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IMPROVEMENTS FOR VIC’S BLUE DOG

VICTORIA COUNCILMEMBERS GIVE APPROVAL

Council voted 5-0 on April 8th to approve a site plan and building materials for exterior improvements of Vic's Blue Dog Bar and Grill in downtown Victoria, formerly known as the Vic's Bar and Grill, as well as Schmitty's.

Owner Paul Carlson is also proposing a 200 square foot addition and two additional parking stalls on Quamoclit Street.

Said Holly Kreft, Victoria Community Development Director, "They are increasing the kitchen space, decreasing the cooler space, and would like to add onto the southeast corner of the building. They're also interested in purchasing a remnant piece from the city."

The remnant is a very small city-owned parcel currently used for outdoor storage of outdoor chairs and tables.

"The Planning Commission reviewed this at their meeting last Tuesday," said Holly. "It's a reconstruction project, which has different standards than new construction. They voted 2-2 to recommend approval. This process does not require a public hearing. This is a unique situation, adding to a wood construction. The applicant prefers cedar shakes." The applicant is also proposing stone veneer and glass.

Said Councilmember Joe Pavelko, "We have a business owner using their capital to improve their own property. I don't understand why this is such a big deal."

"And it's an upgrade," agreed Councilmember Tom Strigel. "How fast can we do this?!"

"But I'm not willing to give up city property," said Councilmember Pavelko about the remnant.

"Would you clarify that that piece of property is otherwise unusable?" asked Councilmember Strigel.

"Correct," replied Holly. She said the city and applicant are working on the possibility of an encroachment agreement, "which gives everyone most flexibility."

CITY STREET IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS?

VICTORIA NOT SUPPORTIVE OF SUCH LEGISLATION

*Council accepted the following donations on April 8th: $50 from LeRoy and RaNaye Miller for the Victoria Fire Department, $20 from ABC Chiropractic for the Victoria Fire Department, $100 from Precision Heating and Cooling for Concerts in the Park, $200 from Lions Tap for T-Ball and Coach Pitch.

*Council accepted donations on April 22nd: $100 from Ridgeview Medical Center, $100 from AmericInn Hotel, and $1,000 anonymously for Concerts in the Park; $200 from Chaska Dental Center, $100 from The Goddard School, and $150 from Signature Electric for T-Ball & Coach Pitch; $100 from MVEC and $100 from Victoria Rose Floral for Movie in the Park.

*Said Parks and Rec Director Ann Mahnke, "We do solicit donations every springtime for summer donations." Said Tom Strigel, "Thank you to the donors and also you for your hard work."

*Council approved the Water Obstacle Permit for the Schutz Lake Skiers Association for 2013. This is the 11th consecutive year with no issues. The 850-foot slalom ski course will be placed in the middle of the lake and will only be on the surface of the water when in use and submerged immediately after use.

*Council authorized a request from the Victoria Fire Department to apply for a grant from CenterPoint Energy to purchase a mobile carbon monoxide detector, which will allow firefighters to test themselves for elevated levels of CO during or after calls. The grant is a $2,500 matching grant. Total cost of the mobile CO detector is $5,000.

*Council authorized the attendance of two Victoria firefighters, Troy Walsh and Justin Jurek, to attend the annual Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, from April 24th to 27th. Cost for the two firefighters, including conference, registration, travel, lodging, and meals, is $2,000.

Drs. Dungey, Menser & Associates

Victoria and Waconia. 952-443-2816