ENVISIONING DENSITY AND DOLLARS
FOR NEW WEST SIDE OF DOWNTOWN VICTORIA
On March 22^nd Matt Crowe of CEI Ventures, owner of the Notermann Build-ing, presented an informational overview and drawings of a concept he envisions for the city's newly acquired 13.5 acres to be developed as part of Victoria's Central Business District.
Mr. Crowe also introduced several members of his working team and spoke of his vision.  "Imagine a self-sustaining community," he said, "with a medical center on site, restaurants, views, a boutique hotel and spa, a senior housing component, a timeless design."
"We want the community's input," he said.  "We want the thoughts of city groups and churches ... We'll be out having open houses for the community and addressing their questions."
Regarding information before them, Councilmember Jim Paulsen stated, "The city has not historically contributed to infrastructure costs.  Are you aware of the city's policy? ... I'm concerned about going forward with someone who thinks we're going to do any site improvements ... and there are no letters of reference.  It's about following a path that works."
Matt Crowe said he intends to sit down with people and go over who is responsible for what.  About future tenants in the new Business District, he said, "Until I have formalized written agreements, all it is is talk.  We've talked with multiple groups ... Sub-developers are aware that nothing can happen until I bring them forward to the city."
"Talk to us about the spa and hotel," said Councilmember Richard Tieden.  Mr. Crowe said the area could become a regional center and that the City of Vic-toria can capture a lodging tax.  "There is a substantial amount of funds for the city to use to enhance the city if there are, say, 50 to 60 hotel rooms," he said.
As Mr. Crowe finished his presenta-tion, Mayor Mary Thun said, "We're looking forward to seeing more develop-ment on this development.'
Later on that evening, Councilmem-ber Paulsen talked about getting an ap-praisal of the land, that its value is based on the proposed uses of that land.  "That's why references are so important," he said.  "If the uses are real, the value is real.  I'm not talking about value per square foot.  I'm talking how many units?  What kind of density?  Density equals dollars and we have to make sure we get our share of it."
Mayor Mary Thun stated later, "There has to be a charge for uses, a price for services in our city -- for things that our taxpayers have paid for -- so that we can accumulate enterprise funds to do more things for our residents, so we can have a more vibrant community."

OTHER VICTORIA NEWS FROM MARCH
LOST REVENUE FROM CITY-OWNED FARMLAND
*Council authorized the renting of 94 acres of city-owned farm property on County Road 10 in Laketown Township to the highest bidder, Donald and Mark Hesse, for $135 an acre, totaling $9,180 per crop year to plant corn and alfalfa to prevent washing on the hills.  There are 68 tillable acres.  The City of Victoria sent a letter to Robert Dircks, asking for back-rent of $3,500 per year for the past four years that he may have farmed the property under a verbal agreement.  Councilmember Jim Paulsen has ex-pressed concern about lost revenue to the city.
*The City of Victoria received ap-praisals on the market value of the Victoria Field House.  According to Dave Urbia, the site includes two parcels:  the building has 2 acres, parkland is 36.85 acres.
*Councilmembers approved the issu-ance of $94,000 in tax increment revenue bonds to the developer of the Notermann Building, Matt Crowe, for his tenant Cathy Mackenthun who is opening a meat and deli business in a portion of the main level space.  For a period of up to five years, starting in 2008, the city will reim-burse 90% of the tax increments generated by the improved and higher valued Noter-mann Building, to the developer, not to exceed $94,000.
*Councilmembers approved an agree-ment between the City of Victoria and Rising Star Dance Academy whereby classes will be held at the Field House Gym, as well as at the Notermann Build-ing, and the city will receive 15% of reg-istration fees.
*Councilmembers adopted an ordi-nance amendment that removes No Park-ing signs at Stieger Lake Lane between Rose Street and Victoria Drive.  The Kid Talk building has a new tenant - Snap Fitness - that is open 24 hours and needs 24-hour access.  Stated Jim Paulsen, "If there's a doubting Thomas here on Shared Parking, I'll be the first in line.  This is the start of it [problems] but we approved the 24-hour use."
*Councilmembers authorized the use of the Field House as a shelter for students at Holy Family Catholic High School in case of an emergency evacuation.
*In February the Chaska Lions donat-ed $21,916 to the Victoria Parks and Rec Department.  Since July 2003 they have donated $53,916 through their pull tab operation at Floyd's and Schmitty's in Victoria.
*Council voted to reduce the city's nonresidential water usage fee, at least temporarily, to be based on meter size rather than connection size.  Staff will inform Council in April of the number of residents who use 8,000 gallons or less per quarter and also those who use 15,000 gallons or less.  The city's engineering firm is in the process of collecting data and information for an updated water fee structure in the City of Victoria.

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