"We've had a couple more meetings with the Park District," said Mark.  "It's a very complicated project, a complicated trade.  The draft agreement is 28 pages long.  I anticipate coming back to the city in 30 to 45 days with a somewhat polished document.  Their board did approve a memorandum of understanding that covers all the basic points.  We're going to need a title agreement.  We're going to need it prior to getting a trade approved."
Stated Mayor Jerry Bohn, "I think we'd agree that our city attorney should look into the title."  The mayor pointed out that the 14-acres that might be traded to Victoria is "bigger than what we've got in the core downtown right now."  He suggested a Master Planner be considered.
"This is exciting stuff," said Mayor Bohn.  "I'm looking forward to its pro-gress."

ASSESSING KIRKE-LACHEN STREETS
PUBLIC HEARING ON NOVEMBER 30TH
Council accepted a feasibility study for streets at Kirke-Lachen and called a public improvement hearing for Wednes-day, November 30^th. 
City Engineer Jack Griffin reported on October 27^th that total project cost is $827,000.  With the city picking up 50% of the cost, according to city policy, that leaves $413,000 to be assessed to 53 units.
He said the per unit assessment is $7,800 and that there are 46 homes being assessed, and that a large chunk of adjacent property along 81^st Street is city-owned and so the city will pick up 7 assessments for the neighborhood.
Jack reported on neighborhood com-ments from an October 25^th meeting with residents, some of them centering on poor maintenance and therefore the residents did not want to pay for reconstruction.
Said Mayor Jerry Bohn, "Every-body's got a reason why the city should be paying for it.  The fact is, these roads are 25 years old … Sometimes people are almost abusive … We're going to have a couple tough council meeting ahead."
Stated the engineer, "Even with prop-er maintenance, the streets wouldn't last.  It's related to the sub base, and it's climatic."
Reiterated Councilmember Terry Bishop, "The maintenance didn't cause the failure.  This is true all over the city."
Added Councilmember Kim Roden, "It's true all over Minnesota."
Said Mayor Bohn, "We have an ex-ample of roads in Deer Run that are fail-ing that have been properly maintained."
Councilmember Mary Thun said, "I have sympathy for those people who have to pay for large assessments."  She asked city staff to be creative in lengthening out payments and to use senior deferments as possible.

OTHER NEWS FROM OCTOBER
NOVEMBER COUNCIL MEETINGS ON 10TH AND 30TH
*Because of a conflict with Thanks-giving Day, the second Victoria City Council in November will be held on Wednesday, November 30^th, the same night as Victoria's Truth in Taxation Hearing.
*The following vendors donated from $100 to $200 to the Victoria Fire Depart-ment to help defray costs associated with the Open House:  Rice Lake Construction Group, Borson Construction, Electric Re-source Contractors, and Valley-Rich Co.
*Mary Thun reported on October 13^th that she and others were confused as to who Attorney Bob Lindall was represent-ing as he sat in the audience at the Sep-tember 22^nd city council meeting.  She asked that the minutes from that evening reflect that he was representing the City of Victoria and not the residents of South Lake Virginia Shores.
*Said Victoria resident Darel Geske on October 13^th, "I'm here with a problem which is minor compared to other problems you face.  One of the contractors trespassed on our property and managed to mortally wound a tree on our property.  It's not a willow.  It's not a scrub tree.  It's an 18-year old black walnut tree.  I'm looking for who manages the liability on this.  I'd like someone to look into it."
*Jennifer Chapman thanked the city for its help with the recent Victoria Volks-fest, especially City Clerk Jennifer Kretsch.  "It turned out better than what we expected," she said.  "We're hoping to get your support next year too."
*Council passed a resolution support-ing the regional trail alignment that con-nects the North LRT Trail (that currently ends at Kirke-Lachen) with the South LRT Trail (near the Chaska/Chanhassen border and Hwy 212).  The trail corridor has been approved as part of the plat approvals for Krey Lakes and Rhapsody developments.
*The sealcoating contract with Pear-son Brothers was abandoned at this time and deferred to 2006, partly due to falling temperatures.
*Larkin Hoffman attorneys, including Terry Bishop, purchased a space for ad-vertisement in the kiosk at the lobby of the Victoria Field House.
*Council adopted an ordinance that approves service fees set by the Victoria Fire Department for recovering expenses from incidents and calls.  Most of the fees are waived for residents and taxpayers of Victoria.
*Council approved a variance for a rear yard setback permit for Roger and Paul Hartman, for the conversion of a garage into a house at 74^th Street
*Council approved the vacation of part of Virginia Drive, as petitioned by neighborhood residents.  The city engi-neer said it would be extremely disruptive of trees and terrain to build it to city standards.  It is currently a gravel road.  It will be privately maintained.
*Council approved a policy statement regarding private drain tile installations within city right of way or city easements.   
*Upon recommendation from Kristy Mock, Park and Rec Supervisor, Council approved a partnership with Gorilla Com-bat Sports to enhance program offerings for the residents of Victoria. 
*Upon recommendation of Jylan Johnson, Finance Director, Council ap-proved RevTrak to provide merchant credit card services and establish the city's web store which allows residents to pay utility bills online, register for park and rec programs online, and eventually pay for other city services online.
*Council accepted the resignation of Finance Clerk Peter Zimmerman and ap-proved advertising to fill the vacancy.
*Council approved a resolution that awards a contract to Midwest Fire Equip-ment and Repair Company for the pur-chase of one square 2,000 gallon tanker at a cost of $149,211.
*Council approved a bow and arrow discharge permit for William Wright for archery practice and deer hunting on his property at Rolling Acres Road.
*The Victoria Fire Relief Association received permission to conduct a raffle in accordance with state gambling laws.