At this time Jim Paulsen thanked the city staff, city councilmembers over the past seven years of his tenure, friends, and citizens of Victoria.  To citizens he said, "It has been a privilege and an honor.  You just can't beat the opportunity to represent smart educated people.  I don't mean just school educated, but people who have earned the right to their own opinions.  I try to make my points once, and I don't need to make them again.  I thank you for letting me be part of this great group.  God bless."
Said Councilmember Jerry Bohn, "I'm sorry to hear you make that decision.  You've been a forward thinker in this group.  I'm saddened to hear you are doing this."
Responded Jim, "You know, Jerry, it's like a party.  You've got to figure out when to leave because if you stay too long, bad things happen."

THE "INDESTRUCTIBLE" SPORT COURT
IT WILL BE ABLE TO STAY IN PLACE!
Stated Jim Moss on January 10^th, "I'm here not only as the president of the Victoria Athletic Association, but as a confused resident and citizen of Victoria." 

In general, his concern was with the possible demolition of the Victoria Sport Court at Diethelm Park.  That building is similar to a pole shed; it is not substantial in design but it is practical and appreci-ated by the VAA and the kids who use it.  The building sits on the site earmarked for the future Victoria Field House.
Since January 10^th it has been deter-mined that plans for the proposed field house can be moved a few feet directly to the east, which allows the Sport Court to remain in place.
"We're very happy with the Sport Court," said Jim Moss.  "I understand that this facility is not the greatest, but you can go in there and not worry about breaking something.  I'm not here asking for money.  There are a number of youth who don't care for hockey.  The people that are part of our program are not doing it for the money.  I think the ice arena would be good for the community, but I'm asking you to reconsider the location, so you don't have to take down the sport court."
"We need a field house," he added, "but we also need what we already have - an indestructible sport court."
Replied Mayor Mary Meuwissen, "We've challenged Mary Saarion, our Parks and Rec Director, on this to see what else we can do for you and your kids.  Maybe one of the buildings can be moved, and what is the comparison to building a new one, to see how we can continue these programs at a cost as low as possible."
Mayor Mary said she was very much in support of an "indestructible sport court" for the kids of Victoria.
Said Councilmember Richard Tieden, "I agree with you.  There's a growing need for facilities in Victoria.  It shows that we do need to expand.  We have to go with the future.  It's always been my vision to embrace the concept of a gymna-sium also." 
Richard emphasized that the field house for Victoria will indeed be a field house, not just an ice arena.  "Please take a look at the plans," he said.  "It includes a walking track, weight lifting rooms, kitchen, and other ongoing activities over the winter.  We've looked at the Buffalo facility -- it's a lovely facility built by Tony Haddad - and also at the Pagel Center where there was such a sense of community.  The majority of the Victoria Field House will be paid for by the users."
It was reported at the January 24^th council meeting that the Indestructible Sport Court will be able to remain in place.

REMODELING VICTORIA CITY HALL
SECOND PHASE IS UNDERWAY
On January 17^th Councilmembers approved plans for the second phase remodeling of City Hall at an estimated cost of $25,000.  Said Administrator Steve Sarvi on January 25^th, "It looks like the cost will be under $25,000 because we're doing all the work ourselves.  Today it looks like a bomb landed in here."\
The first phase, which was completed last year, included the carpeting and renovating of the Hall, old bar area, and former council chamber.
The second phase includes more renovation on the city office near the reception area.  It involves moving a wall, constructing several walls, acquiring a new door, creating a file room and work center, and redoing the electrical system.  It also involves a new file cabinet system,  couple of new desks, and the consolidation of spaces.

ENGINEERING PROJECTS IN THE CITY OF VICTORIA
FROM WATERMARK TO VIRGINIA SHORES
Several motions continue to be made regarding new and ongoing engineering work in the City of Victoria.  On January 17^th the following actions occurred.
Councilmembers authorized the preparation of plans and specifications for extending sanitary sewer trunk facilities through the Watermark development while identifying routes for the future trunk facility extensions to the south and west parts of the city and future annexa-tion areas.
Explained Jack Griffin, the city's engineer with TKDA, "This doesn't cost the taxpayer any money.  There is a sewer fund for this."  Every house that's built in the city has a sewer charge of $1,400. There is $1.6 million in that fund right now, according to Mayor Mary Meuwis-sen.
Developer Terry Hartman will be re-sponsible for incorporating the project through the Watermark development, which is located around Kelzer's Pond and north of County Road #43.  The city will then reimburse him for the oversizing and extra depth costs that benefit the en-tire city rather than just the development.
Said Terry, "I'm supportive of the decision to move forward if council is willing to reimburse us for that.  It will add to the length of time to get Watermark built.  It will add considerably to our re-sponsibility, but I'd rather have it be in our hands than anybody else's."
Total project cost is $570,000.  Route of the facility begins at the Kirke-Lachen tennis courts and runs south along Church Lake.  Construction is expected to begin this spring ...

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