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Mr. Mullenbach said that Pemtom and D.R. Horton agreed to work together for the best layout of lots.

Stated Councilmember Tom O'Connor, "Your reputation in this city is pretty good. This is a responsible development, in my mind, and the city needs revenue ... It's time to move forward. We've analyzed this sufficiently."

Stated Mayor Mary Thun, "I went into some of their homes. I'm impressed by the size of the bedrooms, the game room, the Jack and Jill bathrooms, the options."

Connection to trails was also a concern of current Lakebridge residents. Said Mayor Thun, "We all want connection to trails but it's going to take years. I'm not connected to a trail. Jim Crowley is not connected to a trail. I was at the Planning Commission meeting. Their major concern was the 7.5-foot sideyard setback which is no longer an issue. I am not in favor of sending this back to the Planning Commission. I'm having a real hard time figuring out why we wouldn't do this project."

Stated Councilmember Roden, "I don't feel served by this. I feel we as a council are acting in desperation and jamming this through. We have expenses when we grow, folks. I'm disappointed tonight."

Regarding school capacity, City Engineer Cara Geheren pointed out that the Waconia School District would accept more children from this neighborhood, and that they've only closed open enrollment.

Stated Councilmember Jim Crowley, "This process was not perfect, but this falls within our plan and rules. It conforms. It fits our standards. It's not desperation."

Added Mayor Thun, "It's not unusual for some things to change between the Planning Commission meeting and the city council meeting. I commend the staff and the developer. They listened to the residents at the Planning Commission meeting."

"As for living on building fees," continued the mayor, "when we do new homes, they bring in taxes. It's hard for me to not agree to do this after all this discussion. We've talked about this for months."

Two Lakebridge residents in attendance that evening agreed: "The main thing was the 7.5-foot setback. The most important thing now is that the homes get built and that we have a normal neighborhood. We want to see the neighborhood completed."

CHANGING VICTORIA CITY GOVERNMENT

VOTERS WILL DECIDE ON ELECTION TUESDAY

Cities are allowed to change their form of government if voters agree to it. On November 6th, 2012, Election Tuesday, residents of Victoria will have the opportunity to vote Yes or No about changing Victoria city government from Plan A to Plan B. There are 629 Minnesota cities that operate under Statutory Plan A. There are 46 cities that operate under Statutory Plan B in one way or another.

Plan A, which is how Victoria has governed for many decades, includes a city administrator with little power; most of the power lies with the five city councilmembers. Also in Plan A the Council appoints and removes personnel, appoints a city attorney and fire chief. The Council has all the administrative authority, makes policy and city code. The Council appoints members to the Planning Commission, the Park and Recreation Committee, Finance Committee, Senior Commission, Business Development Committee. The Council holds all fiduciary authority. The City Finance Director, who is hired by the Council, prepares the annual budget.

On the other hand, Plan B includes a city manager with much of the power -- he does the hiring and firing of personnel -- yet he is answerable to the five city councilmembers. The City Manager appoints a city attorney and the fire chief, subject to approval of the Council. The City Manager prepares the budget and signs contracts. The City Manager is the chief purchasing agent for the city and can, without Council approval, make purchases and let contracts not exceeding $20,000. Council continues to make policy and city code.

Stated City Administrator Don Uram, "The ballot question is pretty straightforward and then it's a simple Yes or No."

Can the city council or staff actually campaign for this change?

Replied City Attorney Mike Norton, "I think the Council and residents must know it's a significant philosophical and political change. It's not a draconian change but significant, especially for people who have grown up with a Plan A form of government."

"Generally speaking, it's about the expedition of government money," said the city attorney. "Council can inform the public but cannot actively campaign but, individually, councilmembers can state their personal views."

He clarified that as a group, Council can urge citizens to vote but not to vote for or against the ballot question. The main thing is not to expend public funds campaigning for or against. He said Council can educate residents about the facts of Plan A and Plan B.

Said Mayor Mary Thun, "We should hear concerns from our constituents and our residents. I am concerned this is late. We need to get this going. I'd say pick a date and proceed ahead in education.

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Drs. Dungey, Menser & Associates

Victoria and Waconia. 952-443-2816