Stated Councilmember Richard Tied-en, "I think we really moved quickly to help them with that patio.  I'm sort of dis-appointed."
Stated Mayor Jerry Bohn, "My belief is that the patio payment would mean a settlement.  I'm dumbfounded."
Stated Councilmember Mary Thun, "The Victoria House is a good business and asset to the city, but  I am very dis-appointed.  The new parking lot and the sidewalk have added to their business.  For me, it's getting to be a little ridicu-lous.  Let's get this paid.  Let's get this settled.  And let's all go to the Victoria House for dinner."
Stated Councilmember Terry Bishop, "I don't think we're asking for anything special."
Regarding the property line pins, City Engineer Jack Griffin stated, "We have no record of pins there.  There were actually very few pins in the downtown area."

EXTENDING BIKE TRAIL SYSTEM
WITH HOPES TO HOOK UP TO CHASKA
Councilmembers voted to extend the city's bike trail eastward along 86th Street so that it reaches Bavaria Road, where it might connect one day to a trail being constructed by Chaska along Bavaria Road.  Cost to Victoria for the additional 800 feet is estimated to be under $15,000.

City Planner Mark Kaltsas said that as the Chaska section of Bavaria Road is now slated for improvement, Chaska plans to build a trail alongside the road up to a point just shy of the Victoria intersection with 86th Street.
Since the City of Victoria is in the process of reconstructing 86th Street this summer, there would be economies of scale in helping to link the trail extensions at this time.  A gap of 500 feet would still exist along Bavaria Road, but the gap could be connected at a later date.
Planner Kaltsas pointed out that con-necting the system would give Victoria trail access to Jonathan Elementary School, to the Chaska Golf Course, and to a Chaska shopping center."
Stated Councilmember Richard Tied-en, "It'd be silly not to do this.  We would be hooking up to more than a school.  We'd be hooking up to a city!"
Cost of the trail extension will be part of a change order to the 86th Street pro-ject.  Its amount will be given to council-members in July.

OTHER NEWS FROM JUNE
FIREWORKS NOW LEGAL WITH LICENSE
*In accordance with state law, the City of Victoria can now license and collect fees for the retail sale or wholesale distribution of fireworks.  The licensing process helps the city obtain accurate in-formation on safety and performance.

*Council approved the payment of $76,181.50 to fund half of the construc-tion cost for the eight tennis courts built at Holy Family Catholic High School.  The tennis courts were completed in March, 2004, at a total cost of $160,113.  The city did not have to purchase land for the community courts.  Holy Family has first rights to schedule its students.
*Unit allocations for various multi-family dwellings in Victoria were changed via an ordinance amendment that defines apartments and condominiums without laundry facilities as .8 unit for water core fees.
*City Attorney Mike Norton said the Open Meeting law is being reviewed by the State Legislature so that cities involved in the purchase of property can conduct negotiations more privately.
*The City of Victoria received the "Above and Beyond Award" as nomin-ated by City Administrator Steve Sarvi.  In his National Guard duty in Kosovo, Steve receives from the city the difference between his city and guard duty salaries.  Mayor Bohn said 600 employers were nominated, and Victoria is one of 30 that received the award.
*The Chaska Lions, who operate charitable gambling at Schmitty's Tavern, made a $6,000 donation to the City of Victoria for use by the Parks and Recre-ation Department.
*The Victoria Lions received permis-sion to conduct a raffle in accordance with the MN State Gambling laws.  The raffle will be conducted at the Lions' Fall Golf Classic Tournament on September 20th with proceeds going toward charitable do-nations.
*Councilmembers approved a vision statement for the Victoria Field House as recommended by the Field House Com-mittee:  "The City of Victoria envisions a Field House facility that offers outstand-ing recreational opportunities to the com-munity and the neighboring areas.  To achieve this vision, partnerships with community groups, public and private businesses, and the surrounding school districts will be encouraged."
*Councilmembers approved an ex-penditure of $3,000 to TKDA to plan and prepare a Water Utility Vulnerability Assessment Report and amend the Community Emergency Response Plan.  The report, which is mandated by the Homeland Security Act, will evaluate the city's existing security, assess the likeli-hood of undesirable acts, and recommend upgrades to make the city's water system more secure.
*Although requested June 10, Plow-shares Development did not receive approval of a sketch plan for 26.34 acres located at the intersection of County Road 11 and 86th Street, otherwise known as the Cargill property, south of Winter-green.  Plowshares asked for 71 homes, each valued around $350,000.  The city asked Plowshares pick up the 20 acre-parcel to the south so the township prop-erty does not arrive piecemeal in Victoria.
*The Victoria Vics gave a gift of $1,000 to the City of Victoria to purchase trees for Diethelm Park baseball field.  The city will provide matching funds for the tree planting project.
*Council approved a resolution of appreciation to Congressman John Kline for his efforts to secure federal money to help clean up the WAFTA site at St. Boni, also known as the NIKE Missile Site.  Cost for testing and cleanup is estimated to range from $200,000 to $600,000.
*Councilmembers accepted the dona-tion of two wood benches from the Deer Run Beautification Club for the two parks at Deer Run.  Approximate cost:  $1,000.
*The Victoria Lions Club will be able to extend "lights out" until 11:15 p.m. during their annual softball tournament scheduled for July 16th, 17th, and 18th.
*The Victoria Vics will be able to extend "lights out" until 11:15 p.m. for their tournament June 24th through 27th.
*The new sound and microphone system for the Victoria City Council Chambers cost $6,000.