CHARITABLE GAMBLING IS A "BIG PLAYPEN."  For several reasons, including statewide problems, there is currently no charitable gambling being conducted at Schmitty's Tavern in Victoria.  The license holder for the pulltab operation at Schmitty's was the Minnesota Licensed Bottling Association (MLBA) Children's Fund.  Said City Councilmember Dave Lindgren, "If there is no profit for the city... if the only one that profits is the bar owner, I'm no longer interested."

FIRST HUNTING PERMIT DENIED.  Said Councilmember Jim Paulsen, "We've always been very sensitive to the fact that this day was coming.  I can't support the permit application.  The city is at a point where we have to start changing our policy."

GETTING READY FOR THE SOUTH SIDE.  The City of Victoria has received inquiries from owners and developers of land that lies adjacent to the city limits of Victoria, south of Deer Run, and within the current jurisdiction of Laketown Township.  Said Mayor Mary Meuwissen, "We're going to have to look at an adequate facility plan.  We have to show why each piece of property is important so that one large piece doesn't get taken out of the pie.  It's important to the courts that you don't take away landowners' rights so landowners understand why a line is or isn't being extended, and so others don't come in and try to take land away from Victoria."

COMING DOWN THE HOMESTRETCH.   County Road #18 through Victoria is nearly completed.  Said Councilmember Dave Lindgren, "If this council had not stepped in and went head to toe with the county, we'd have a four-lane thoroughfare through Victoria."

IT WAS A LONG HAUL. County Road #11 through Victoria is now blacktopped, striped, quite navigable, and looks pretty darn good.  Some landscaping and general cleanup remains.

"WE'RE READY!"  Councilmembers approved the listing of the three city-owned homes on 79th Street in downtown Victoria for purchase, removal, well abandonment, and site leveling.  The city will not continue renting out the homes.  "That's okay" said Mayor Mary.  "We bought them to disassemble them, and I think we're ready.  Agreed Councilmember Jerry Bohn, "We're ready!"  The homes and three other properties were purchased in order to prepare for downtown redevelopment.

THE END OF AN ERA.  As the Victoria House is changing hands, the liquor license also changes hands.  Said Councilmember Jim Paulsen, "That's a pretty awesome responsibility in this town, to take over the Victoria House."

EXPANDING CITY OFFICES.  Council approved an expenditure of $6,940 for the purchase and installation of 370 yards of carpeting for the existing council chambers, new conference room, and new council chambers.  The Village Hall, which is located adjacent to existing City Offices, is being "de-gymnasiumed," but will remain available for civic functions.

STATE PATROL VISITS VICTORIA.  Said Captain Al Smith, "We haven't been the highway patrol for 20 years, but we're still called that sometimes.  We're the State Patrol.  We have statewide jurisdiction on all the roads in the state."

DEVELOPMENT IS BRISK.  Said Planning Consultant Bill Thibault, "Development is brisk.  The will be having a record year."  Councilmembers are preparing to increase city staff to meet the needs of this growth.  Some of the positions are brand new, some have been vacant for a long time.  They include:  City Planner, City Park and Recreation Director, City Finance Director, Public Works Coordinator, Consulting Building Inspector, Public Works Assistant."

SEVERAL BARKING DOGS IN DEER RUN.  "There were 146 animal calls last year that the Sheriff or a deputy had to respond to in Victoria," reported Councilmember Lindgren.  "And that included a turtle in someone's back yard and a suspicious mouse.  We've got to free up the officers.  The biggest problem is dogs.  There are several barking dogs in Deer Run."

THE VICTORIA LIONS FASTPITCH TEAM -- as winner of the 2000 Tier II Ten and Under Girls Fastpitch Junior Olympic Fall State Championship -- received certificates of recognition and congratulations from City Administrator Steve Sarvi at the October 12th council meeting.

BID AWARDED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF WELL #3 -- to Traut Wells in the amount of $166,975.  The well will be built on the site of the Holy Family Catholic High School.  Completion date is projected to be March 30th, 2001.