City Hall-Library Groundbreaking

Groundbreaking ceremony for the new Victoria City Hall and Library occurred as planned at 7 p.m. on Monday evening, June 2nd, 2014, at the beautiful Stieger Lake location on Stieger Lake Lane in downtown Victoria, adjacent to the Lakeside Building currently under construction.

Although rain threatened to put a damper on things, many officials from the city, the county, the county library, and the community stayed dry and took turns with the groundbreaking shovels. 

Mayor Tom O’Connor specially addressed the county commissioners who came for the celebration, including Randy Maluchnik, Tom Workman, Gayle Degler, and Jim Ische.  “We wouldn’t be having the Library without the County.  From the first moment we brought up the possibility of a Library for Victoria, the County has been supportive.  Thank you.”

The four Victoria city councilmembers on hand for the momentous groundbreaking were (l-r):  Jim Crowley, Tom Strigel, Mayor O’Connor, and Lani Basa.

The mayor reminded people that the new building will consist of two floors totaling over 12,000 square feet of space.  The Library will occupy the first floor, with City Offices and Council Chambers on the second floor, all overlooking Stieger Lake, the adjacent trail, and Carver Park Reserve.

Mayor O’Connor has said, “People are going to be filled with pride when they walk into the new City Hall.”

Again, the four county commissioners assisting Mayor O’Connor were (l-r):  Randy Maluchnik, Tom Workman, Gayle Degler, and Jim Ische.

The two commissioners representing areas of Victoria are Randy Maluchnik and Tom Workman.

Nick Dimassis, Carver County Library Director, far left, arrived to join the other county groundbreakers.

It was mentioned at the groundbreaking that Mr. Dimassis has been lured away by Hennepin County.

Three past Victoria mayors joined the festivities (l-r):  Jerry Bohn, Mary Meuwissen, and Mary Thun.

The Victoria mayors have each been instrumental in growing and improving the City of Victoria.

Former Mayor Jerry Schmieg arrived to join the groundbreaking mayors.

This will be the first Victoria City Hall constructed to serve its own purpose.  Victoria’s first City Hall was in the old public school building on Arboretum Boulevard.  Victoria’s second City Hall is its current location in the old fire department building on Rose Street.

Mayor Mary Thun (2007-2012), Mayor Jerry Bohn (2003-2006), Mayor Tom O’Connor (since January of 2013), Mayor Mary Meuwissen (1995-2002), Mayor Jerry Schmieg (1985-1992).  Mary Thun, Jerry Bohn, and Tom O’Connor also served as city councilmembers before running for mayor.

Victoria Worker Bees (l-r):  Don Uram (City Manager), Trisha Pollock (Accounting Technician), Kelly Grinnell (Finance Manager), Holly Kreft (Community Development Director), Mayor O’Connor, Cara Geheren (City Engineer), Nola Dickhausen (Administrative Assistant), Jessica Beise (Executive Assistant), and Jennie Kretsch (City Clerk).

Mr. Uram and Mayor O’Connor were joined by (l-r):  Leroy Wagner (Field Superintendent with Stahl Constructin), Cory Brunton (Principal/CEO/Project Architect with Brunton Architects, North Mankato), and Dale Sonnichsen (Construction Manager with Stahl Construction).

Beth Fasnacht (Interior Designer with Brunton Architects) joined the professional group photo.

When Councilmember Joe Pavelko arrived, the other Victoria councilmembers accommodated a group photo.

The groundbreaking ceremony had come to an end.

Drops of rain began to fall and a few umbrellas showed up among those who came for the occasion.

Mr. Wagner retrieved the hardhats and the shovels and everyone called it a day.  Victoria will soon have a beautiful and much needed new City Hall — not to mention a much needed Public Works Facility.

Editor Sue

Email:  Sue@PrintsPublishing.com

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