The Springsted Study was presented to Victoria councilmembers on March 12^th, 2002.  The Study's conclusion:  "In order for the proposed arena to be finan-cially self sufficient, the projected number of rental hours must be required in con-tracts and must state that payment is re-quired regardless of use."
The Study stated that reducing the bond size or acquiring additional contri-butions would help the situation, "but not enough to eliminate the city funding of a portion of the facility through taxes or park dedication fees."
The Study also said there are current-ly several facilities that represent potential competition for the proposed arena.  It stated, "The facility could cost taxpayers up to $175,000 a year over ten years.  The facility could put up to $150 per year onto the property taxes of a $250,000 home."

VICTORIA GOES TO THE DOGS
WITH NO ROOM AT THE INN FOR SHEEP
Last month Victoria councilmembers adopted an ordinance amendment that allows a veterinary clinic to be a condi-tional use in the Central Business District of Victoria.  On April 26^th Council ap-proved a conditional use permit for the operation of a veterinary clinic in Vic-toria. 
Proposed location of the clinic is at the MABSSCO corner on Hwy 5 by the Victoria Dairy Queen.  Purchase agree-ment of that property by Patricia and Andrew Waples, owners of the Excelsior Animal Hospital, was not finalized as of April 26^th.
Several conditions accompany the conditional use - for example, dogs shall not be boarded overnight unless as part of the patient care, the business shall not be used as kennel, dogs shall not be taken outside after 10 p.m. or before 6 a.m.
In recognition of comments made at the related Planning Commission meeting, and in recognition of Marvin and Mary Gregory in attendance at the April 26^th city council meeting, Councilmember Jim Paulsen said, "I'd like to know why a longtime Victoria resident who had three sheep, why he had to get rid of them.  I'd like staff to research that.  In other cities, these animals are grandfathered in.  Texture and diversity are important to people.  Are we a small town or aren't we?  I don't think a mayor should get trumped by a piece of paper."
The Gregory's reside next to the Dairy Queen and across from the pro-posed animal clinic.  Some years ago they were forced by the city to get rid of their sheep.

OTHER NEWS FROM APRIL
ONE STEP AT A TIME IN DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
*"Matt Crowe has requested that we start negotiating on the old cafe building," reported City Administrator Dave Urbia on April 12^th.  The old cafe is owned by the City of Victoria.  Mr. Crowe is nego-tiating with the owner of the adjacent Johnson home, for purchase of the home.  The combined sites have been proposed for a large retail building in downtown Victoria with the top floor being leased for city office space until a new City Hall could be built in the nearby Land Swap property.  Council will work with current downtown developers and the creation of Tax Increment Finance District #4.
*About the Land Swap property, Jim Paulsen said, "In order to develop those 13 acres, there are certain things we have to first accomplish.  I'm concerned we're working on something we can't deliver title to."  He referred specifically to the Lake Auburn Church easement acquisi-tion.
*Council approved the Vision and Mission Statement for the City of Victoria which is:  "To promote the geographic ad-vantages and environment of our city by providing cost effective, customer service driven, innovative public services."
*Council approved the water obstacle permit for the Schutz Lake Skiers Associ-ation to operate and maintain a submersi-ble slalom ski course on the lake for the summer of 2007.
*Council accepted a $50 donation to the Victoria Fire Department from the Frey family and a $175 donation from the Benkstein family.
*Council accepted bids and awarded a contract for the 2007 street and drainage improvement - which include the Wood-stone and Smithtown areas of Victoria - to Valley Paving with a low bid of $476,735.  There were nine bidders.  The city engineer's project cost estimate was $536,839.  Said City Engineer Cara Gehe-ren, "Contractors are hungry for work be-cause of the housing slowdown."
*Council approved construction plans and specifications and ordered advertise-ment for bids for the sanitary sewer lift station Number One at Zumbra Ridge.  Project cost is estimated at $150,000.  Expected completion date is August 31^st.
*Council approved the final plat for Laketown 7^th Addition for nine single family homes on 3.54 acres as requested by U.S. Home Corporation (Lennar).
*Council approved a $1,000 donation toward the city's Concert in the Park series, from the U.S. Charitable Gift Trust.
*Council accepted a quote of $2,105 from Peckels Fence of Richfield for gates, a new section of chain link fence, and their installation at Lions Park.
*Council approved a conditional use permit for outside storage and display area for Timberwall Landscape and Masonry Products in Victoria.
*Council approved the hiring of a building supervisor for the Victoria Field House.  Tim Amundsen asked that one of the duties also be custodial.