OTHER NEWS FROM NOVEMBER
"A LITTLE CYNICISM IS PROBABLY IN ORDER"
·Stated Jim Paulsen, "I think we have to be mighty aware of the economy these past few weeks.  Utility stocks have gone from $80 to 61 cents.  It now appears their earnings were on smoke, their earnings were on trading dollars.  A little cynicism is probably in order in this day and age."

·Steve Sari thanked city councilmem-bers and staff for assisting in city work during his continuing tour of duty as a member of the National Guard at the Minneapolis and St. Paul International Airport and for being understanding of his schedule.   He also thanked the editor of the Gazette for her feature story in the No-vember edition, which was a "great tribute for him and his family."  Said Steve, "You are true patriots.  I am certainly proud to work here."

·Council approved the Refuse Hauler License application from Franck's Sanita-tion to provide service within the city lim-its of Victoria.  Franck's Sanitation, which operates out of Norwood Young America, has fulfilled all the requirements under city ordinance.

·Council approved a resolution that certifies delinquent sewer and water bills to the county auditor for collection with 2002 taxes.  Asked Dave Lindgren, "Is there any way we could make this a little more expensive for these people?"  Said Richard Tieden, "There's an avenue to take care of this ... There are various reasons people don't pay.  Some of them can't."  An administrative fee of $25 is added to each delinquent account.

·Council approved a resolution for an application by Holy Family Catholic High School for an exemption from lawful gambling license to operate a raffle in conjunction with the second annual Spirit of Fire dinner, dance, and auction event slated for March 2, 2002.

·Council approved the renewal of a fire aid agreement with William Beddor whereby the City of Victoria provides fire protection at a cost of $1,207.  This is in addition to the fire coverage also provided by the St. Bonifacius Fire Department.

·Council approved a request of Richard and Claudia Hawley at Zumbra Drive for a variance to permit a 3' addi-tion to the existing structure.

·Council approved a request of Verizon Wireless for a conditional use permit to construct a commercial antenna on the city's water tower at Kochia and an equipment building near the base of the tower.  The city will receive a rental fee of $18,000 per year plus 5% increase of that fee each year.

·Jack Griffin of TKDA predicted that a bridge design at the Rose Street intersec-tion will probably be presented to council in February of March, 2002.

·Council approved a $50 increase in the Service Availability Charge (SAC) to $1,200 effective January 1, 2002.

·Tom Gray, the city's Building Offi-cial, received approval to hire a full time assistant in the inspection department, but the city is still searching for someone to fill the bill.  Tom said that the decisions of those who work under him in the city are reflected on his own license.  "I have to be comfortable with that," he said.  Part time inspector Darel Geske is not interested in becoming licensed.  Both Tom and a new hire will also be assisting City Planner Mark Kaltsas in the office.