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PRREPARING FOR 59 NEW VICTORIA HOMES

AT LAKE WASSERMAN RIDGE DEVELOPMENT

Council approved the preliminary plat and rezoning on February 11th for a new PUD called Lake Wasserman Ridge located at 9275 County Road 43. The property was formerly zoned agricultural. Developer is Ryland Homes. City watermain and trunk sewer were recently made available to the properties in this area south of Lake Wasserman.

Holly Kreft, Community Development Director, pointed out that the site is adjacent to County Road 43 and Marsh Lake Road. "Marsh Lake Road was annexed by the city but is still being maintained by the county," she said. There will only be one access to the property at this time off County Road 43. Marsh Lake Road is currently a gravel road with minimal traffic.

Holly said the development will consist of 59 single family homes. "None will have access to Lake Wasserman," she said. "There is no common boat or dock. There is a wetland buffer on the outlots and tree preservation along the ravine area. Overall, the Wasserman Lake Homeowners Association is excited there is not a riparian lot as part of the development. This was stated at the neighborhood meeting we held last fall. The Planning Commission recommended approval."

Holly has clarified that Wasserman Lake Homeowners Association includes some residents at Deer Run and some from along County Road 43.

The owner of a riparian lot, which is a lot located on a body of water, has ownership rights that include access and use of its waters. In Lake Wasserman Ridge, there will be no riparian rights.

"Could a Home Owners Association petition for a community dock?" asked Councilmember Tom Strigel.

"No," replied Holly. "It would have to be a public access open to everyone." She added that this parkland dedication is a passive park in its natural state and will accommodate the regional trail. "The city has almost 300 acres of parkland," said Holly.

Councilmember Joe Pavelko commented that parkland isn't totally free to a city, that it comes at a cost, including maintenance and, in this case, the removal of buckthorn, for example. "What are the homes going to be like? What is the price point?" he asked.

Replied Mike Ramme, representative for Ryland Homes, "The homes will be very similar to those at Krey Lakes and Lake Bridge." He said the homes will range from 2,218 to 3,400 square feet without finished basements and be priced from the mid $300,000's to the $400,000's. Finished prices will range from $380,000 to the mid $400,000's. Minimum lot width is 77 feet."

Council voted 4-0 to approve the plat. Councilmember Jim Crowley was absent. Stated Mayor O'Connor, "We look forward to 59 homes at Lake Wasserman Ridge."

IPADS THE NORM FOR COUNCIL PACKETS

EASIER TO BE GREEN IN THE CITY OF VICTORIA

One hour prior to the February 11th city council, an iPad Training session was held in the Council Chambers for councilmembers and staff who wanted to increase their capacity with iPads. In 2012 a decision was made to purchase iPads for councilmembers in an effort to go green and avoid the printing of council packets. That effort seems to have now become successful.

David Esteness, who works for The Foundation, IT for the Creative Industry out of Minneapolis, said he is hired to do Information Technology and also respond to clients. "What are you seeking to do with the iPads?" he asked.

City Manager Don Uram explained that council packets are now downloaded to iPads and that iAnnotate is the application being used.

Mayor Tom O'Connor added that he uses the iPad extensively for city emails. There were not an abundance of questions for Mr. Esteness. He used a little black box called an Apple TV that can be hooked up to a projector and become a touch pad for the big screen. It allows users to see everything that's on the iPad. Cost is approximately $150.

VICTORIA WORKS WITH CITY OF CARVER

AS WELL AS OTHER NEARBY GOVERNMENTS

Council approved an accounting and financial agreement with the City of Carver on February 11th whereby Victoria's Finance Department will provide eight to ten hours per month of assistance with their Banyon Accounting software and processes which are familiar to Victoria staff.

Said City Manager Don Uram, "This is another opportunity we see with our neighbor to the south. We'll be working with them on an occasional basis. It's another example of reaching out to other communities. We'll be flexible on the number of hours, probably eight to ten hours per month at $60 an hour." Mr. Uram explained that the hourly charge was arrived at through consideration of "wages and cost plus a small markup to accommodate our need when staff is out of the office."

Click here to continue Victoria-Carver working together.

Drs. Dungey, Menser & Associates

Victoria and Waconia. 952-443-2816