Referencing the purchase of ice time at the Field House, the CCHA accountant said, "We've only ever been offered 125 hours.  We would have been happy to purchase many more hours.  We would have liked to purchase 450 hours per year.  We love the Victoria Field House and it's been a great overall experience."
Councilmembers will be meeting individually with the various hockey associations associated with the Victoria Field House to see what can be worked out about some ice contracts that have not been paid in full.
Later that evening, Councilmember Tim Amundsen stated, "Our intent is not to be malicious.  This is a municipality trying to collect what is owed."
Council authorized the city attorney to enforce past hockey contracts at the Victoria Field House to collect $317,000 in shortfall plus interest. 

POSSIBILITIES CONTINUE TO CROP UP
REGARDING THE VICTORIA FIELD HOUSE
 Councilmember Jim Paulsen came to the May 24th city council with a resume in hand for a potential hire as a director or interim director for the Victoria Field House.
"I ran into this woman who allowed me to submit her resume to you," said Councilmember Paulsen.  "She's a CPA.  She's been a treasurer for District 6 of Minnesota Hockey.  She's a mother of four who can work from 9 to 3.  I think we could do it on an independent contrac-tor basis.  No matter what decision we ultimately end up with on the Field House, we need somebody working for us."
"Hockey is where the money is," add-ed Jim.  "I think she's got what we need.  And I think we can do it without risking the ranch.  I think she's the person."
Said Councilmember Richard Tieden, "The Victoria Field House is more than hockey.  It's about knowing a lot of athletics and about advertising.  We need someone who can put it all together ... If we go this route, we have to go full bore and stock the shelves.  We've got to open the doors and make this work."
A closed session on field house negotiations was held at the end of the evening.  See Mayor's Message page 19.


THE VICTORIA TOWN HALL MEETING
SUPPORTING THE FIELD HOUSE

The Town Hall Meeting was held on Tuesday, May 8th.  Its proceedings are reported on pages 12 and 13 of this issue of the Gazette.  Nearly 100% of the speakers expressed support for the City of Victoria to retain ownership and manage-ment of the Victoria Field House.
Toward the end of the subsequent city council meeting on May 10th, council-members commented on the Town Hall Meeting.
In regard to the person who had clearly spoken against the city retaining and maintaining Field House responsibili-ty and maintenance, Councilmember Tim Amundsen said, "I know for a fact that there are more people who have that senti-ment.  I know that there are more people who felt the same way."
Mayor Mary Thun replied, "We sit up here week after week trying to make deci-sions, to the point of ad nauseam.  To those who didn't attend, I am very very disappointed that you chose not to at-tend."
Councilmember Kim Roden, who expressed at the Town Hall Meeting an interest in partnering with School District 112 or Southwest Christian High School, reported, "I got a lot of feedback after that meeting.  I knew I wouldn't win a popu-larity contest.  I asked why they didn't get up to speak.  They said they were afraid and they didn't want to go against people they know."
Councilmember Richard Tieden stated, "Government is for those who show up.  It was overwhelming.  Even I was a bit surprised.  And we've got 200 to 300 response cards here with about the same percentage of comments for and against.  There's one petition alone here of 100 people in support."

DEVELOPERS PAY FOR INFRASTRUCTURE!
COUNCIL REAFFIRMS VICTORIA POLICY

With a formal motion on May 10th, Victoria councilmembers voted 5-0 to confirm the city's policy that developers pay infrastructure costs in developments, and that the city's policy will be enforced.
The motion was made in response to an update report from Holly Kreft, Vic-toria's Director of Planning, in regard to CEI Ventures, Matt Crowe, and his vision and plan for the Land Swap Area.  Once developed, these 13.5 acres would double the size of downtown Victoria.
Stated Holly, "To date the financials have not been provided to Springsted.  The June 1st deadline is still in place.  I would like re-affirmation that the devel-oper pays the cost of infrastructure."
"I want to voice, for the record, my concern," said Councilmember Jim Paulsen.  "My concern is that, in the end, did it rise to a level of satisfaction?  I'm worried about entanglement as this goes on and on and on."
City Attorney Mike Norton stated, "He has met most of the deadlines, but that doesn't speak to the quality of the information.  I think Councilmember Paulsen's comment is appropriate and we should formalize those thoughts in a letter."
Added Councilmember Tim Amund-sen, "I encourage staff to make sure there are no question marks and that, sorry, it's not going to fly with question marks.  There is a certain quality it must rise to."
In past presentations, Mr. Crowe has showed plans for the Land Swap Area that include senior housing, library and city hall complex, a boutique hotel, roads, and other amenities.

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