NEW FACE AND OLD VICTORIA NAME
FOR THE NOTERMANN BUILDING
Matt Crowe, new owner of the building that most recently housed the Victoria Antique Shop in downtown Victoria, received unanimous approval from Victoria City Councilmembers on April 27^th to give a new facelift and old name to the building.
Stated Mr. Crowe, who presented a sketch of proposed exterior renovation, "I want to see if there's a demand for a historic style office building.  It was built in 1904.  It's a fantastic building and I want it to be around for another 100 years.  We're excited to be here in the city."
City Planner Eric Zweber provided most of the details.  "The new owner looks to call it the Notermann Building.  That's what the sign will say.  It will be returned to more of its original nature.  Windows will be replaced.  There will be a new front and face, umbrella lights, black awnings, new doors, all in keeping with our downtown design standards."
Eric said that city standards require the entire building to be of similar exterior material, which makes the back roof-shake attached structure an issue, one that does not need to be resolved at this time.
Eric said that for the time being, retail is being suggested for the first floor and apartments will remain on the second floor.  He said the new owner is exploring converting the main level into a restaurant and the second floor into office space. 
"This would require a significant investment, like an elevator," said Eric.  Councilmembers approved the display of a banner on the building for 90 days to explore interest.  The banner will read:  "Office and Retail for Lease.  Call 651-222-3404."
Stated Mayor Jerry Bohn, "I'm looking forward to seeing a new face on the building and excited to have you in town."  Matt Crowe is president of CEI Ventures, Ltd., St. Paul, MN.

ANNUAL FINANCIAL AUDIT OF VICTORIA
ACCOUNTING CONTINUES TO IMPROVE
Councilmembers approved the audit-ed financial report for the year 2005 for the City of Victoria on April 13^th.  Steve McDonald, auditor with Abdo, Eick & Meyers, reviewed some aspects of the audit with councilmembers at a workshop that evening.
He said he was glad to see that posi-tive changes had been implemented in internal control.  "We've dealt with five fraud cases in the last year, two with cities," he reported.  "It highlights the need for internal control."
Mayor Jerry Bohn stated, "We will look at it against this summer."
At the same time, Mr. McDonald stated that cities have been working hard to substantiate fees.  "The League of Minnesota Cities has been aggressively defending cities against lawsuits by the Builders Association," he said. 
He suggested that the City of Vic-toria increase its sewer fees 2% to 3% each year rather than sporadic larger increases. 
Accounting procedures have been improved in the City of Victoria, accord-ing to the auditor, in a manner that puts more things on the surface.  "You now had 42 journal entries at the end of the year," he said.  "That is an improvement."
He acknowledged that the City of Victoria has also been successful in achieving its annual goal of maintaining at least 25% of operating expenses in the general fund balance.  "It went up to 28% in 2005," he stated.  Maintaining such a balance allows the city to meet emergency or unexpected expenditures.

MORE DOLLARS TO VICTORIA CHAMBER
TO SUPPORT THE VOLKSFEST THIS FALL
Councilmembers approved a payment of $4,897 to the Victoria Chamber of Commerce for the purchase of Volksfest buttons ($2,197) and musical entertain-ment ($2,700 for the band).  The City of Victoria will also contribute the use of picnic tables, dumpsters, and the assis-tance of city maintenance workers for the event.
Stated Chamber Director Jennifer Chapman, "Last year I asked for approxi-mately $4,000.  The Chamber spent $11,000 and we had a profit of $1,800.  There will be about $15,000 in expendi-tures this year."
She reported that Volksfest is sched-uled in 2006 for Saturday, September 23^rd, from 8 a.m. to midnight in downtown Victoria.  Also approved was the closure of part of Stieger Lake Lane and Main Street for the event, a temporary liquor license, and a variance of noise/music beyond the usual curfew of 10 p.m.  On a sidebar, she reported that 300 to 350 people attended the recent Victoria Community Expo sponsored by the Vic-toria Chamber of Commerce.  She thanked Victoria councilmembers for also helping with the funding of that event.
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