Victoria MN Newspaper-City Scoop

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In responding to questions, City Engineer Cara Geheren replied, "When the contaminated soils were encountered last week, under state statute we notified the state. That initiates a process. We have to do an investigation. We excavated about eight tons of material. We have to take it to a landfill."

Cara said the excavation was six feet deep and it appears lines could be connected to a tank. "We didn't find the tank. There's a cost to that, too," she said. "The odor is anecdotally better now but it changes with weather and conditions."

As Holly Kreft, Community Development Director informed the Gazette, "The hole was located next to City Hall near Manager Don Uram's offic, which is the southwest corner of the building. It was filled back in with rock. Soils were discovered in the excavation that had a petroleum odor. There was also a small diameter pipe in the ground. Both the pipe and the odor could be signs of a tank."

Mr. Uram said that in 2008 and 2009, the city spent $100,000 to remediate mold, asbestos, and mechanical issues. On October 28th he stated, "Having to remove people from the building is the worst it's been. Now that it's let up some, it's more of a nuisance than a hazard."

STAHL MANAGEMENT CONTRACT OKAYED

TOTALING $198,000 FOR TWO VICTORIA BUILDINGS

Council voted 5-0 on October 14th to approve a contract with Stahl Construction of St. Louis Park to serve as the City of Victoria's Construction Manager for the construction a new City Hall and Public Works building. Their fee to manage the construction of both buildings totals $198,000.

It was back on August 26th that Victoria city councilmembers chose Stahl Construction from a number of applicants and interviews.

"Where is the money coming from?" asked Councilmember Joe Pavelko.

City Manager Don Uram said the dollars would come from the overall project fund that has a $5 million budget. He estimated that by the time the land, construction manager, and architects are paid for, there will be $3.65 million for the actual construction of both buildings. "Yes, it's a tight budget," he said.

The $1.35 million off the top includes the Hartman land and tree purchase ($770,000), the Johnson home purchase ($182,000), Construction Manager ($198,000), Architects ($100,000 for City Hall plus $92,150 for the Public Works building).

Councilmember Pavelko pointed out there is $1.8 million in cash in the Capital Facilities Fund. He said he thought the $5 million budget on the new city facilities was over and above the $1.8 million. The $5 million budget has been stated as the total goal for all costs (not including the library) associated with both buildings.

BRUNTON ARCHITECT CONTRACT OKAYED

TOTALS $100,000 FOR THE CITY HALL BUILDING

On October 14th, city councilmembers unanimously (5-0) approved the Brunton Architectural Contract for the new Victoria City Hall. Total cost for the architectural project is $100,000. Brunton is officed in North Mankato.

The company was selected from a number of applicants and interviews at a special council meeting on October 2nd. Others interviewed: Oertel Architects, 292 Design Group, and DJ Medin.

City Manager Don Uram said that the architects are anxious for the city to select a site so they can begin work.

Another closed session was held on October 28th about the Land Swap Trade with Hartmans -- their lakeside property on Stieger Lake Lane in downtown Victoria for the city-owned parcel next to the Post Office in downtown Victoria.

Is it possible at this time to state definitively where the new City Hall will be located? "Not really," replied Mr. Uram on October 30th. "The majority of the council prefers the Lakeside site which we are working towards, and I think it will get approved. I expect to have an agreement for the council to consider at their meeting on November 12th."

DJ MEDIN ARCHITECT CONTRACT OKAYED

TOTALS $92,150 FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING

On October 14th, city councilmembers unanimously (5-0) approved the DJ Medin Architectural Contract for the new Public Works Facility. Total cost for the architectural project is $92,150. DJ Medin Architects is officed in Faribault.

The company was selected from a number of applicants and interviews at a special council meeting on October 2nd. Others interviewed: I & S Group and Leo A. Daly.

Location of the new Public Works facility is just north of the Hartman Tree Farm on Bavaria Road. The city purchased 10 acres of the Hartman Tree Farm for $700,000 plus $70,000 in trees.

Has DJ Medin begun design of the Public Works building? "Yes," replied Mr. Uram on October 30th. "I hope to have something to show the council at their meeting on November 25th."

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