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Stated Councilmember Roden, "If we're opening this all up again, I've got a lot of comments to make."

Before discussion continued, however, Mayor Thun made a motion to not retrofit the existing Welcome to Victoria sign. That motion passed 4-0. Coucilmember Tom Strigel was absent.

Stated Mayor Thun, "Sounds to me like, according to some people on the Council, that's the end of the story."

Councilmember O'Connor made a motion to end the discussion, "for the time being anyway, about new signs at any location." Councilmember Roden seconded the motion.

"I disagree with that," said Councilmember Crowley, founding president and past chair of the VBOA. "I still think there is a valid request and opportunity. My only concern is funding. If there can be found a way for funding, in combination or by the VBOA, I would be in favor of it. I don't know how the city would ever attempt to cover the whole thing."

Councilmember Roden suggested a workshop setting to talk about the issue and cited several pieces of literature regarding highway signage. "The most dangerous thing we do every day is get into our cars," she said. "Driving distraction is the most serious threat on Minnesota roads. Safety studies have been done and proven."

Continued Councilmember Roden, "If we want to subsidize businesses, which is what I think we're talking about -- we're talking about a subsidy for businesses -- then let's go ahead and pass an ordinance. I can tell you all the cities that have passed business subsidy policies. I'm willing to look at that."

Replied Councilmember Crowley, "For every point you made, there's a counterpoint. In the interest of time, I recommend we table this to discuss at a future time at a workshop."

At this point Councilmember O'Connor made a motion to end discussion of signage, period. Because the vote was a tie, 2-2, the motion died. [O'Connor and Roden in favor, the Mayor and Crowley against.]

Repeated Councilmember Roden, "Let's talk about a business subsidy policy because that's really what we're doing here. Let's have a global discussion on business subsidies." In May 2011, Victoria city councilmembers approved a Hwy 5 Marketing Plan as well as the contribution of $20,000 toward implementing tha plan. Purpose of that plan is to get and keep Victoria businesses open and filled with customers during the Hwy 5 project.

"I disagree that this is a discussion about business subsidies," said Councilmember Crowley. "There are five alternate locations before us, not five signs, and Holly is looking for direction from us as to whether we want to pursue it further. I'm interested in investigating it further. I would appreciate it being considered as a global strategy, if the council decides to do so."

"I can tell you right now," said Councilmember Roden, "that I don't want to talk about signs. We already voted on this. We are not going to magically improve the business climate in our town with a sign. That is nothing short of fiction."

Asked Mayor Thun, "Do the VBOA and BDC never have a chance to come back with their story? Never have a chance to come back and say, 'Wait a minute'"?

"Never is a long time," said Councilmember Tom O'Connor. "In my opinion, this is done for this council."

"I disagree with that," said Councilmember Jim Crowley. "If there's new information, I want to hear about it. It's my responsibility to the citizens."

"I'm not sure I see new information," said Councilmember O'Connor. "The Bavaria Road/Highway 5 proposal is the same proposal that we voted down on July 25th. When is it over?"

"If we're going to discuss this again, I agree with Kim that we need a workshop," stated Mayor Thun. "If we're ever going to discuss this again, it will will have to come back through a workshop format or, second of all, probably with money attached to it. Anyone has a right to make a request during our Open Forum, and Council can say aye or nay."

The concluding remarks were made by Councilmember O'Connor. "I ask people to recognize and respect the decision of the Council," he said. "Certainly everyone has a right to come before the Council, but please respect the working of this group and accept that the best intentions have been demonstrated of those who voted against you on this issue. Don't bring it up next month or in the next couple of months. Respect the decision of the Council, please."

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Drs. Dungey, Menser & Associates

Victoria and Waconia. 952-443-2816