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Said Councilmember Roden, "We would effectively be changing the entire landscape and scenery of a neighborhood. I think we'd need a very broad discussion with that neighborhood [if council approved something besides a soccer field]." "I feel we're being rushed into this," said Councilmember Crowley. "It's been before the council for several years," said Councilmember Roden. Said Coucilmember Tom Strigel, "It seems we either get a weed pile or a Taj Mahal." "I'm feeling overwhelmed here," said Councilmember O'Connor. "I know in my heart of hearts that there is a broad expectation for an improved soccer field. Anything other than a soccer field in that location would raise the ire of that neighborhood. I just can't see it." "I agree with Councilmember O'Connor," said Councilmember Roden. "I feel like I've studied this thing to death. I don't need another meeting to see if we should improve the soccer field. We vote on the committee's recommendation. We owe them that courtesy. I don't want to delay it further. I'd like that vote, up or down. I don't need any more information." Mayor Thun remained on the fence during this exchange. "I am real tired of this state and nationally, that nobody wants to cut a budget. I cannot walk out of this room spending $265,000 on soccer fields. I can't do it. I just can't do it." "I realize that money is tight," said Councilmember Roden, "but we do put money aside every year for Public Works." "I'm concerned that is a lot of money," said Mayor Thun. "It's beyond me that it costs that much." "It's because the fields weren't constructed properly in the first place," said Councilmember Roden. "They have never been good soccer fields," stated Mayor Thun. Ann Mahnke stated, however, that the original field was "sufficient for its purpose," and added, "Today's recommendation is a middle of the road compromise. It includes improvements so that everybody can be happy. It will give us good fields for years to come." "But we don't have the additional $170,000 budgeted to my knowledge -- what is needed beyond the $98,000 -- so what are we not going to do if we move forward with this plan?" asked Councilmember Strigel. Replied Administrator Uram, "It was proposed to come out of the public facilities fund. There is $1.5 million in that fund." "I think there's a better idea out there," repeated Councilmember Crowley. "We just haven't found it." "I'm not in favor of some big public discussion," said Mayor Thun. "A dome and the soccer field are two seaprate issues." Stated Councilmember O'Connor, "We've got a prestigious facility out there and what better use for those fields? Yes, I'm mindful of the money. If approved, I believe we'd all be proud to go to a ribbon cutting. I think we can find the money for this." The vote approving improvements to the soccer field passed 3-2. TDKA is authorized to prepare plans and specs. Staff is authorized to solicit bids. Final completion is anticipated this fall, 2011. The work in Option 4, as approved, involves regrading the field to have 1% cross slope, lowering the field by 1.5 feet, removing existing soil, installing draintile, adding 6 inches of topsoil and seed. "We've not had enough discussion and it puts the new councilmembers at a disadvantage," said Mayor Thun. "If we want to help the city grow," said Councilmember Crowley, "let's think outside the box and make this city what we want it to be." "Then you've got to help us get up to speed [in regard to a dome facility]," said Councilmember O'Connor. Regarding the potential for a public or private domed multi-purpose facility, Councilmember Roden said, "In this economic climate, I'd have a hard time with that. Who ends up picking up the tab when the private part falls apart? The public."
GUIDELINES TO BUYING VICTORIA PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC, NONPROFIT, AND PRIVATE AGENCIES Council reviewed guidelines for the purchase of private property in Victoria by public, nonprofit, and private agencies. This is in response to the possible purchase of land in Victoria by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. Community Development Director Holly Kreft pointed out three guidelines to consider: 1) If the majority of the property is undevelopable due to wetlands or steep slopes, 2) If the area is not able to be serviced by city infrastructure due to cost or topography, 3) If the purchase is consistent with Victoria's 2030 Future Land Use Plan for parks and open space. Stated Administrator Don Uram, who gave Mayor Mary Thun credit for helping to develop the guidelines, "I believe this information is consistent with our discussions with the Watershed District." "I'd be interested in knowing what the Planning Commission thinks about it," said Councilmember Kim Roden.
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July 2011 |
