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The Victoria GAZETTE |
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October 2011 |
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"There does seem to be an interest in a street project," said Cara, who had called a neighborhood meeting. "Three septic systems are non compliant, which is generating a fair amount of conversation in the neighborhood." "There is interest in having more information," continued Cara. "Given the history up there, with city money spent on studies that don't move forward, I'd like to come up with current options and cost estimates before a full blown feasibility study would be done at a cost $15,000 to $25,000. I'm asking you to spend $6,000 to gather this information." In responding to questions from city councilmembers, Cara said there are about 20 property owners in the area, some of the properties can be developed (one of them into five lots), that very rough estimates would be $9,000 assessment per unit for streets and $26,000 assessment per unit for sewer. She did not provide an estimate that evening for municipal water. Altogether, there may be 42 assessable units. "I'm in favor of doing all of our streets," said Councilmember Tom O'Connor, "but is it even worth $6,000 to go through this even again? Is there a reasonable likelihood the project could be moved forward?" "My sense of the reaction today is much different than in 2002," replied Cara. "The systems up there are all quite old. There's no way to predict which other ones might be noncompliant." Referring to the high costs that would be assessed to property owners at Aster Circle and Trail, Councilmember Kim Roden commented on a recent city project. "I was surprised when the Lake Auburn neighborhood said they wanted streets and water despite the significant cost. To me this is the right thing to do. I certainly wouldn't want to live on Aster." Councilmember Roden asked if the city still has a petition process, whereby residents can petition for a feasibility study or project. The answer is yes. With a petition, council can approve an expenditure with a majority vote. Without a petition, a 4/5 vote of the council is necessary. "I will vote to spend the $6,000," said Mayor Mary Thun, "because of the pollution in Lake Virginia." Failing septic systems in the Aster area could be contributing to the problem. "With only 20 people living up there," why don't we pick up the phone and call them?" asked Councilmember Jim Crowley. A survey would get answers quickly. Replied Cara, "Some want more information that I don't currently have." The vote was unanimous to approve the $6,000 expenditure. Tom Strigel was absent.
AUDITING VICTORIA FIRE RELIEF FINANCIALLY MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Clint Matvick, President of the Victoria Fire Relief Association, and Jeff Nordeen, Treasurer of the Association, spoke to councilmembers on September 12th about the 2010 audit of Victoria Fire Releif. Firefighter Nordeen pointed out that the Association pays out a lump sum pension upon retirement of a firefighter who has attained an age of at least 50. He said the pension fund is managed by Wells Fargo and KleinBank, and includes contributions from both the State of Minnesota and the City of Victoria. He said that Victoria Fire Relief has taken the step of not asking for an increase these last three years. Since 2008, the contribution from the City of Victoria is $2,000 per year of service for each firefighter. There are currently 29 firefighters in the Department; it is authorized to have 35. Firefighter Nordeen said the goal of the Relief Association is to be 100% funded. He said the potential liability exposure is $230,000 based on the potential retirement of the three-longest serving firefighters that have a combined 114 years of service. Those members are Tom Walsh (38 years), Rick Leuthner (34 years), and Gary Sohns (28 years). He said the Pension Plan is now funded at 88.4% of liability and presented information that showed a high of 94.5% in 2007 and a low of 68.7% in 2008. "We were taken to the cleaners in 2008," he stated. He said the Relief Association saw a 10.8% return on investment in 2010. "We are financially moving in the right direction," he said.
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Lake Auburn Moravian Church Victoria 952-443-2051 |
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Southwest Christian H.S. 952-556-0040 |
