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Jay Swenson

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“It was called the Eklo property,” he said, “and we paid about $30,000 an acre for it. It was always going to be Park. There’s been a sign there from the beginning that park lights are coming. We had a light issue at Lions Park and we decided that would never happen again so we put up the sign at Diethelm Park so people would know in advance.” In other words, the park and the signs existed before the Allegheny neighborhood.

Despite the increased parking lot and expansion to the Field House, Councilmember Tim Amundsen said, “We are still maintaining a significant portion of green space at the park.”

Said Councilmember Kim Roden, “I think we should take another look at how we can mitigate things to get us closer to a comfort level most are comfortable with.”

Councilmember Paulsen recommended getting out in the field with residents to help set the grade and plantings on the berms. His motion included going along with staff recommendations on three issues and having staff further review another three issues with the residents.

The vote was 3-2 with Councilmembers Amundsen and Tieden casting the nay votes because they were against the recommended relocation site of the playground equipment to the northeast corner of the Field House.

GOVERNMENT IN THE CROSS HAIRS?

LOOKING AT THE VICTORIA CREAMERY PROJECT

Council voted to approve a resolution to amend the contract for private development with Victoria Creamery LL. Developer Mary Meuwissen requested that the proposed project be placed in the city’s newest TIF district to capture the full amount of TIF available according to the 2007 agreement. This agreement includes the construction of 50 public parking stalls.

The city attorney and city staff recommended approval. The split vote was 3-2 with Mayor Mary Thun and Councilmember Kim Roden voting against approval.

Stated City Attorney Mike Norton about the Creamery project, “There is a delay in construction because of market conditions. The condo market is the driver and there is no condo market now.” He said if the project is built in 2013, the last date for the 20-year TIF subsidy would be 2033. The former TIF district was expiring in 2028, reducing the term to 18 years although the agreement was for 20 years. The amount to be captured in increased property taxes, to help pay for the public parking, is approximately $2.2 million.

Stated Councilmember Roden, “This project was going to be one of our solutions to parking. How common is it to have one delay after the other and still go along with TIF?”

Agreed Mayor Thun regarding condoplans for the upper floor of the Creamery project, “If a developer needs to change a plan, it should be changed. I don’t like to see a developer coming back and forth for extensions.”

Said Councilmember Tim Amundsen about the preceding remarks, “I’m trying to reconcile this. The market is a factual issue. Others have come before us and asked for our land and for donations. This developer owns her land. If there’s opposition to this, I’d like to hear it. If it’s a viable option, we have to equitably approve it.”

Said Councilmember Jim Paulsen, “Typically, how much time do we give a developer? We have a history of granting extensions, and developers certainly don’t need to have government in their cross hairs.”

Continued Jim, however, “The developer may want to come up with another plan. Let’s talk about it. We’ve got to be fluid here. I’m happy to go along with this, but we’ve got to send a message.”

Stated Councilmember Roden, “Buildings are being built in our town right now. If the time isn’t right for condos, maybe it’s right for something else. I’d like to see a bigger public purpose when I approve TIF.”

When asked if she would have approved the Fresh Seasons grocery store if condos had been proposed for above the building, Kim replied, “I may have looked at it because the desire for a grocery store is a public benefit.”

TIRES SLASHED IN CARVER COUNTY

VICTORIA OFFERS $150 FOR INFORMATION

Victoria City Offices received the following notice on October 23rd from the Carver County Sheriff’s Office:

“Beginning Saturday evening October 11th, 2008, into the early hours of Sunday morning October 12th, 2008, vandals slashed numerous tires in the cities of Waconia and Cologne. Last night, October 22nd, 2008, vandals began their spree in Victoria. Thursday morning, October 23rd, the Carver County Sheriff’s Office received over 30 calls relating to vehicle tires being slashed or valve stems severed.

“Witnesses in the Cologne and Waconia incidents described two white males in a mid-sized dark colored pickup (similar to a Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, or Dodge Dakota) with possible step-side or flare-side rear bed leaving the area of one of their targets.
“The pickup was further described as having white lettering or graphics on the left hand side of the tailgate. The license plate was described as a patriot plate. One of the male suspects was described as having blond hair. Any further information obtained will be posted accordingly.

“The City of Victoria is offering a $150 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) involved.

“If you have information related to this crime or any crime, please contact the Carver County Sheriff’s Office at 952-361-1212. After hours contact 952-361-1231, or to remain anonymous call the TIP line at 952-361-1224.”

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