Victoria MN Newspaper-City Scoop

Floor to Ceiling

SHORTER SCOOP FROM OCTOBER

VICTORIA CLOSING ON SALE OF TOWNSHIP LAND

*Mr. Uram reported that the buyer of the 89+ acres of city-owned property in Laketown Township was Mike Gorra of Chanhassen, or his assigns. Council approved the purchase agreement on October 2nd. The Gazette reported last month that the purchase price was $8,100/acres for a total of $722,000. It was stated that closing of the land shall be no later than October 31st, 2013. Proceeds of the sale shall be designated for the Capital Facilities Fund.

*Council did not approve the 2014 budget of the LMCC because, as City Manager Don Uram said on October 14th, "There is no need for the city to take action on this because we are leaving the organization at the end of this year." The LMCC consists of several cities around Lake Minnetonka. Others are also leaving.

*Council approved the appointment of Mary Hadaway to the Victoria for a Lifetime Committee.

*Council authorized a letter of support for the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District's Six-Mile Creek Diagnostic Study and Carp Assessment. The Creek extends from Pierson Lake in Laketown Township north to Halsted's Bay on Lake Minnetonka. It includes several Victoria lakes that could benefit with water quality improvement. Wrote Mayor O'Connor, "We welcome the opportunity to be an active partner in the process."

*Council approved the reappointment of Andrew Heger as Victoria Fire Chief. Said Mayor Tom O'Connor on October 14th, "You've done a heck of a job for the city and you deserve our credit and our praise and thanks. Congratulations on being named Fire Chief. I hope you'll be with us a long time to come."

*Council accepted the following donations for the Victoria Fire Department: William and Tiffany Hurt ($100), Kevin Winberry ($100), Richard and Nicole Christoph ($15).

*Council approved the engagement of Abdo Eick & Meyers to provide 2013-2015 auditing services for the City of Victoria, replacing MMKR as the city auditor. Following policy, the city sent out RFP's and ranked the eight proposals received, choosing three for interviews. Abdo proposed to conduct the city's annual audits for approximately $25,000 each year -- nearly $10,000 lower than estimated by the city.