|
Island View Dining Waconia. 952-442-2956 |
|
Chaska School of Dance Mary Pieper 952-873-6781 |
|
MVT Excavating No job is too small. 952-446-9341 |
|
Weinzierl Jewelers |
|
Waconia 952-442-2885 |
|
“Trees Are Our Roots” 8099 Bavaria Rd * Victoria * 952-443-2990 |
|
Headlines and bylines |
|
Front Page Feature Story |
|
From the Editor |
|
Addie’s Drawing |
|
Letters to the Editor |
|
Victoria Moments |
|
Hook Line & Sinker |
|
Calendar of Events |
|
Click here to Advertise |
|
the Gazette |
|
Return to Home Page |
|
Order paper Gazette |
|
Notes and Quotes |
|
The Scoop at City Hall |
|
Home Page |
|
The Victoria GAZETTE |
|
Sue’s Album A symphony of photos and fewer than a thousand words at www.VictoriaGazette.com |
|
VICTORIA COUNCIL: “NO NEW TAXES” AGAINST WATERSHED TAX AND TRANSIT TAX City Councilmembers unanimously agreed on February 25th that there is no need for the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District to raise taxes in the pursuit of clean water. Comments in regard to information presented by Mayor Tom O'connor included: "I think 100% increase in tax is impossible to swallow." "I want no tax increase." "I agree." "There is no need to continue raising taxes." Staff will draft a letter to the MCWD expressing Council sentiments. Added Mayor O'Connor, "The District is large and so a little money from a lot of people is a lot of money." For more detailed information on the Watershed Tax, see Mayor O'Connor's column on page 10. Council also moved unanimously that evening to oppose the Transit Tax proposed by Governor Dayton. Comments in that regard: "I would agree with Carver County in opposing the Transit Tax." "They should cut their expenses." "I oppose it, too." Added Mayor O'Connor, "We have to go on record, aye or nay!" Staff will draft a letter to the Governor and state legislators expressing Victoria's opposition to the Transit Tax. For more detailed information on the Transit Tax, see Carver County Commissioner Randy Maluchnik's column on page 20.
NEW PICKUP FOR PUBLIC WORKS VICTORIA NEEDED BETTER PLOW EQUIPMENT Council approved the purchase of a 2013 Chevrolet pickup truck from Lenzen Chevrolet in Chaska with a low bid of $37,972. With the trade-in of the city's 13-year old pickup ($13,382), the bid becomes $24,590. Council also approved the purchase of plow equipment from Aspen Equipment with a low bid of $11,218. Total purchase price with trade-in, plow, taxes, license, and fees is $38,507. Approval of the purchase was included under the consent agenda on February 25th and removed from the consent agenda by Councilmember Tom Strigel. "Normally we see a need to discuss a purchase like this, a purchase amounting to $38,507," he said. "We normally review and discuss the merits of this expense." City Manager Don Uram asked Public Works Director Ann Mahnke to speak to the issue. "The 2013 Chevy pickup is replacing the 2001 Chevy pickup with 88,000 miles on it," said Ann. "This is part of the 10-year vehicle replacement program. It is a major part of our fleet, used all year round. Currently the existing truck is in need of $2,500 in repair and the seats and steering wheel went out for a total of $10,000 in repair that's needed. A new vehicle would also give us better mileage. We received state bids for the purchase." "Thank you," said Councilmember Strigel. Motion to approve passed unanimously.
REVIEWING NEW CITY HALL OPTIONS VICTORIA CONSIDERS BEHIND CLOSED DOORS City Manager Don Uram reported February 11th that there continue to be a couple options in regard to new future quarters for Victoria City Hall. One is a lease option from a local developer, he said, without mentioning names, and the other is a purchase/construction option for a new City Hall. "We've been meeting once or twice a week," said Mr. Uram. "The preferred option will come down to pricing. I think we'll be having a pretty solid discussion in a couple weeks." Council has also held at least two closed sessions in this regard. "How is the timing going to work on this?" asked Councilmember Joe Pavelko. Replied Mr. Uram, "I don't know what the timing is going to be, because of the local developer. We have two viable opportunities for both the City Hall and the Public Works building. There will be some heated discussion, I'm sure." He said Council should be able to select an option soon, and that numbers and costs should be available in March. Councilmember Tom Strigel stated, "With projects like these, the longer they get, the more expensive they get." Said Mayor Tom O'Connor, "It's frustrating a little bit, but we're considering every option." Said Mr. Uram, "This is kind of like my number one priority." "I don't have people coming up to my door and knocking and saying, 'Here's my money, I want a new City Hall,'" said Councilmember Pavelko. Councilmember Lani Basa pointed out that citizens are welcome to speak to this issue, and other issues, under the Open Forum at the beginning of each Victoria City Council meeting. In regard to communication and getting out the information, Mayor O'Connor stated, "We have been looking at this for years. I'd be surprised if people were surprised. Most people have families and jobs and look to us to make the decision." Council and staff continue to hold closed sessions, regarding land acquisition.
|
|
CLICKSTART 952-902-2014 |
|
952-474-7377 |
|
Waconia 952-442-8787 |
|
Victoria Bar & Grill Home of the Blue Dog 952-443-2542 |
|
March 2013 |
