Final project cost of the Downtown Street and Utility Improvements -- includ-ing new streets, parking lots, curb and gutter, stormwater system, sidewalks, crosswalks, street lighting, boulevard trees, and other costs -- amounted to $2.64 million, according to Jack Griffin, city engineer with TKDA. 
"Part of these improvements are financed through special assessments," explained Jack.  "Of the $2.6 million, the city is paying all of it except $525,000."  The city funds will come from future de-velopment and Tax Increment Financing dollars.  Stated Mayor Jerry Bohn, "It's not costing the taxpayers money."
Included in that the half million, the city is also being assessed close to $80,000 for the three parcels it owns.  There are a total of 14 property owners and 19 parcels.  The assessments range from $5,711 to $98,818.
Victoria resident Ruth Johnson, whose assessment approaches $10,000, asked for information about a retirement deferment.
Victoria resident Maurie Leuthner, whose assessment approaches $40,000, had more to say.
"I didn't need to pay $40,000 for everything I already had," he said.  "I lost four trees.  It's a poorly designed street.  The staff lied to us every time I came here.  I can't park in front of my house anymore.  They left stuff behind that always gets in the lawnmower.  They didn't put it back the way they found it. It's my yard, with a permanent easement over it.  If it isn't my yard, why am I getting nailed for another 20 feet?  The mayor said 5,000 people want the new road.  But 20 people gotta pay for it.  Who was the general on this?  Who was in charge?  Sprint damaged my property.  You ever try calling Sprint up and getting anywhere?"
There was a little heat in the Council Chambers because of the frustration, but the peacekeeper recently returned from a year of peacekeeping duty in Kosovo, spoke directly to resident Leuthner.  "Can I talk to you on this?" asked City Administrator Steve Sarvi.  "I'll work with you.  We'll work together on this."
The hearing was closed.  The defer-ment request for the retired Mrs. Johnson was accepted.  The formal objection of Maurie Leuthner was accepted.  The final assessment roll was adopted.  The inde-pendent appraisal report, showing there is a 9% to 12% increase in property values due to the city project, was accepted.
Councilmembers also accepted the work for the street and utility improve-ments, and approved final change orders and final payment requests.  The final contract total was $1,799,433.93, with the exception of $2,000 in retained funds.

SOLID BUDGET FOR VICTORIA FIELD HOUSE
ROUGHLY THE SAME AS LAST YEAR
"It's a pretty solid budget," stated City Finance Director Jylan Johnson on October 28th, referring to the Victoria Field House Budget. 
Total Field House revenue for 2005 is projected to be $1,059,739.  Total Field House expenditures for 2005 are projected to be $1,059,739.  In each case, that number for 2004 was $1,049,566.
Tammy Abrahamson, Director of Victoria Parks and Recreation, reported that she would like to add a "supervisor person" to the staff at the Victoria Field House, "someone who could be there on a regular basis.  We do have a large turn-over in staff.  This might help us maintain someone for a longer time."
Budget increases are also projected for fuel for the Zamboni, concession sup-plies, repair and maintenance of the build-ing, computer services, cleaning services, assisting with the $12,000 quarterly city newsletter, telephone service, rental of a water treatment system and a copier, purchase of a lift, and mirrors for the fitness area.
Budget decreases are projected for repair and maintenance of equipment, tools and minor equipment, arena dasher boards and scoreboards, office equipment, and a smaller interfund transfer for the 2003 equipment certificate.
Revenue increases are projected to come from concession sales, daily passes, advertising, memberships, interfund transfer from park improvement fees, and $257,330 as the city's appropriation from the General Fund for Field House operations. 
Revenue decreases are projected to be seen in ice rental, fiscal disparity, gym rentals, and city purchase of ice time.

OTHER NEWS FROM OCTOBER
COUNCIL MEETINGS NOVEMBER 8TH AND 22ND
Because of confliction of dates due to Thanksgiving, Victoria City Council Meetings have been re-scheduled for Monday, November 8th, and Monday, November 22nd, at the regular time of 6:30 p.m.
Bruce Osborn, Victoria's Public Works Superintendent, was recently com-plimented by the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission for his assistance and cooperation in helping them out of a bind because of mechanical/technical problems regarding waste control.  Mayor Bohn read aloud the letter from the MWCC with Bruce's commendation.
Councilmembers adopted guidelines for Victoria residents to take advantage of assessment deferrals for Senior Citizens or Retired and Disabled Persons, which are related to household income.  Mayor Bohn complimented staff for their effi-cient work on this task.
Holy Family Catholic High School received a temporary on-sale liquor license for the Victoria Lions to serve liquor at their Spirit of Fire fundraising event on October 29th.
The Carver County Assessor's Office will charge the City of Victoria $9.50 for every residential property, $10 per agricultural valuation, and $11 per commercial/industrial valuation.  Total charge to the City of Victoria is around $22,000 for placing valuations on ap-proximately 2,200 parcels.
Councilmember Terry Bishop con-tributed $135 for the purchase of clocks and clock guards for the gymnasium at the Victoria Field House.
Council approved an expenditure not to exceed $60,000 to execute professional services for the full design of a lift station in the Laketown Township annexation area.  Stated Mark Kaltsas, "Lundgren Brothers and Lyman are relying on this for development."  Cost of the report will be paid with Sewer Core Funds.
Four street projects throughout the city are in various stages of completion.  Some received a final wear course, some just the bituminous until next spring.  The four projects are located at 86th Street, Virginia Shores Circle, Parkside Estates, and Smithtown.