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Dave Lindgren, center, was surprised at the January 13th Victoria City Council meeting by the unexpected visit of his brother and sister in law, Jim and Carol Lindgren who drove down from Hayward, Wisconsin, for the occasion and council presentation. "I didn't know they were coming," said Dave. "They have diplomatic immunity in town." The surprise included taking Dave out for dinner that evening.
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HONORING DAVE LINDGREN
TWEOVE YEARS ON VICTORIA CITY COUNCIL
Dave Lindgren, Victoria city council-member for the past 12 years, from 1993 through 2004, was honored and recog-nized at the first council meeting of the New Year for his loyal and dedicated service to the citizens of Victoria.
After presentation of a plaque, a Vic-toria Field House hockey jersey, and the adoption of a resolution, each council-member filed from their seats up to the podium where Dave stood and gave him hugs, handshakes, and good wishes.
Stated Dave, "I appreciate this a lot. I made a lot of friends in 12 years. I couldn't have asked for a better staff and council to work with." Regarding his narrow loss for re-election this past fall, he said, "I always believe things happen for a reason. I'm still waiting to learn that reason."
Part of the resolution reads: "Whereas David Lindgren served on various com-mittees and was an avid City Council liaison to the Carver County Sheriff's Department, and through his efforts the City has been able to contract for a town deputy, and Whereas David Lindgren was actively involved in many city projects which have significantly improved the community, some of which include the Cabin Fever Complex, Holy Family Catholic High School, Annexation of Land, Victoria Elementary School, and the Victoria Field House, be it resolved that the Victoria City Council and Staff officially recognize David Lindgren for his contributions to the City of Victoria and thank him for his tireless efforts, enthusiasm, and dedicated twelve years of service to the City of Victoria."
Thank you, Dave Lindgren, for your time, effort, love, and loyalty.
OATH OF OFFICE
RESULTING FROM NOVEMBER ELECTION
The full Victoria City Council now includes Mary Thun, Richard Tieden, Mayor Jerry Bohn, Kim Roden, and Terry Bishop. Re-elected Mayor Bohn and Councilmember Tieden, as well as newly elected Councilmember Roden, were each officially sworn to uphold their oath of office on January 13th, 2005.
WAGE AND SALARY INCREASES FOR 2005
AVERAGE 4.3% FOR VICTORIA EMPLOYEES
Council approved the 2005 wage structure for city employees. The wages reflect a Cost of Living Adjustment and merit pay based upon annual evaluations conducted by "front line supervisors."
According to Administrator Steve Sarvi, the average wage/salary increase for City of Victoria employees approved for 2005 is 4.3%. This includes a cost of living increase and merit pay. Average cost of living increase in pay approved for City of Victoria employees is 2% (3% for union members). Average merit pay for City of Victoria employees is 2.3%.
This is the first year that merit pay has been implemented in the City of Vic-toria.
There are five city employees who belong to the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union. They are all members of the Victoria Public Works Department. Union employees are also eligible to re-ceive merit pay from the city.
Referring to a list of proposed em-ployee salaries, Councilmember Mary Thun stated, "I would like to add a merit increase for our city administrator that would give Steve an average of all the other employee percentages. We've got a lot of expectations for him."
Since Councilmember Thun was re-ferring retroactively to 2004, Mayor Jerry Bohn stated, "But he was only here a third of the year."
Replied Councilmember Kim Roden, "He was not here not by his own choos-ing. I wouldn't want to penalize him for serving his country."
Asked Mayor Bohn about a different city employee, "We've got a guy who was on supervision for three weeks and he's still getting a merit pay?" The mayor was reminded by Councilmember Terry Bish-op it was part of union wage agreement.
Also on January 13th, councilmem-bers approved the 2005 Labor Contract as presented. Single employees will now be contributing to their health care costs. In 2006 the city will include Health Savings Accounts and a performance management system for pay increases.
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