Victoria MN Newspaper-City Scoop

VICTORIA COUNCIL SUPPORTS VOTING

AND BECOMING INFORMED BEFORE VOTING

On October 28th, one week prior to the November 5th School Referendum, the Victoria City Council passed a resolution similar to the resolution passed by the Chanhassen City Council, encouraging residents to become educated and to vote in the referendum.

There were two questions being asked of voters: 1) to renew an existing $9.1 million operating levy which provides $874,35 per pupil and will not raise taxes, and 2) to approve a capital projects levy of $2.45 million annually for six years to support both technology and security initiatives within each of the schools in the District. This second question would raise taxes.

"I put this on the agenda," said Mayor Tom O'Connor, "because I believe the citizens have a right to know where we stand. The growth of our city is directly related to schools. This may not be an easy question because of the tax impact. I'm talking as a senior citizen and resident. I want to get it on the table and express my support."

Said Councilmember Jim Crowley, "I'm struggling with the second question. District 112 is a great school district. I have some challenges with the second question. I'm in favor of technology. Two years ago the technology question failed. This year technology is tied to an emotional security issue. That's a poor way to approach it. I'd like to ask what they can do to reduce the budget."

He added that he was still undecided and didn't know how he was going to vote.

Said Councilmember Joe Pavelko, whose home is in the Waconia School District, "I agree with Jim. The first question is okay. I don't like tying safety in with technology. It's a political scam to get more dollars out of the taxpayer. It creates more skepticism for me."

Said Councilmember Lani Basa, whose home is also in the Waconia School District, but whose children attend District 112, "I'm in support of the referendum for question one and two. You have to give them kudos for figuring out how to get the message across. I would take the route that the City of Chanhassen did, urging residents to vote."

When Mayor O'Connor made a motion to support a resolution encouraging all residents to learn about District 112's "educational, technology, and safety needs, opportunities and plans and vote in the affirmative on both referenda questions," the motion failed for lack of a second

When Councilmember Basa made a motion for residents to become educated on the issues and vote on November 5th, it passed 4-0. Councilmember Tom Strigel was absent.

KEEPING PRE-CAST PANELS IN SHAPE

AT THE VICTORIA RECREATION CENTER

Council voted unanimously (5-0) on October 14th to hire American Masonry Restoration out of Fridley to do a complete joint sealant project at the Victoria Recreation Center at a cost of $30,990.

"The entire facility was evaluated in 2012," said Ann Mahnke, Director of Parks and Recreation. "The joint sealants need replacing. I got quotes from several contractors. We need 4,300 linear feet of caulking. Staff recommends doing all seams within the building in order to retain the same color throughout."

In response to questions, she said the south and southwest exposures of the building are in the most trouble because of sun damage but there has also been some building settlement. "This is routine maintenance through the course of the life of the building and not a failure of construction," said Ann. "Hopefully this will last a long time." She estimated 14 years.

As reported, "The sealed joints effectively hold the pre-cast panels in place and provide for the structural capacity, insulation, weather shield, and vapor barrier for the building."

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