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The Victoria GAZETTE |
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September 2012 |
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"The time for discussion then is right now," said Councilmember O'Connor. Said Mr. Uram, "If it's simply a matter of funding a Public Works facility ... Funding is a lot simpler than if we include a City Hall. So, depending, the funding decision could come very quickly. We wouldn't be issuing debt until next year." Said Councilmember Kim Roden, "I don't want anybody saying we want to get this done before the new councilmembers step in. Some people think things are okay as they are. It can be a testy issue for some people. Public buildings in this town can be controversial." "The risk we run," said Councilmember O'Connor, "is that interest rates are low now. In 18 months it could not be low. Can we lock up our interest rates today? We have to develop now what the options are." Said Mr. Uram, "We have to have a better understanding of costs, which happen as you get into it. We'll have to have a contingency plan based on interest rates." *** The city administrator was pressed at this time to speak to the issue of a new City Hall -- perhaps in conjunction with a P.W. facility, perhaps not -- and the options. He suggested two options: 1) Build new City Offices on the city-owned 13.5 acres across the Stieger Lake Lane bridge, adjacent to and just west of downtown Victoria, or 2) build new City offices on the city-owned property in downtown Victoria, located between the Post Office and the private home on Victoria Drive (the main street). For years that parcel was occupied by the Victoria Cafe. Said Mr. Uram of the 13.5 acres, "The real estate market is still pretty challenging. Building a City Hall out there may get somebody else interested." About the old cafe parcel he said, "It's ready. Utilities are there. We could get going today. But it wouldn't handle our long term needs; it's available in the short term." He said putting city employees into trailer offices could be considered, "but are they temporary or permanent? I need a place for people to sit." It was estimated to cost $100,000 upfront for a trailer out at Diethelm Park plus $50,000 year. This would entail finding another location for the Skate Park. Said Councilmember O'Connor, "Building downtown is least costly and can be resold if necessary. The building will have value ... The Lions kitchen and community room need some consideration ... With the 13.5 acres, we could do it once and do it right but, as Jim [Crowley] has said, the price would be double. We need some time to sort it out." Stated Mayor Thun, anxious to do both projects -- a P.W. facility and City Offices, "We've got a staff member now who has to be moved to another building, we've got petroleum flowing in, we've got water rushing in, we've got a hole in the wall. These are not new things! We've tried desperately to save our residents money to repair things here and spent $150,000 to $200,000. The Lions are certainly aware of the problems. I would bite the bullet and build on the 13.5 acres. Ten years go by just like this!" she said, as she snapped her fingers. "Can we please get a recommendation for a City Hall?" she asked. Again, estimated costs are $6 million for the two buildings plus an additional $1 million for streets and utilities if City Hall is built on the 13.5 acres. Mused Mr. Uram, "The city can be a catalyst in a number of places. The city can build something right now that can expand sideways toward the Post Office or toward the single family home. We can spur development downtown, too." Stated Mayor Thun, "I can get comfortable with that very fast. I can't get comfortable doing nothing. To bring a whole new council up to speed on this, it's only going to get worse!"
A NEW VICTORIA CITY OFFICE BUILDING COUNCIL CHOOSES DOWNTOWN SITE Council voted 5-0 on August 29th to authorize staff to enter into contract negotiations with Architectural Alliance of Minneapolis for architectural and engineering services for the Victoria City Hall, as recommended by City Administrator Don Uram. Council also agreed that the city-owned property in downtown Victoria -- on Victoria Drive next to the Post Office -- is the best location on which to build a new City Hall. It could be constructed and ready for occupancy in 2013. Stated Mr. Uram, who met with the Finance Committee and the Real Estate Committee, "We've evaluated several different options. We could build additional square footage onto the new Public Works Building. The advantage is cost. The disadvantage is location." The P.W. Building is slated to be built on the 96-acre city-owned property in Laketown Township.
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Lake Auburn Moravian Church Victoria 952-443-2051 |
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Southwest Christian H.S. 952-556-0040 |
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CLICKSTART 952-902-2014 |
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City Scoop Continued |