GROUND BREAKING EXPECTED THIS FALL
FOR VICTORIA ICE ARENA AT DIETHELM PARK
Mike Ayres of Oppidan Investment, the company that is donating architectural and planning service to the City of Victoria for the proposed ice arena, gave an update on May 24^th.

It was in late March, 2001, that Oppidan was appointed the developer.  In April the developer made a formal presentation and proposal to sell 1,800 hours of ice at $175/hour.  Two contracts have since been clinched with Minnetonka and Holy Family Catholic High School. 
In July Mike Ayres will return to the Planning Commission and Council for final design and approval of site plans at Diethelm Park.  In September the developer hopes to break ground for a March, 2002, opening of the Victoria Ice Arena.

According to information in the April 2001 edition of the Gazette, the 36,000 square foot arena will house a single sheet of ice and cost approximately $3.5 million.  It is expected to pay for itself through hockey fees and fundraisers.

INTIMIDATION ON VICTORIA LAKES
FIRST SCHUTZ LAKE, NOW LAKE ZUMBRA
On May 10^th councilmembers voted unanimously to deny a permit application to Scott Pikovsky for a slalom ski course apparatus to be installed in Lake Zumbra. 

Perhaps twenty Zumbra residents were in attendance to voice their opposition to the ski course.  When Mayor Mary Meuwissen asked for a show of hands in favor of the ski course, no one raised their hands.
City staff said that residents in the Lake Zumbra area were notified of the proposal to install a permanent ski course apparatus.  However, lake resident Tom O'Connell said, "I live on the west bay of Zumbra and I am offended we weren't contacted about this.  This is a very small lake."
Said Councilmember Dave Lindgren, "This is obviously not a very popular issue.  People on Schutz Lake didn't mind the buoys as much as the permanent course, which is probably the way I'd go on this for you, too."  This was in reference to buoy markers for the slalom ski course that can be placed and removed each day.  Dave also commented on the large and powerful motors of the competitive ski boats.
Said Councilmember Jerry Bohn, "It is a large facility for small lakes.  I'd ask you to co-exist and cooperate with the neighbors."
Said Councilmember Richard Tieden, referring to related correspondence from residents, "What disturbs me is so many letters from so many people.  It seems like so many people are intimidated by the ski-ing.  I think people's concerns are legitimate."
Said the mayor, "I'm a skier and I like skiing but it's almost becoming like you got to build your own lake, like we build ballfields."

OTHER NEWS FROM MAY
THANK YOU, CATHERINE ARETZ
·Catherine Aretz received recognition and gratitude from the city for her time and energy in the care of Lions Park.  She has picked up litter on a regular basis, for years, to help keep the park neat and clean for all to use.
·After much discussion about install- the city's Well #3 and buying a pump for Well #3 that can also be used at Well #2 and considering the re-implementation of Well #1 and the backup use of the adjacent well that belongs to the City of Shorewood and the fact that Tower #1 is similar in height to Tower #2, which presents usage questions - all in an effort to ensure water for the City of Victoria in the event of a long, hot, dry summer - Richard Tieden said, "It sounds like the Poseidon Adventure."
·Mary Saarion, Parks & Rec Director, received authorization to hire temporary staff as needed for seasonal help with park programs, with the approval of Administrator Steve Sarvi.
·The Victoria Board of Review approved recommendations of County Assessor Angie Johnson which called for a reduction in market valuations of seven Victoria properties and no change in the valuation of one Victoria property. 
·Representatives from MN Valley Electric, Great River Energy, and Heart-land Engineering Services will be meeting with the City of Victoria in June to discuss electric issues.
·Darel Geske was hired as part time building inspector for the City of Victoria.
·Cynthia Thye resigned her position as the city's finance director.  Her position was filled by Joanne Johnson who had also been in the recent interview process.
·Council adopted the State Plumbing Code that requires a licensed master plumber obtain all plumbing permits and design system, a licensed journeyman plumber be on site and supervise all plumbing system installations and inspections, all non-licensed plumbers installing plumbing systems be approved apprentices under the direct supervision of a journeyman of master plumber.
·The City of Victoria established a fee of $300 for an On Sale Club Liquor Li-cense.  If the Victoria Lions, for example, obtain this type of license, they may serve liquor at their special events.
·The city's insurance premium with the League of Minnesota Cities went from $55,880 last year to $61,837 this year.
·Council approved a resolution where-by the City of Victoria agreed to issue a Community Facilities Revenue Note to the Minnetonka Youth Hockey Association for the construction of a $6 million facility in the City of Minnetonka next to the Minnetonka High School.  There is no risk or obligation to the City of Victoria.
·Council approved the funding of a GIS system that will assist the city staff in the preparation of maps that are compatible with others in the field.
·Richard Tieden thanked Commission-er John Siegfried for his assistance is pursuing the eradication of propaganda in the county/medical study about binge versus chronic drinking as reported in the April edition of the Gazette.  Said John, "I'll try to make sure there is resolution of this."