At the present time, Eric indicated that some developers own land or have hands or feet in each of the five identified parcels.
2) Implement development potential guidelines.  In this strategy, various guide-lines were cited for points that could lead to favor in the eyes of the City of Victoria.
Location was the first factor men-tioned.  Building or developing in down-own Victoria would receive the most points, for example, while building or developing in the southernmost 2010 parcel would receive few points.
Affordability counts.  A developer who provides affordable homes would receive more points than one who builds on the high end.  Planning Consultant Mark Kaltsas stated, however, "The market is not in Victoria for that type of housing.  Developers can't seem to make it work out here."  Countered Planner Eric said, "There are ways to do it."
Availability of city services is a big deal.  A proposed plat would be weighted in favor of those properties that currently have sewer and water available at the boundary of the development.
Transportation is a large considera-tion.  Points would be given to a develop-er according to how traffic would flow from a developed plat to various inter-sections that may need upgrading.  Stated Mayor Jerry Bohn, "If someone would be willing to make a contribution toward improving an intersection, that would be worth something toward their develop-ment."
Bonus points might be granted for such things as providing the community with public parking or a Public Works site or connections to a regional trail and similar items deemed important to the citizens of Victoria.
Councilmember Richard Tieden said that bonus points give the impression that "developers can buy their way into Victoria."  Mayor Bohn explained, "This is for the residents, not for personal gain.  We are providing incentives." 
Planner Eric said, "We have to set it up in a way that it's not abused.  The pur-pose is to rank because only so many REC units are available to developers in Vic-toria.  At this time we're trying to bring councilmembers up to date on what the Planning Commission has discussed.  We are definitely not ready to adopt this."
3) Phase requirements for final plats.  In order to spread Victoria's available REC units among developers who might want to build in Victoria, plats would be accepted in phases, depending on the total number of lots being proposed.
Said Councilmember Kim Roden, "All this does is articulate what we are doing anyway."
She added, "With higher gas prices and higher interest rates and land prices, I think it could keep people from moving out this far.  I believe downtown Minnea-polis is becoming an attractive option."
Planning Commission member Gordy  Simanton pointed out a difference in the two markets.  "The marketplace we have out here is families," he said, and the advantages of Minneapolis will not over-come our schools.  He said inner city is probably for empty nesters.
Planner Eric agreed, "The economy is a factor, but the development industry is focused out here."
4) Reserve a portion of RECs for downtown Victoria.  The question raised on this guideline is:  Why reserve RECs for businesses (that may or may not come into downtown Victoria) until a Down-town Master Plan is updated and includes the possible park-swap property.
5) Limit the number of lots that are final platted each year.  Planner Eric said that on average the City of Victoria builds 60% of the platted lots each year.  By placing a firm limit on the number of lots platted, a firmer limit is placed on the number of homes (and RECs) being built.

At the conclusion of the evening, Planner Eric stated to the councilmembers and commissioners present, "I haven't heard you say that we've missed some-thing or that you want us to use different numbers …"  Mayor Bohn complimented Planner Eric

GOODBYE TOUCH OF BAVARIA?
"NOBODY WANTS TO DO IT ANYMORE"
It was reported on April 28^th that A Touch of Bavaria, the annual German food and fest event in Victoria, is prob-ably a thing of the past.  Stated Jennifer Chapman, recently hired director of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, "We have a lot of members who don't want to do Touch of Bavaria."
Stated Mayor Jerry Bohn, "As an old crusty German, I enjoyed Touch of Bavaria. 
Stated Councilmember Richard Tied-en about talk of the event's demise, "This is a bold departure."
Stated Councilmember Terry Bishop, "I think Touch of Bavaria has runs its course.  Victoria has grown.  Its German heritage has declined.  I have a sense that Touch of Bavaria has seen its better days.  I'm all for moving on to something else."
The Chamber director proposed a street dance in place of Touch of Bavaria.  Said Councilmember Tieden, "I don't mind a street dance, but not to replace Touch of Bavaria."
Said Jennifer Chapman, "It's getting harder and harder to get people involved."
On another matter she proposed that the Chamber take over the 62 banner positions on Victoria's new street lights in the business district.  "The Chamber would like to take that over for the advertising dollars and have businesses purchase them.  We're ready to start soliciting," she said.
After seeing a proposed banner design, where the main focus was the name and logo of a local business, Coun-cilmember Kim Roden stated, "Typically we want to make sure people know that the City of Victoria is welcoming them."  It was suggested that the city name and logo get top billing on the banners.
Concluded Mayor Bohn, "We will accept this input and give it further re-view."

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