Victoria MN Newspaper

CHASKA WANTS TRAIL LINK TO VICTORIA

IT’S A QUESTION OF OBTAINING GRANT MONEY

Bob Moeller, a resident of Chaska and a member of the Metropolitan Open Space Commission, spoke to Victoria city councilmembers on October 13th about connecting trails between Victoria and Chaska.

Express purpose of the Commission: "To help the Metropolitan Council develop a long a range plan and an acquisition and development program, including funding for regional parks."

Mr. Moeller said he also serves as chair of the Eastern Carver County Trail Linking Committee.

"Working with Victoria is an exciting thing," he said. "The city of lakes and parks and trails, I'd like to say, is your signature. The vision is to link Chaska and Victoria, with the linking completed in 2017."

"I would encourage you to put the trail down the east side of Bavaria Road," he said of Victoria's future plans in that area. I'd encourage you to spend a little more for the best long term trail."

"Congratulations on the trail connection you just opened to the arboretum," he said. "Holly [Kreft] and Ann [Mahnke] played major roles in that project."

Mr. Moeller asked that Victoria complete the trail between Highway 5 and 86th street at Bavaria Road. Currently, that trail goes north out of Chaska on the east side of Bavaria Road and ends at 86th street in Victoria.

Mayor Tom O'Connor asked about the approximate cost to construct that link. Ann Mahnke, Victoria Director of Parks and Public Works, estimated approximately $400,000. That link to Victoria will also link Chaska to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail, and the City of Chanhassen.

Stated Mayor O'Connor to Mr. Moeller, "We share your visions. It's about the timing of grants. Keep the pressure on us."

MAYOR AND COUNCIL SUPPORT ENKI

AS THE VICTORIA BRREWERY SEEKS EXPANSION

Council passed a resolution on October 13th in support of Enki Brewing Company of Victoria and Enki's grant application to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for their business expansion.

Enki Brewing, which is located in the Old Creamery Building in downtown Victoria, wants to expand their business with additional equipment that will triple their production capacity. They advise that the expansion will increase sales, create jobs, utilize MN hops and grains, diversify markets, and increase market access.

Asked Councilmember Joe Pavelko, "Is the building going to be expanded or is this within the building?"

Asked Councilmember Tom Strigel, "What is the city's role in this?"

Enki owners John Hayes and Dan Norton were in attendance at this city council meeting. John Hayes replied to questions at the podium.

"We were invited by the Agricultural Department to apply for this grant," he said. "We would not change the physical parameters of the building. We'd make a more efficient use of the space. I talked to Jennifer Kretsch [City Clerk] about getting a letter from the mayor. It's highly influential to the Agricultural Department to have a letter of support. I appreciate you considering this on such short notice. This will increase our capacity to produce beer and to have more cold storage."

Said Mayor Tom O'Connor, "You guys have been a wonderful addition to the city." The letter supporting Enki Brewing will be written and submitted.

THE USUAL RUMORS ARE AFOOT

REGARDING A GROCERY STORE IN VICTORIA

"The usual rumors are afoot," said Mayor Tom O'Connor on October 13th. "Hearing the date November 1st has caused the owner of Fresh Seasons some consternation. There are some impediments to opening. He needs a willing buyer."

It was stated last month at a Victoria City Council meeting that Tom Wartman, owner of the now vacant Fresh Seasons grocery store in Victoria, had a tentative plan to reopen the store on November 1st with his own people.

Said Councilmember Tom Strigel, "We have no stake in it. It's a private business. The Tax Increment Financing money was owed to Mr. Wartman. It was not city money." Councilmember Strigel was referring to the $17,439 in tax increment money paid by the city to Carver County toward property taxes on the site.

Added Councilmember Strigel, "Our role is to be an ambassador for the city and the line has been drawn."

Said the mayor, "We've shared moral support and feet on the ground, but no deal is acceptable yet to the current owner."

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