Victoria MN Newspaper

Floor to Ceiling

VICTORIA BANDSHELL PLANNED FOR 2015

DOWNTOWN CONTINUES TO ATTRACT CROWDS

Councilmember Tom Strigel reported October 27th that a proposed Bandshell construction for downtown Victoria on Stieger Lake near The Social has been redesigned. Formerly projected to be built in 2014, the new date is 2015. Poor soils and additional cost postponed construction plans this year.

Stated Councilmember Strigel, "This is to be entirely funded by a private city group. They encountered bad soils and did a redesign. In September the Three Rivers Park District and Watershed District approved plans. The group is now working on final grade and landscape plans. Hopefully it will be built next spring, in 2015. It is an exciting project." He emphasized that no city funds are being expended in its regard.

Ann Mahnke, Director of Victoria Parks and Public Works, confirmed that site plan design work will be done over the winter.

Councilmember Jim Crowley commented on the bike trail adjacent to the proposed Bandshell and the large number of bikers in and through Victoria, and their need to park bikes in order to visit downtown Victoria. "The suggestion is to be kind to our bicycle friends," he said.

Stated Mayor Tom O'Connor, "I continue to be amazed at the crowds that our downtown draws." Victoria has indeed become a destination.

Regarding the recent Halloween Party in Victoria, which was sponsored by the Victoria Lions and Victoria Business Association, " Councilmember Strigel said he heard good comments from everybody there.

UPDATE ON NEW VICTORIA BUILDINGS

CITY HALL/LIBRARY AND PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY

October 13th

"We're starting to track off schedule on City Hall," said City Engineer Cara Geheren. "It looks like it's running behind schedule. Probably not moving in during the Christmas-New Year's week as planned. I think there will be a delay. We will know more in about two weeks. The Library was looking to open on February 9th. We're meeting to make sure we're all together on timing. The windows were installed on most of the building. The stone is almost done around all sides of the building. Electrical work continues. We hope to get the sidewalks poured this week."

"The Public Works facility is right on schedule," she said.

Added Ann Mahnke, Director of Parks and Public Works, "We're looking at starting to do the paving. Trees are moving around. Everything is moving along quite well."

October 27th. Said Cara, "City Hall was trending behind schedule. Steel has been delivered and that was very important. It was a big hurdle to get over. Public Works is still ahead of schedule."

Said Ann about the Public Works site, "Paving was done last week. Final seeding stared today. We'll be using a majority of the trees on the property. We moved 15 trees across to nearby properties for additional screening. We're shooting for the end of November for city operation from the site. We should have everything housed inside this winter."

This will be the first time that Public Works equipment will not be parked outdoors as has been customary. In response to a question from council, Ann said the temporary trailer at the old site will be removed.,

Victoria Library Open House. Interim City Manager Ed Shukle reported on October 27th that the Carver County Library Superintendent is trying to put together a very first class Open House for the new Victoria Library.

"They are looking for a Grand Opening in early April," he said. "I think it's important that the City of Victoria share in the Open House. They have a well meaning intent of putting on a very nice event."

It is located on the ground level of the new City Hall Bldg on Stieger Lake Lane.

HEARING SET FOR ASTER TRAIL AREA

AT VICTORIA CITY HALL ON NOVEMBER 10TH

Council called a public hearing for Monday, November 10th, at 6:30 p.m. on the proposed assessments for the Aster Trail neighborhood. Final project cost: $1,281,221 including street reconstruction, storm sewer installation and sanitary sewer forcemain and service installation.

Per unit assessment for street and storm sewer: $13,900. Per unit assessment for sanitary sewer: $7,400. Total city cost share of the project: $728,321.

Said City Engineer Cara Geheren on October 13th, "The improvements were approved in 2013. The final asphalt course was put down this summer. Now is the time to schedule the final assessment hearing. The numbers are consistent with what was presented to property owners."

It was pointed out that affected property owners requested the feasibility study and the improvements.

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