Victoria Gazette - The Scoop at City Hall

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THINKING AND PLANNING AHEAD

WHAT DO YOU SEE FOR VICTORIA IN THE YEAR 2040?

Sixteen city people, representing the City Council (CC), the Planning Commission (PC), and the Park and Rec Committee (PR), sat together at a joint workshop on October 16th to talk for more than two hours in preparation for Victoria's 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Stated Ben Landhauser, Community Development Director, "The Comprehensive Plan effort falls in my department. Our consultant, Hoisington Koegler, has already been involved. We're looking to you to help inform about what you see for this community in 2040."

AT THE VICTORIA OPEN HOUSE

RESIDENTS STOP BY TO REVIEW 2040 COMP PLAN

Some of the photos center on City Planner Erin Smith, Councilmember Tom Gregory, Community Development Director Ben Landhauser, Victoria Public Works and Parks Director Ann Mahnke, and City Engineer Cara Geheren.

UANIMOUS APPROVAL OF NEW CREAMERY PROJECT

RESTAURANT, BANQUET ROOM, PATIOS, OFFICES

Council voted 5-0 on October 9th -- once to approve a parking conditional use permit for the Creamery Building and a second to approve the building materials and site plan for the Creamery Building. After the two unanimous votes, Mary Meuwissen, owner of the Creamery property, stepped to the microphone and said, "Thank you for the vote of approval. We'll be moving forward and trying to get something done this winter. We are right at the crux, so it's either going to be a spring project or a winter project."

BAYCLIFFE RESIDENTS SEEK REIMBURSEMENT

FOR COSTS RELATED TO STORMWATER RUNOFF

At the end of a presentation by Chandler and Terri Carlson on October 9th, about their property on Baycliffe Drive having become a stormsewer for the area, council decided to table the topic and discuss it again in a month, when everyone has all the information. City Engineer Cara Geheren reported that Baycliffe Drive was reconstructed in 2008-2009. Subsequently, the Carlsons contacted the city about stormwater runoff causing flooding and damage. The Carlsons have asked the city to pay part of the costs they've incurred.

CONTINUING TO QUESTION JUDGE’S RULING

NO GUARANTEES LAWSUITS WON’T CONTINUE

Stated Councilmember Tom Strigel, "The mayor could say right here and now that he won't take it further." Speaking directly to Mayor Funk, he stated, "You feel you know better than the judge. You want what you want, independent of the judge's ruling." Replied Mayor Funk, "Once a decision is made [on the lawsuit appeal], the plaintiffs will get together and decide what the plaintiffs want to do."

SURCHARGE TO REMAIN THROUGH WINTER

ON LAKESIDE DRIVE SOUTH OF LAKE WASSERMANN

Council voted unanimously on October 9th to grant a six-month extension for the construction of Lakeside Drive. The street, which is located through a wetland south of Lake Wassermann, begins at Marsh Lake Road and is being constructed to the east. When completed, it will be a link between neighborhoods in that area.

"We're talking about the construction of a missing link," said City Engineer Cara Geheren. "It's not yet built because there is a surcharge in place. When you drive by, it looks like nothing is happening. This road is being constructed through a wetland. The developers have been monitoring the settlement. Braun Intertec, their geotechnical engineer, is recommending the surcharge remain. Staff is recommending we grant that extension."

VICTORIA INCREASES PENSION PACKAGE

FOR MEMBERS OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Council adopted a resolution on October 9th increasing the PERA benefit level for Victoria firefighters to $3,500 per year of service, effective January 1st, 2019. Current benefit is $2,300/year.

PLANNING FOR WATERFRONT PARK

ON WEST SHORE OF LAKE WASSERMANN IN VICTORIA

Focus of discussion between the City of Victoria and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District is an undeveloped 32.7 acres along the west shoreline of Lake Wassermann. The acreage includes a six-acre pond that drains into Lake Wassermann, helping to make it the most impaired lake in Victoria, very high in phosphorus. The acreage includes an upland, a higher area which could accommodate park amenities such as green space and access to a boardwalk trail, fishing pier, lake and wetland overlooks, picnic shelter, restrooms, kids area, and parking space. The acreage also includes a wetland area which is, basically, not usable except for drainage.

SHORTER SCOOP FROM OCTOBER

HOPING SENIOR COMMISSION RETURNS TO VICTORIA

Said Councilmember Tom Strigel on October 9th about the Victoria For a Lifetime Committee, whose membership all resigned earlier this year in conflict with policies of the mayor, "I feel its absence. Their input is valuable. What do we need to do to restart the process? I'd like to have a conversation with the former members. I'd like to see them join the ranks and getting them back on track."

FULL CITY SCOOP IN PAPER EDITION.

The Victoria Fire Department

City of Victoria 952-443-2771

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