NATIONAL BUILDER STEPS INTO VICTORIA
172 LOTS ACCEPTED FOR KREY LAKES
On February 23^rd, Victoria city coun-cilmembers approved the preliminary plat and also the final plat of a development previously approved.  The revised plat involves changes in lot lines and in number of lots because a national builder, Donald Ray Horton of Arkansas, came on board.
Name of the development:  Krey Lakes.  Name of the developers:  Hartman Communities and Pemtom Land Com-pany.  Location: West of Victoria in the vicinity of Krey Lake.
Stated developer Terry Hartman about D.R. Horton, "They're new to Victoria, but not to the nation.  They're the nation's largest homebuilder.  I'm confident they'll pull off what we start-ed."
City Planner Eric Zweber reported that in 2004 the proposed sketch plat for this property included 203 lots.  In 2005 the preliminary plat was approved for 187 lots.  Now, with the recent council action of February of 2006, the plat was ap-proved for 172 lots.
Stated Eric, "The national company wanted more uniform lots sizes, which resulted in fewer lots.  This does require that you approve a revised plat."
Eric also reported that two lots will be put into the city land trust and be made more affordable.  There is currently one other city lot in the land trust, with two more committed to the city's land trust.
Krey Lakes development will mean the eventual closure of the Maple Drive access south of Highway 5.  It will mean the construction of left turn lanes, from both directions, at the Auburn Drive access north of Highway 5.  It will mean the need for a new lift station. 
Stated Terry Hartman, who was re-sponsible for getting lot lines for the plat redrawn and submitted, "We feel we received an exceptional level of service from Eric and Carra.  It's certainly ap-parent that we're getting an increased level of service … and Mr. Norton did a fantastic job too."  Carra Geheren is the City Engineer with TKDA.  Mike Norton is the City Attorney with Kennedy and Graven.
According to online information, Horton sells more new homes than any other company in the United States.  It has recorded a rise in earnings every single quarter since it was founded in 1978.  Horton says it will sell 100,000 newly built homes in 2010, nearly double the 51,172 it sold during its latest fiscal year.  Horton employs about 8,900 people.  They build in 74 metropolitan areas in 25 states.
(Note, for the benefit of everyone's ears, it's pronounced CRY Lakes.  Think lakes.  Think wet.  Think water.  Think teardrops.  Think cry.  Think.)

CONNECTING TRAILS IN VICTORIA
WITH ABOUT A MILE OF BITUMINOUS
Council approved the pursuing of grant money by the Victoria Parks and Recreation Department, that would help support funding of constructing and com-pleting short trail connections in Victoria.  The grant would not be earmarked for the development of significant new trails.
Kristy Mock, Victoria Parks and Rec Director, presented councilmembers on February 23^rd with a project that involved just over 5,000 feet of 8-foot bituminous trail connections.  "I think it's in keeping with what our vision is for the future," she said.
Maximum amount of grant request is $100,000.  The Local Trails Connection Program is a 50/50 reimbursement grant.  As reported by Kristy Mock, the city must complete the project, produce documenta-tion of expenditures, and will then receive 50% reimbursement for the project costs.
Total estimated project cost is $178,600.  Councilmembers agreed that the city's project share of $89,300 could come from the city's trail fund and park fund.
As suggested by Mayor Jerry Bohn, residents in affected neighborhoods, such as the Woodlands, will be contacted and informed.  Stated City Planner Eric Zweber, "I've received quite a number of calls from residents wanting the trails connected.
The disconnected portion of trail on the east side of Rolling Acres Road near Swiss Mountain will not be connected at this time.  Eric said that the city would need property acquisition from the county in order to complete the trail in that loca-tion.

CONCERT IN THE PARK SERIES
COMING TO VICTORIA THIS SUMMER
Kristy Mock, Victoria Park and Rec-reation Supervisor, reported a new Con-cert in the Park program will be be offered in the City of Victoria this summer.
"Park and Rec has planned a series of musical events on Wednesday nights in the park," she said, beginning June 21^st.  "It's a free event for residents of Victoria and others who choose to come.  We plan to raise money for the events through tax deductible donations."
Jylan Johnson, Victoria Finance Director, explained that tax deductible contributions must be used for a public purpose. 
Kristy reported that five different types of music will be part of the Concert in the Park Series this summer.  "It will be quality entertainment," she said.  "I hope all of the citizens will really support this."  Kristy will be writing letters and seeking donations to encourage investment in the community.
Council unanimously approved set-ting up a tax deductible account to help support the endeavor.
Specific dates for the concerts are June 21^st, June 28^th, July 12^th, July 19^th, and July 26^th.  The concerts will be held in Lions Park and will begin at 6:30 p.m.  Local food and drink vendors will be available each of the concert nights.
Some of the music groups include Bob and the Beachcombers, Teddy Bear Band and Panda, Rae Singer Band, Charles Lazarus Quartet, and Steveadors.  In case of poor weather, the concert will be held in the gym at the Victoria Field House at Diethelm Park.

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