Councilmember Dave Lindgren re-ferred to past efforts of the Plochers to reduce and monitor noise levels at their establishment.  "I think they've done a good job," he said.
Resident Mary Wilson said she lives just up the street on Quamoclit and never has a problem with noise at Floyd's.
Resident Tom Walsh said, "I live 350 feet from Floyd's.  It doesn't bother me a bit.  Quite honestly, the louder the better.  I enjoy it.  Sometimes the traffic on High-way 5 is so loud it drowns out their music.  Some people enjoy the music.  Some don't.  As far as I'm concerned it's fine with me."
Councilmember Richard Tieden said the Lions Weekend is the number one fundraiser in town and brings in a lot of people.  "And I was so impressed with the Blues Festival last year," he said.  "It brings a lot of revenue to the community and showcases the community.  I applaud Rick and Lois in trying to control the noise.  It's a plus all the way around."
Stated Councilmember Terry Bishop, "I think Victoria is changing and outdoor music is not the way Victoria is going to be changing.  But I also recognize we have big weekends here so I'm in favor of giving these variances to you ... I hope we get thousands of people for you ... I don't have anything against what you're doing."
The vote to allow noise levels to reach 85 decibels on the four requested  summer evenings passed unanimously.

MOVING POLITICIANS, FINDING DOLLARS
BOTH NECESSARY IN ORDER TO BUILD ROADS
We don't have an answer as to how we can accommodate traffic," said City Planner/Acting Administrator Mark Kalt-sas on February 26th in regard to the impact of forthcoming development within an area of Laketown Township that is expected to be annexed to the City of Victoria in the near future.  The number is 1,345 acres.
Also, the State of Minnesota has said there is no funding for an upgraded Highway 5 corridor until 2020.
County Commissioner Gary Delaney, in attendance, was asked if he'd like to comment on the situation
Said he,  "We'll probably see 25% growth rate here in five years ... MnDOT would probably like to turn Highway 5 over to the county ... Carver County is in no position to build four-lane roads ... We need $25 to $30 million for county roads in the next ten years, and our entire budget is $80 million ... Highway 212 is being built to move traffic through the county.  It will upgrade the feeder system -- and that road took 40 years to get to this point ... The political process and the money to pay for it are the two issues."

THINGS IN ORDER FOR ANNEXATION
AS LAKETOWN AND VICTORIA AGREE
Councilmembers passed a joint reso-lution on February 26th that amends part of the 1976 Annexation Agreement be-tween the City of Victoria and Laketown Township in order to clarify rights, duties, and responsibilities of the two parties prior to annexation.
The area covered by the amendment consists of approximately 1,300 acres.  The township and city agree that development and annexation will occur in phases according to provisions in the Master Plan.  All land to be annexed at this time shall abut the city.
The first area subject to annexation in the Master Plan area is the location for a proposed residential development which may include the development and con-struction of a public school.
In other language of the resolution, "The City shall cause Marsh Lake Road from Co. Rd. 43 to Co. Rd. 11 to be paved with bituminous pavement when the City approves access from adjacent contiguous development to Marsh Lake Road ...
"During development all construction traffic shall use Carver County highways or City streets, and Township roads may be used only when no county road or city street is available."
The resolution consists of several more pages and paragraphs.  Stated City Planner Mark Kaltsas, "We're trying to accommodate concerns of the township." 
With this motion, the City of Victoria is now free to annex property that lies within the Master Plan area of Laketown Township.  Area outside of the Master Plan still falls under the 1976 agreement.

OTHER NEWS FROM FEBRUARY
NUMBER OF HOMES IN VICTORIA:  1,777
*According to the latest annual report from the Victoria Planning Commission, the City of Victoria had 97 new residen-tial building permits for 2003; the estimat-ed population of Victoria as of January 1st, 2004, is 5,167; and the total number of dwelling units in Victoria is 1,777.
*Staff was directed to bring a propo-sal back to council on how to improve climate and noise conditions in Victoria Hall.  Acoustics in the large room are such that there is an inability to hear each other well when background noise kicks in.  "There's no heat in the winter because we have to shut the furnace off and there's no air in the summer because we have to shut the air conditioning off or people cannot hear.  The City Clerk can't hear to take notes.  There are problems with video-taping," said Mary Thun.
*Councilmembers directed staff to write a letter to School District #112 supporting the name Victoria Elementary School for the new school that is sup-posed to be built in Victoria.  No ground is moving at this time.
*Councilmembers approved a sign permit for Edward Jones Investments on the eastern-most unit of the new Clock-tower Building in downtown Victoria.  No variance request was needed.  The sign conforms to city ordinance. 
*Councilmembers approved contract-ing with Coverall Cleaning Concepts on a trial basis for cleaning services for City Hall, Field House, (including locker rooms and lavatories), and the Fire Station at an annual cost of $16,153.92, tax included.  There is an extra charge of $100 per month for the cleaning of the Council Chamber and kitchen facilities.