R. Horton provided for the installation of over $3 million in improvements.  The guarantee period has passed and the letter of credit will be released upon the receipt of certain securities related to the trail and landscaping.

         *Council received a visit from the Carver County Sheriff's Department on February 13th.  Sheriff  Jim  Olson reported that crimes went up a little bit in the City of Victoria from 2010 to 2011.  The bulk of it had to do with thefts.  Burglaries went down.  Miscellaneous non-criminal went up in 2011, mostly in traffic stops.  Alcohol related stops doubled due to increased surveillance and population increase.  "Crime here in Victoria is very, very low.  It's a safe community, but people should not get complacent," he said.

         *Council approved the refinancing of three of its bond issues for a net $393,000 in savings to the City of Victoria.  Jylan Johnson, Finance Director for the City of Victoria, said that the savings are a result of historically low interest rates.  Currently the average coupon for the bonds ranges from 3.94% to 4.45%.  The new bond issue has an average interest rate of 1.42%.

         *Council accepted donations to the Victoria Fire Department that included $100 from Jerret and Sara Coon and $100 from Larry and Mary Richter.

         *Council met on February 4th for a Strategic Planning Session.  Reported Administrator Don Uram on February 13th, "Specifically, we talked about a Public Works building.  We also had the opportunity to talk about extending utilities south of Lake Wasserman.  We talked about having the mayor's term be four years rather than two years.  Also, we talked about the budget process, making it more of an open process so everybody has a chance to weigh in on the line item details.  Also, we talked about the shift of government from administrator to city manager.  This will be a question on the ballot in November.  And we also went over the list of accomplishments from 2011.  Council and staff identified 25 items.  We are now finalizing the report."

         *Council amended the contract with the Carver County Sheriff's Department to allow for semi-annual billing instead of quarterly billing.  This is a benefit to both the city and the Sheriff's Department because it cuts down on invoicing and payment processing.  The City of Victoria will send $143,971 to the county on or before June 30th, with the second half, $143,971, due on or before November 30th.

         *Administrator Don Uram presented the 2011 report on Victoria's partnership with the City of Minnetrista, whereby the City of Victoria contracts with the City of Minnetrista to provide building inspection services -- in other words, the sharing of Victoria Building Inspection services.  "That contract generated about $57,000 for us," said Mr. Uram.  As reported, "Minnetrista collected permit revenue of $263,108 so the percent paid to Victoria of 22% is well below the 30% cap."

         *Staff presented a "City Council Budget Work Plan for 2012" to councilmembers on February 27th.  In recent past years, the Finance Committee did most of the line item details.  The Finance Committee consists of two residents, two staff members, and only two councilmembers.  Councilmembers have asked that the full Council be involved in line item review and discussion.  Stated Finance Director Jylan Johnson and the Work Plan, "The first meeting would be in April when Council receives information from the County on estimated market value."  Final meeting on the budget would occur in December 2012 when the final budget and levy are adopted.