MORE VICTORIA NEWS FROM NOVEMBER
CITY STREETS PRIORITIZED FOR SNOWPLOWING
*Council adopted a city snowplowing and ice control policy whereby higher vol-ume collector streets will be cleared first, then streets serving schools and local businesses, then low volume residential streets, cul de sacs, and alleys.  Said Rich-ard Tieden to Public Works Supervisor Bruce Osborn, "In the ten years I've lived here, I think you and your staff have done a wonderful job."

*Council accepted donations to the Victoria Fire Department, $75 from Matt Sammons, $100 from Lisa Craine, and $140 from others.
*Council authorized application for a grant that would fund a "pinch point for traffic calming on Narcissus" that should increase pedestrian safety at the crossing and a trail extension on the north side of 86^th Street connecting County Road 11 to the Field House and residential neighbor-hoods.  Planner Holly Kreft reported that a 2009 grant will also be available that could provide a direct connection to the trail system within the Laketown neigh-borhood and the Victoria Elementary School.
*Council approved a proposal from MMKR Certified Public Accountants to perform professional auditing services for the City of Victoria for three years, begin-ning with year-end 2007.  The city's bud-get contains $34,000 for audit services.
*About the major ongoing sewer and street project at Smithtown, Steve Sarvi said, "Smithtown Road continues to be a trying project.  Subcontractors continue to hit gas mains.  There's lots of continuing noise and vibrations.  We're doing the best we can to stay on the front side of this.  It's challenging."
*Council approved the 2008 Annual Animal Impound Contract with Country-side Veterinarian & Feed out of Young America.  Charges have increased slightly for the various services performed under the contract.  Ralph Molnau is the Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine at that location.
*The Victoria Fire Department ap-plied for and received a DNR matching grant for $2,000 for the conversion of portable radios.  Total cost is estimated to be $5,225.
*Tim Amundsen, Jr., was hired for a full time position in the Victoria Public Works Department, due to a medical leave of absence of Lee Otto.  Reported Administrator Sarvi, "In light of the needs of the city, Tim's performance and his willingness to commit to full time work through the summer of 2008, his elevation to full time status is beneficial to the city."  Tim has worked summers as an employee in the P.W. Department.  He is also pursuing options for an advanced degree.
*Council approved a resolution that adjusts city water and sewer rates as re-ported in the November issue of the Gazette.  As Jylan pointed out, "The last time there were adjustments was in 2005.  A primary reason is to encourage water conservation and also to address fairness."  Added Tim, "More and more there are going to be penalties for not conserving water."
*Victoria Auto Werks received a con-ditional use permit to allow repair, ser-vice, detailing, and outdoor sales at  the former C.W. Auto Repair location.
*Council approved a temporary di-rectional business sign for the northeast corner of Hwy 5 and Victoria Drive in the downtown commercial district.