LOOKING FOR AN ACTION PLAN
NOISE AT VICTORIA'S WATER TREATMENT PLANT
"My concern is the water plant," said resident Peter Bren on March 8^th.  "We chose to live there, but we didn't get one word to say about it [the plant].  We didn't get invited to tours.  There's no way that nobody knew this thing was going to make noise.  If it operated during the day instead of at night, that would relieve 80% of the problem.  I'm speaking for three people right now.  It's unaccept-able.  It's got me twisted out of shape."
Mayor Mary Thun responded, "We do need to outline our action plan."  She asked the city engineer to continue work-ing on resolving the issue."
Stated Councilmember Richard Tied-en, "Notice that our mayor used the word 'continue.'  And we never saw that noise could be a problem.  It was new to us too.  We hear you and we'll do the best we can.  That was not a variable that we witnessed when we looked at plants."
Said Mr. Bren, "There has to be more effort and direction.  Somebody's got to be held responsible for this."
"I take personal responsibility for this, to have the city administrator make this one of his many number one goals," said Mayor Mary Thun.
In council discussion on March 22^nd, Councilmember Tim Amundsen said, "There was no intention to be a burden on these people, on their neighborhood.  You don't authorize things to give people problems."
Acknowledged Councilmember Tied-en, "They've been living with this for quite a few months and that's a frustra-tion."

REVISING VICTORIA'S RENTAL CODE
NUMBER OF UNITS EXPECTED TO INCREASE
Council directed city staff to write a revised draft of the rental housing code in the City of Victoria for their future con-sideration.
Explained Victoria Building Official Tom Gray, "If our ordinances aren't up to standards, we're at a disadvantage when we go to court.  It's probably beneficial for our city to remain with a complaint based ordinance."
He said with Victoria's population now around 6,000, it would be good to revisit the existing ordinance using cur-rent language and benchmarks.  "One of the best things we can do is educate," said Tom, "such as with the well-received Building Official column in the Gazette."
Said Councilmember Jim Paulsen, "I'm concerned about the phenomenon of creeping government."
Said Councilmember Richard Tieden, "A lot of people are knowledgeable on this, about what's safe or unsafe.  More progressive cities have this."
Councilmember Tim Amundsen said, "We don't have a good way to track rental property in the city."  In the meantime, he suggested voluntary efforts by owners of rental properties.
According to Tom Gray, Victoria's four apartment complexes contain a total of 96 units.  Also, Victoria has 272 single family homes that include rental property, second homes, or homes owned by par-ents but lived in by children.
A revised ordinance was drafted to reference documents that are current and relevant for the purposes of enforcement.

VETERINARY CLINIC COMES TO TOWN
ALREADY KNOWS VICTORIA PETS
On March 22^nd councilmembers ap-proved an ordinance amendment that permits veterinary clinics to be located in the Central Business District of Victoria.  Dr. Patricia Waples of the Excelsior Animal Hospital is opening a second office at the former MABBSCO building located across from Dairy Queen at the intersection of Hwy 5 and Co. Rd. 11.
"I'm a 17-year veterinarian," said Dr. Waples, "with 12 of those years in Excel-sior.  I don't plan to do anything with the exterior of the building yet.  I don't plan for anything extravagant.  I want it to be an anchor for veterinary care.  I own the Excelsior office.  This would be my sec-ond office."
Stated Councilmember Kim Roden, "I think you're making a good decision moving out here.  I've met as many dogs as people."
Dr. Waples surprised councilmem-bers when she mentioned Lexi and Shadow by name, pets of Councilmem-bers Roden and Tieden, respectively.
Jessica Halverson also spoke at the podium that evening.  "I've worked for Dr. Waples for ten years.  She fits in well with a small town feel.  She is very per-sonal.  We do want to bring the best to Victoria."
"Welcome to Victoria," said Mayor Mary Thun.  "We look forward to seeing you out here soon."

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