A DESIRABLE PLACE TO LIVE
LOTS IN VICTORIA ARE DISAPPEARING
Tom Gray, Building Official for Victoria, presented a six-month report to councilmembers on July 26^th.  "Activity is strong in the City of Victoria," he said, "and is on track to exceed previous year levels."
Statistics showed that 147 house and townhouse permits were issued in 2000.  He predicted over 170 for the year 2001.  Dozens of permits are also issued for detached buildings, garages, decks, roof and shingle jobs.  Tom referred to the recent hail damage in the area and said, "The city is in the midst of a reroofing and residing epidemic.  In May and June of this year alone, we've issued 135 permits for reroofing and residing."
Tom commented on Darel Geske, the city's new part time building inspector.  "I'd like to plant a seed," he said.  "Having Darel is wonderful.  He's a blessing.  It is time for the city to consider hiring a full time inspector.  The need is there.  My time is getting stretched pretty thin."
With the growing population, Victoria is running out of lots on which to build homes.  "There are only 171 build-able lots available within the city of Victoria today, which is one year's supply the way things stand now," he said. 
Councilmember Dave Lindgren complimented Tom Gray and the permit process in Victoria, saying that contractors have commented on the fast turn-around compared to other cities.  Regarding the disappearing lots, Dave said, "Is there any question Victoria is a desirable place to live?"

OPEN HOUSE IN VICTORIA AUGUST 9TH
An Open House regarding the Trunk Highway #7 project will be held on Thursday, Aug. 9^th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Victoria Hall on Rose Street.
According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Open House is an opportunity to meet with their representatives to get up update concerning Highway 7 from Highway 41 to St. Bonifacius. 
MnDOT is also holding an Open House in St. Bonifacius on Monday, August 6^th, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the St. Bonifacius School, 8801 Wildwood Avenue.  The same information is expected to be provided at each Open House.  Refreshments will be served.

WATCHING THE WATER SITUATION
IT'S TIME TO CONSERVE THE RESOURCE
Regarding the water situation in the City of Victoria, Public Works Superintendent Bruce Osborn stated, "We're get-ting to the point where we've got to be careful.  We could be pushing our DNR appropriation.  If we go over a certain amount, they penalize you."  The DNR permits so much water per well in a particular aquifer.
The City of Victoria is currently operating under an odd/even day water ban not just to conserve water but to balance its usage so there are not great surges on the system.  Stated Mayor Mary Meuwissen about the water situation, "This is not just in Victoria.  It's throughout the state.  Some cities are taking stricter precautions than we are.  It's because of the aquifer.  We must educate people."

GETTING READY TO FIX THE STREETS
NEIGHBORHOODS ARE IN NEED
Jack Griffin of TKDA, consulting engineering firm, submitted a detailed status report, dated July 19^th, on the vari-ous engineering projects in the City of Victoria.  The report itemized the neigh-borhoods that are under consideration at this time for 2002 street improvements.  They included the Smithtown area, Zum-bra Ridge, Parkside Estates, Baycliff and Bayshore, Foxglove, Bayview, Hartwood First, Virginia Addition and Minnewashta Acres, and 86^th Street.
Streets proposed to be blacktopped yet in 2001, include 81^st Street and part of Stieger Lake Lane.  Streets proposed to be sealcoated yet in 2001, lie in Wintergreen and Katy Hills.

OTHER NEWS FROM JULY
·Council unanimously approved the final plat and rezoning of the new subdivision to be known as Parkview Estates.  The approval includes 26 single family lots on 15 acres located at the corner of State Hwy 5 and Park Drive.  Mayor Mary said she's received numerous calls from people in the Park Drive area who have difficulty getting onto Hwy 5.  This sub-division increases traffic at that intersection.
·Council approved an expenditure of approximately $12,000 to upgrade the city's ability to provide and display information to the public.  The equipment includes a laptop computer, computer image projector, Elmo visual presenter, digital video camera, and two television display units.  The equipment will allow the city to display the recently purchased 3-D graphic visualization software, power point presentations, and various hard copy exhibits brought forward by petitioners to the council. 
·Council approved the final plat, conditional use permit, and rezoning of 32.8 acres into 30 single family lots to be known as Tristan Heights.  It is located at the northwest corner of Highway 5 and Minnewashta Parkway near Faith Luther-an Church.  The developer is Lundgren Brothers.
·"How do we go about trying to hire another cable provider?" asked Dave Lindgren.  "Cable is always out.  I don't think the left foot is doing what the right foot is doing ... and their prices aren't cheap."  Media Com is the cable provider.
·Planner Mark Kaltsas suggested the possibility of scheduling some workshops for downtown development, and maybe selecting someone to come forward for design rights.  Mark also reported that several people are interested in being the "design developer" for downtown Victoria.  Council and staff will try to meet on alternate Friday mornings in this re-gard, beginning Friday, August 3^rd, when two downtown development groups will be separately questioned.
·Council approved the purchase of a new 580-D Toro mower for parks maintenance.  Purchase price is $64,534.  Said Mary Saarion, "It provides in one cut what now takes four people to do.  It makes for an efficient parks maintenance program."