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AUDIT REPORT: CLOSED MEETINGS

MUST BE ELECTRONICALLY RECORDED

Andy Berg of Abdo, Eick & Meyers presented results of the City of Victoria's 2013 financial audit on June 9th. Part of the report: "We did not identify any deficiencies in internal control that we consider to be material weaknesses."

However, Mr. Berg did state there was one legal finding. As written in the audit report: "During our audit, it came to our attention that the City Council had closed meetings during the year that were not electronically recorded.

"Minnesota statute 13D.05, subdivision 1(d), requires all closed meetings, except those permitted by attorney-client privilege, to be electronically recorded at the expense of the City.

"The City held closed meetings that were not electronically recorded. The City is not in compliance with Minnesota statutes. We recommend that the City record closed meetings, as required by Minnesota statute, going forward."

Management's response: "The City will ensure that electronic recordings are kept for closed meetings as required by Minnesota statute. Although there were no recordings, minutes were taken for the meetings." Council approved the audit report.

CITY MANAGER DON URAM RESIGNS

FOR FINANCE POSITION AT CITY OF WAYZATA

Stated Mayor Tom O'Connor at the conclusion of the June 23rd city council meeting, "You may have already heard Don Uram has resigned effective July 18th. He's moving on. We wish him the best, and we want to have a program acknowledging all he has done for Victoria."

"But right now we need a consensus as to what we do next," continued the Mayor. "We need to verify our objectives. This is a strategic hire. We need to acknowledge our expectations. We need to establish a city manager's responsibilities and expectations."

"We want the best possible person no matter how long it takes," he said. "I don't care how long it takes. We need a search firm. Only a few are expert in this area. We are going to get quotes from three firms. We will develop a candidate pool. We want to figure out how to involve citizens, maybe an open house or something more formal. That's the plan."

All councilmembers supported hiring a search firm to assist in the search for a new city manager. It was also pointed out that the "city manager" form of government is relatively new to Victoria. It was formerly a "city administrator" form of government. Brushing up in this regard is important in order to establish requirements and responsibilities.

Mayor O'Connor also said, "We are proposing to hire an interim manager. There are things to deal with in July, August, and September. I've identified a list of potential candidates and we can start the interview process soon."

In that regard Mr. Uram stated, "I have phone calls to five interim candidates. I think they could be on board in short order." Said Mayor O'Connor, "I anticipate an interim person well before July 18th."

VICTORIA REVIEWS NEW NEIGHBORHOOD

PROPOSING 14 NEW HOMES AT ARBOR WOOD

On June 23rd city councilmembers reiviewed a sketech plat for 14 new single family homes on property located between Holy Family Catholic High School and the Applewood neighborhood and Emerald Crest on Bavaria Road. The property is currently owned by the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The developer is the Meridian Land Company. Name of the new development: Arbor Wood.

Holly Kreft, Community Development Director, said the property is 19 acres in size and the north half is wetland area which would be deeded to the city. She said the western part is heavily wooded. The city would accept cash in lieu of parkland dedication since the property is near the community tennis courts at Holy Family; also, Diethelm Park is rather nearby.

"The Planning Commission was supportive," said Holly. "They felt it was probably the highest and best use of the land. It's within the developer's best interests to keep as many trees as possible."

Councilmembers were generally supportive of the proposal. Next stage in the process is the preliminary plat.

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