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November 2008 |
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The Victoria GAZETTE |
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City Scoop Continued |
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“Trees Are Our Roots” 8099 Bavaria Rd * Victoria * 952-443-2990 |
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VICTORIA TRIES TO DO THE RIGHT THING AS GARAGE ADDITION GREW A SECOND STORY On October 9th, Ralph and Janet Olinger addressed councilmembers about a construction project occurring on the house adjacent to their own home on Victoria Circle. Recently, the city had worked with Olingers and Coumbe’s, the people next door, and reached a compromise for width construction of a garage addition that would allow Olingers to retain a view of Church Lake. Stated Mr. Olinger, “We thought we had it all fixed, but it doesn’t appear he’s doing what the Planning Commission and Council agreed on.” It seems the width is being properly addressed but now the height of the building is the issue. “Why wouldn’t we have been notified of a second floor addition within fifty feet of us?” asked Mr. Olinger. “Holly said he can go as high as 35 feet. What can my wife and I do from here? We extend an invitation for you to come down.” City Attorney Mike Norton confirmed that the Planning Commission and Council had only considered setbacks. “There was no variance needed for the height,” he said. “The city didn’t have to give permission for the height. That was in the zoning ordinance.” Stated Councilmember Kim Roden, “I’m very unhappy with this. I feel I was bait and switched. At no time was a second story discussed. We spent all this time on a looming Issue ‘A’ when there was also a looming Issue ‘B.’ This violates the intent and spirit of the Council.” She asked that staff review the issue and issue a stop work order if they believe there’s a violation. “I feel a sense of betrayal as well,” said Councilmember Jim Paulsen. “We need a new ordinance. I think we should look at all ordinances related to this site and make sure they’re all up to code ... Look at the value on the permit. Look at the fire walls.” “Yes, we spent a lot of time on this already,” said Councilmember Richard Tieden, “and did a fair negotiation. We really tried to work that variance out for you. I’m disappointed ... What came before the Council was a garage, not an expanded house.” Mayor Mary Thun asked the the city attorney to take another look at the situation and and work with the Olingers and the specifics of the building permit. Commented Councilmember Tim Amundsen, “Right now we look like a vindictive body rather than a governing body.” Countered Councilmember Tieden, “The energy is out of emotion and not vindictiveness. We’re trying to do the right thing.”
UPGRADE IN VICTORIA CREDIT RATING STRONG FINANCIALS FOR SUCCESSFUL BOND SALE Paul Donna, the city’s bond consultant with Northland Securities, reported October 23rd on the successful sale of bonds to finance the city’s $2.16 million 2008 street improvement projects. Reported Jylan Johnson, the city’s Finance Director, “We had a credit rating upgrade from A2 to AA. There was a good market out there for us. We had six bids ranging from 4.3667% to 4.6046%.” Explained Mr. Donna, “Your location is a key factor. Victoria has strong wealth and income levels. You have strong financials. All those factors went into your credit rating, which translates to about $10,000 savings normally, a total of $100,000 savings over the life of the issue. I commend Council with the timing of the sale.” Councilmember Jim Paulsen repeated his request. “You know I’m interested in who owns our bonds. It’s a distribution between individuals and banks, right?” “That’s almost impossible to find out,” replied Mr. Donna. “How liquid is the market for our bonds?” asked Jim. “Very liquid,” said Mr. Donna. Councilmember Tim Amudsen recommended that the Victoria Finance Committee and Finance Director Jylan Johnson receive commendation on the successful bond sale and upgrade in credit rating. |
