Drs. Dungey, Menser & Associates

Victoria and Waconia.  952-443-2816

City of Lakes & Parks  952-443-2363

Creating great spaces for over 40 years.

952-368-4545

The Victoria Chamber of Commerce

952-334-7135

Carver County Environmental Services

1-800-535-7570

Experience God in a personal way. 

952-443-0062

Victoria American Legion

Post #1995.  Serving America.

The Victoria Fire Department

City of Victoria  952-443-2771

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A directory of Victoria businesses.

Located at www.VictoriaGazette.com

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December 2008

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The Victoria

GAZETTE

The Scoop at City Hall

VICTORIA IS A SELF-RELIANT CITY

SENATOR ORTMAN:  “HELP US EDUCATE THE STATE”

Senator Julianne Ortman, who represents the City of Victoria and other communities in District 34 in the MN State Legislature, attended the Victoria City Council meeting on Thursday, November 13th.  When it came time for her to address the Council, after sitting through the public hearing to reconstruct streets in the Lions Park area of the city, she stated, “It was very nice to hear from your residents tonight.”

         “Going back to the Capitol is very important,” she continued in regard to the start of a new session in January.  “Revenues are declining.  We are in recession.  Revenue from property taxes are declining.  We have thousands of foreclosures across the country ... There is no refinancing of homes ... Sales taxes are down.”

         “The State’s economists say we’ll be in a recession until the third quarter of 2009,” said Senator Ortman.  “Information is getting more and more grim.  We have not done an economic stimulus in the State of Minnesota.  I think the best stimulus we could have is an income tax cut that would apply to everyone paying incoming taxes.”           The Senator continued, “I’ve been to cities very concerned about clean water issues and bill mandates.  A lot of people are paying for services they don’t want.  The best thing we might be able to do is roll back mandates, those things no one sees the value in.  This is the right time to downsize the size of government ...

         “We hear a lot from cities in trouble.  I’d like to know more about this city’s challenges.  Help us to educate the State.  You’ve become very self reliant and we need to hear from you.  I don’t always know if Victoria is a 100% partner with some of these advocacy groups.  Please make sure when they speak that they are speaking on your behalf and let me know if they’re not.”

 

ANN MAHNKE ADDS PUBLIC WORKS

TO HER LINE OF WORK IN VICTORIA

Ann Mahnke, the city’s Field House and Park & Recreation Director, was hired to be in charge of the Victoria Public Works Department for a period of not to exceed six months.  Councilmembers unanimously approved this recommendation from the Personnel Committee.  The Personnel Committee includes City Administrator Don Uram, Mayor Mary Thun, and Councilmember Richard Tieden.

         Administrator Uram reported that the city received 15 resumes from individuals interested in the job of Victoria Public Works Director/City Engineer, and only 7 of them met the minimum qualifications.        The others were interviewed but staff could not reach a consensus on a preferred candidate. 

         Stated Don on  November 13th,  “Rather than hiring a person out of necessity or desperation, we decided to look in-house.  Ann Mahnke has hesitantly agreed to do this for us for the next six months.  Ann has experience with the City of Savage.  I’m recommending a temporary step increase in salary for her plus 40 hours of vacation time to recover.”

         Ann served as Assistant Public Works Director for the City of Savage where she was responsible for all aspects of the department including streets and utilities.  She managed a staff of 35 and oversaw a $6 million operating budget.

         Bruce Osborne remains as the city’s Public Works Supervisor.  Bruce will lead the department in making improvements toward more reliable service delivery and improved teamwork.

 

Click here for more City Scoop.

Jerry Schmieg, resident of the Lions Park area of Victoria and former 4-term Mayor of Victoria, and Senator Julianne Ortman of Chanhassen.