Victoria MN Newspaper

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UPDATE ON NEW VICTORIA PROJECTS

CITY HALL/LIBRARY & PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS

August 11th

"Overall the projects are $1,600 under the $5 million budget, as of five o'clock tonight," reported City Engineer Cara Geheren on August 11th. "There are no red flags. Things have been going pretty well but there is water pouring out of a hill over there toward the Public Works building."

Ann Mahnke, Parks and Public Works Director, said the Public Works building is being constructed on its original location, which is further back on the site at Bavaria Road. She said the change order for the relocation cost $105,296. The engineer's estimate was $100,000.

August 25th

Council paved the way to complete the bond sale that will finance the new City Hall/Library Building. Finance Manager Kelly Grinnell reported that the par value of the Lease Revenue Bonds was reduced from $3 million to $2.85 million given current and estimated construction costs. She said interest rates have decreased from 3.39% to $3.14% and reported that the average annual debt payment decreased from $203,493 to $194,321.

Stated Mayor Tom O'Connor, "The tax impact on a median value home in Victoria is $2.64 cents/year. I believe we met our goals."

It was back in July that the City of Victoria selected Edward Jones as the underwriter and authorized the bond sale.

The new $2 million Public Works building is being paid for in cash.

Steel frames are now up for the Public Works Facility and block cement walls, maybe six feet high, are now being installed around the perimeter.

The second story wall sheets are now being installed at the new City Hall/Library building. Completion and move-in dates on both projects are anticipated by year end.

WACONIA SCHOOL SUPT. VISITS VICTORIA

PREPARING TO HOLD A REFEENDUM THIS FALL

Patrick Devine, the new Superintendent of Waconia Schools since July 1st, introduced himself to Victoria council and staff on August 25th. "I'm really excited to come to Victoria," he said. "Thank you for this partnership we have. I came from the Litchfield School District where I was for 26 years. I grew up in South Dakota in a large family and graduated from the Black Hills High School."

"My wife Cathy and I have been married 31 years. She teaches violin. We have two grandchildren. We were always driving down Highway 5 and thought this was a beautiful area. This is sort of like a dream come true.

"Every year Waconia adds 120 to 130 new students. All of the schools are crowded. We're holding a referendum this fall. I want you to know that we take care of all members of our school district."

Said Mayor Tom O'Connor, "This fall you will be able to take care of my granddaughter who is starting kindergarten in Waconia. You can't miss her. She's got red hair. Victoria is lucky to harbor three great school districts. Welcome and good luck."

Said Mr. Devine, "We'll take care of your granddaughter."

SHORTER CITY SCOOP FROM AUGUST

ZUMBRA RIDGE THANKS CITY OF VICTORIA

*Resident Jerry Martin spoke to council and staff during the Open Forum on August 25th about the June flooding. "I am the president of the Zumbra Ridge Homeowners Association," he said. "I am here to thank the Public Works Department and Ann Mahnke. We had water up to the low levels of homes. The Fire Department also did an incredible job. Thank you to the city and staff. Every single person was out there willingly and working hard."

*Council approved the 2015 prosecution contract with Carver County for a price tag of $8,005. The City of Victoria's cost in 2014 was $8,644. The State of Minnesota receives 1/3 of fine revenues collected in Victoria while Victoria receives the other 2/3. Of the amount the city receives, 1/3 goes to the Carver County Attorney's Office in addition to the surcharge of $8,005.

*Council approved final payment for the Lakebridge Park Improvements Project. Total contract amount came to $362,697.

*Kelly Grinnell reported the number of new homes in Victoria so far this year is at 67. The city budgeted for 75 new home.

*As recommended by the Planning Commission, Council tabled action on Arbor Woods, a proposed development for 15 single family homes adjacent to Emerald Crest at 82nd Street and Bavaria Road. Interim Planner Ben Gozola said that language in the PUD ordinance needed to be first addressed.

*Council approved a request from Floyd's Bar to extend their licensed premises to include a 40 by 80-foot tent for their celebration on September 26th and 27th. Said owner Lois Plocher, "It's our 17th anniversary this year. We've been celebrating our anniversaries for a number of years." Both food and liquor will be allowed in the tent.

*Mayor O'Connor read a statement at the conclusion of the August 25th city council meeting. Four of the councilmembers are being sued. "Our legal defense has been very costly," he said. "Those who are doing the suing incur no costs. Their attorney is working pro bono."