Victoria Gazette - The Scoop at City Hall

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MOTION TO TERMINATE CITY ATTORNEY

FAILS WITH A 2-3 VOTE OF VICTORIA COUNCIL

Councilmember Tom Gregory gave a lengthy statement on September 11th regarding City Attorney Bob Vose and his law firm of Kennedy and Graven. His motion to terminate Bob Vose, which was seconded by Mayor Funk, failed 2-3. Those against the motion: Councilmembers Crowley, Strigel, and Vogt.

MOTION TO WAIVE ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE

FAILS WITH A 2-3 VOTE OF VICTORIA COUNCIL

A motion to waive the attorney client privilege failed 2-3 on September 25th. Those in favor: Mayor Funk and Councilmember Tom Gregory. Those against: Councilmembers Tom Vogt, Jim Crowley, Tom Strigel. This discussion began on September 11th and was tabled to the following meeting. Focus is on memos dated June 2016, more than a year ago, reflecting communication between the City of Victoria and the City Attorney.

COMBAT PAY AND ROLLING INDEMNIFICATION

FOR VICTORIA MANAGER LAURIE HOKKANEN

Council voted 4-0 on September 11th to approve a new Employment Agreement with City Manager Laurie Hokkanen. Mayor Funk stepped away from his seat at the council dais and did not participate in the discussion or the vote.

Councilmember Jim Crowley had asked, "Are the mayor's threats a conflict of interest? Then he should step away." City Manager Laurie Hokkanen has reported there are threats of litigation against her and against her job.

CHANGES ALSO IN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIR. BEN LANDHAUSER

Council voted 3-2 on September 11th to introduce a six-month severance pay provision in the employment contract for Community Development Director Ben Landhauser, if terminated without cause. Stated City Manager Laurie Hokkanen, "I'm proposing this as a tool of retention." She reported in August that threats have also been made against Ben's job. Those in favor of the motion: Councilmembers Vogt, Strigel, and Crowley. Against: Mayor Funk, Councilmember Gregory.

ASKING FOR MORE DECORUM IN VICTORIA

IN THE OPEN FORUM PART OF COUNCIL MEETINGS

Council voted 3-2 on September 25th to return to the traditional way of conducting the Open Forum section of city council meetings, so that councilmembers can offer comment to those residents or others who speak before them. Those in favor included Councilmembers Tom Strigel, Jim Crowley, Tom Vogt. Against: Mayor Funk, Tom Gregory.

CITY OF VICTORIA RECEIVES OPINION

FROM MN STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE

The five-page communication from the State Attorney General's Office, which included six additional pages of accompanying information, was signed by Ian M. Welsh, Assistant Attorney General. One of the questions and answers: If a quorum of city councilmembers has conflict of interest, must the city seek a district court order to address payment of legal fees related to the Open Meeting Law?

Writes Attorney Welsh, "Public bodies have discretion to reimburse OML-related attorneys' fees."

“HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS”

LEGAL FEES MAY NEVER END FOR VICTORIA

Mayor Funk said it's much more than $25,000 in legal fees. "There is in fact hundreds of thousands of dollars, a couple of hundred thousand dollars or more. We just don't know," he said.

Stated Councilmember Vogt, "I'm aware of $25,000. If there is to be another $100,000 or $200,000, what are you saying? This is crazy! You're talking about more legal costs? Can we stop this nonsense?"

KUDOS TO VICTORIA CITY STAFF

EXPANDING HORIZONS TO GREATER MSP

Council held a special meeting on September 18th to discuss economic development opportunities for Victoria, especially as they relate to locating a site for a second Amazon Headquarters in North America. Community Development Director Ben Landhauser reported on September 25th that councilmembers decided "it was not an appropriate project for the city at this time, but staff should stay engaged." The particular area of Victoria that has been earmarked for commercial industrial space is down near the southern border with Country Roads 10 and 11.

RANDY’S WAY TO BE PART OF VICTORIA

ALONG WITH REMEMBRANCE AT BAYFRONT PLAZA

Council voted 5-0 on September 11th to approve naming the alley in downtown Victoria, "Randy's Way" in honor of the late Randy Miller. The alley, which extends from Stieger Lake Lane south to Tower Boulevard, is located between the Creamery and the Victoria House. The unanimous motion included a boulder monument in Bayfront Plaza and a city contribution up to $2,000 to support the project.

VICTORIA PARTNERS WITH WATRSHED DISTRICT

MORE TIME NEEDED TO DEVELOP CITY POLICY

Council spent the good part of an hour on September 11th talking about the Minnehaha Creek Watershed Management Plan and how it affects Victoria and specific water quality issues in Victoria.

COUNCIL ADOPTS PRELIMINARY 2018 BUDGET

MOST POPULATION GROWTH, LOWEST LEVY IN COUNTY

On September 25th, the Victoria City Council unanimously approved the Preliminary Tax Levy for collection in 2018. At $4,847,500, it is 11% higher than the total levy for last year. The Preliminary General Fund Levy approved for 2018 ($3,715,000) is 14.2% higher than last year.

THE LONG SCOOP IS IN THE PAPER EDITION.

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City of Victoria 952-443-2771

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