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952-443-2351

JOHNSON FUNERAL HOME

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Metropolitan Ford

Jerry Chapman  952-943-9000

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Occupational Therapy.  Speech Therapy.

952-443-9888

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Victoria.  952-908-2215

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Waconia  952-442-2885

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The Victoria

GAZETTE

August 2012

NEW BUSINESS OFFICE IN VICTORIA

SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT TO THE PROPERTY

         Council unanimously approved a request by Paul Hatfield on July 9th to rezone the property at 8000 Victoria Drive from residential to Central Business District.  It is the home directly east of the Holiday Station and across Hwy 5 from Floyd's.

         Holly Kreft, Community Development Director, said the applicant is proposing to remodel the first floor of the structure and use it as an office for his real estate law practice. 

         "Offices are not allowed in a residential district unless it's a home office," she said.  "When the city was updating its 30-year plan, it was decided to leave the property as residential until requested for change."

         "The Planning Commission had significant discussion about the design," said Holly.  The applicant is proposing to remove the existing front porch, increase the window area on three sides, add a door to the north side, and make the property handicap accessible.

         Holly said a sidewalk is being constructed from the intersection west to the Holiday Station as part of the Hwy project. 

         "The applicant said he met with adjacent property owners," said Holly, "and they requested that no fence be constructed between properties.  The Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning and staff recommends approval."

         Said Councilmember Kim Roden, "This will be a significant improvement to the property.  Members of the Business Development Committee are supportive of what's anticipated for this place."

         Holly said the place has been a significant problem for code enforcement.

         Agreed Councilmember Tom Strigel, "This represents a fairly natural and good upgrade to the corner, as it's very visible.  Neighbors to the immediate south said that anything would be an improvement."

         Mr. Hatfield, who is the new owner of the property, stated, "I do intend to comply with whatever is required.  I'm excited to do this and be part of the business community."

         Said Mayor Mary Thun, "I was impressed by your work with the residents."

 

MAYOR MARY THUN PUSHES AHEAD

FOR NEW P.W. BUILDING AND CITY OFFICES

         Council voted unanimously July 9th to issue an RFP (Request For Proposals) for architectural and engineering services in preparation for the construction of a new Public Works facility for the City of Victoria on the city-owned property in Laketown Township.

         At the behest of Mayor Mary Thun, language was added to the motion to also include the possibility of a new City Hall facility.  "I want to include the possibility of moving City Hall there in some fashion," she stated.

         Currently the city is paying for trailer space on the existing Public Works site on Stieger Lake Lane.  Continued Mayor Thun, "I want to know how much it costs for two Public Works trailers and moving the Skate Park.  I want the costs!  Secondly, I want creative financing.  I want to know how much it's going to cost the average taxpayer.  I'm tired of talking around the topic."

         Replied Administrator Don Uram, "At this point, I can't offer more than big picture numbers."

         Stated Mayor Thun, "Just give me some numbers -- $3 million for a Public Works facility?  $5 million for City Offices?  $2 million for Whatever?  Let's get some numbers!"

         Replied Mr. Uram, "A general number for me is $6 million."  He later clarified this number could include design and construction of both the Public Works building and City Offices if done simultaneously and it's a very rough estimate.

***

         The discussion began as a report of the city administrator.  Said Mr. Uram, "We as a group have been working on this since 2006 and most recently since 2010.  We as a city need 30,000 to 35,000 square feet to take care of Public Works for the next ten to 20 years.  We need a site of about 10 acres."

         He said he's been working with the Real Estate Committee to solicit proposals of an engineering service for an RFP.   "We have spent the last two years looking for a site," he said.  "We could carve about ten acres out of the city property at County Road 43."

         The Real Estate Committee includes Councilmember Tom O'Connor, Councilmember Jim Crowley, and City Administrator Don Uram.  Ben Merriman attends the meetings occasionally to provide construction and development expertise but is not an official member, said Mr. Uram.  Function of the committee is to advise the council on real estate matters.

         "We've identified five architectural firms and I recommend we send it to them.  The city currently has $1.3 million in a Public Facilities Fund.  We want to minimize the impact to taxpayers.  It's a pretty aggressive schedule."

 

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