OTHER NEWS FROM MARCH
COMING TO A NEIGHBORHOOD NEAR YOU

*Kristy Mock, interim coordinator of Victoria Parks and Rec, spoke to council-members at a workshop on March 24^th about a new kids' Neighborhood Parks Program that could include a magician, clown and other fun and creative activities in the various neighborhood parks of Vic-toria.
*City Attorney Mike Norton reported that he is watching a bill, pending at the state legislature, regarding a street utility, whereby homes and businesses would be charged a fee based on estimated usage of the street(s), much like a water usage fee.  "It's an interesting bill and I'll keep you informed," he said.
*Steve Sarvi reported that the new wireless microphone system purchased about a year ago for the City Hall Council chambers is simply not compatible with the cable system used by the LMCC, which is why sound problems continue with the cablecast of city council meet-ing.  "If we continue with the wireless, we're on our own," said Steve.  The city's old mic system works fine, however.
*On March 10^th Victoria city council-members approved and adopted a storm-water pollution prevention program and authorized its submittal to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.  Said City Engineer Jack Griffin, "This is an annual report that needs to be sent in."
*Councilmembers adopted a sever-ance policy on March 10th that is now part of the city ordinance.  It allows the council flexibility when dealing with indi-vidual employees.  According to Steve Sarvi, "A severance package is often in the best interest of the city as it ensures that the employee leaving is treated fairly and minimizes the future exposure of liti-gation … It's been brought to my atten-tion by the city attorney that we should have a policy that is part of our ordinance.  We do not have a policy right now.  It is a basic tool."
*The Victoria State Bank asked for approval to install a cash machine at the Victoria Field House.  Councilmembers said it was a good idea.
*Council adopted an ordinance to city code that reduces the fee of a joint trench permit to reflect the savings to the city and its consultants to administer, coordin-ate, and inspect the utility work.  A joint trench permit is less costly than if each utility company does its utility work separately.  Stated Planner Eric Zweber, "The city has met with all six small utilities in the area.  Nobody likes to pay fees.  I think we did a proper amount of education.  They left the meeting happy that we addressed some of their con-cerns."
*Bill Mead was introduced as a re-cent appointment to the Victoria Planning Commission.  Other members include Chair Gordy Simanton, Bud Hiivala, Tom Vogt, and Jim Donadio.  Council repre-sentative is Mary Thun.  Laketown Town-ship representatives are Ken Essig and Deb Vanderlinde.
*With a formal motion on March 24^th, councilmembers adopted the Com-prehensive Plan as conditioned and ap-proved by the Metropolitan Council.  It envisions the continued development of low density residential in Victoria at least until 2008, when a mixed use (medium and high density residential, commercial, corporate campus) can develop near the intersection of Co. Rd. 10 and the pro-posed Hwy 212, similar to existing down-town Victoria.
*City staff has been working with Mueller Pipeliners to improve the design and construction plan for the sanitary sewer and watermain installation in the wetland area along Highway 5 in Victoria.  This area is prone to settlement and was identified for special construction.
*Council approved a water obstacle permit for the Schutz Lake Skiers Associ-ation for the summer of 2005 to operate and maintain a submersible slalom ski course on Schutz Lake.
*Regarding open meeting laws, Steve Sarvi stated, "As technology overtakes us, we have to be careful how we communi-cate."  Mary Thun pointed out that poten-tial problems lie with the "Reply" click on emails, and that councilmembers best reply directly to city staff than to each other.  This would help avoid the issue of conducting a quorum of business without public notice.  A quorum consists of three or more elected public officials.