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SOCCER FIELDS TO BE RECONSTRUCTED

UNDER CITY RESPONSIBILITY AND EFFORT

Councilmembers voted unanimously January 24th to assume responsibility for the completion of the soccer fields located at the Victoria Recreation Center upon receipt of the bonding company’s payment of $98,500 from School District 112. The motion included soliciting a recommendation from the Victoria Park and Recreation Committee for the type of field that should be constructed.

The story behind this motion is long, and the history has been recorded in the Gazette. A summary might read: The soccer fields were first built by the City of Victoria back in 2002. The fields became unplayable in 2009 due to the addition of poor quality fill from the construction of the second sheet of ice at that location in 2008/2009 by the School District 112. The School District is a partner at the arena with the City of Victoria.

Council has reviewed several options to remedy the situation. City Administrator Don Uram said the city has lost 2,500 hours of playing time on the soccer fields due to being unplayable for two solid years, both 2009 and 2010.

Stated Mr. Uram on January 24th, “In November [2010] I was instructed to talk to the School District to see if there was additional compensation for us. They are willing to get the job done for the amount of $98,500 to redo the fields according to the original specifications. They are unable to provide any additional compensation for any project out there.”

He asked, “Does the city want a formal discussion with the School District? Staff is prepared to move forward with a recommendation from the Council to use the $98,500 from the bonding company,” he said, plus whatever else the Council wants.

Mr. Uram pointed out that $98,500 is a bid the bonding company received to re-do the field according to original specs. “We’ve got some other soft costs,” he said.

Stated Councilmember Kim Roden, “I certainly think we should ask the School District for extra funds.”

Replied Administrator Uram, “The School District has been extremely cooperative. It’s been an unfortunate situation.”

Said Councilmember Tom O’Connor, “It’s time for us to take back control of this. The School District represents Victoria residents as well. We’ve spent so much time on this. I’d like to see the fields completed.”

Councilmember Jim Crowley suggested the possibility of building a dome over the fields so they could be used year round.

Replied Mr. Uram, “I am not aware of any project of that nature that would generate enough revenue to meet an expenditure of a project like that.”

Stated Councilmember O’Connor, “Once we get the School District out from under this, we can discuss a grand design or the previous design.” He made a motion for the City of Victoria to assume responsibility to get the soccer fields back in playing condition, and Mayor Thun added the wording for “a type of field and/or structure” and also to identify a revenue projection, a revenue steam.” It passed 5-0.

At this point there is no definite plan or timetable as to when the soccer fields will be reconstructed and playable.

ADDRESSING DOG POOP IN VICTORIA

WHEN IT DROPS ON OTHER PEOPLE’S PROPERTY

Council held a first hearing January 24th on minor code amendments related to dog waste removal along city sidewalks or on private property not belonging to the owner of the dog. Stated Holly Kreft, Victoria Community Development Director, “We have received complaints from residents and our Community Service Officer, and there’s nothing on the books that applies to private property.”

The proposed ordinance would state: “The owner shall immediately remove any feces left by a dog not on the property of the owner of the person in control of the dog. A person walking a dog off the owner’s property must have in their possession equipment for picking up and removing feces.”

Along related lines, a dog license will become valid for two years rather than only one year.

A first reading was also held in connection to parking issues. Business owners in the Clocktower Building asked that two-hour parking signage be added to the south side of Tower Boulevard from Victoria Drive to the alley. No parking will be allowed on either side of Tower Boulevard between the alley and Quamoclit, as currently signed.

A second reading, probably in February, is required before these ordinance amendments go into effect.

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Drs. Dungey, Menser & Associates

Victoria and Waconia. 952-443-2816