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WATERMARK IS NEWEST SUBDIVISION
FOR 105 HOMES SOUTH OF KELZER POND
As recommended by staff on Septem-ber 27th, Council adopted a resolution approving the rezoning and preliminary plat of the Watermark subdivision which consists of 105 single family residential lots on approximately 100 acres currently owned by Wilbert and Darlene Kelzer and Cal Haasken.
The property is located north of Church Lake Boulevard, west of County Road #11, adjacent to the Kelzer Pond and Kirke-Lachen neighborhoods.
The approval did not come, however, until Kelzer Pond resident Bill Lutz spent over two hours at the podium that Thursday evening detailing several issues and concerns and requests about the plat, most of which were at variance with several professional recommendations.
One of the main items he spoke against was the proposal to connect Kirke-Lachen and Watermark with a through street. The entire Kirke-Lachen neighbor-hood has, in fact, had only one entrance, which is 81st Street, and has been waiting a second outlet since the neighborhood was created over 20 years ago.
Mr. Lutz and some residents did not want the through street because it would mean an increase in traffic and kids play in the street, but the Victoria Fire Depart-ment and others said the through street was needed for emergency response.
When Mr. Lutz finished, Council-member Jerry Bohn said, "I strongly support staff recommendations. It would be hard for me to vote against the Fire Department, the Public Works Depart-ment, the Planning Department, and the Engineering Department. Everybody else in the world has to be concerned about the safety of their children. That connection has always been planned to be a through street. Streets are for vehicles. We've got an ordinance that tells us to connect this street."
City Planner Mark Kaltsas also point-ed out that extremely long cul de sacs are not advisable, that there are emergency concerns should any catastrophe occur in the future, that an intersection would work in that location within the city's right of way.
He said the Fire Department has stated that 30 seconds in response time can mean the difference between life and death and there has to be safe and sure access to homes. Watermark will have another through street to the Kelzer Pond neighborhood.
Mr. Lutz also asked that construction be stopped on Saturdays, although city ordinance allows Saturday construction everywhere else. Said Mayor Mary, "I'd be opposed to that. It's people's liveli-hood."
Mr. Lutz asked for lake restrictions on Kelzer Pond. Jerry Bohn said, "Why restrict the lake more for the public than homeowners on the lake?"
Mr. Lutz asked for various lighting restrictions for new residents. Jerry Bohn said the controls should be the same for everyone.
Said Councilmember Richard Tieden, "I think we've taken the time to look over all the concerns."
Mayor Mary thanked the residents for expressing their concerns over these past months. Some of their suggestions were implemented in the plat development, such as saving the oak savannah and preserving much of the natural habitat around the lake.
OTHER NEWS FROM SEPTEMBER
INCLUDES THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
·When the council meeting of Sep-tember 13th opened, councilmembers bowed their heads and prayed for the families, children, spouses, cousins, and business acquaintances killed in the September 11th national tragedy, then stood and said the Pledge of Allegiance.
·Council voted yes to the request from Rick and Lois at Floyd's Bar for an exception to the 10 p.m. Noise Ordinance. Floyd's may remain open until 12 mid-night on Friday and Saturday nights from October 5th through November 2nd in order to provide musical entertainment in the new backyard patio during the autumn nights.
·Mayor Mary suggested a workshop on how the city could assist with housing for volunteer firefighters. She suggested a monetary incentive to attract more fire-fighters, perhaps a cash bonus after every five or ten years of service. Fire Chief Gary Sohns said, "There's a general feeling among the department that they'd rather see it go into the pension relief."
·Council amended the city's Cooper-ative Agreement with the City of Chan-hassen and Lundgren Brothers regarding the property located at the northwest cor-ner of Minnewashta Parkway and High-way 5. More specific language was need-ed for maintenance responsibility.
·The city received a letter and profit and loss statements from the Chaska Lions Charitable Gambling Manager, Richard J. Nolan, and a check in the amount of $2,000. The Chaska Lions conduct charitable gambling at Schmitty's Tavern in Victoria.
·Council adopted an ordinance regu-lating Industrial Design Standards, but not until Councilmember Jerry Bohn made suggestions and amendments so that the ordinance "doesn't hinder a business." Upon his recommendation, decorative cinder block may also be used on build-ings constructed in an industrial area of Victoria.
·Council approved the 2002 contract for police service with the Carver County Sheriff's Department. The 2001 hourly rate was approximately $43.33. The new contract anticipates an increase to $48.83. The contract, which calls for six hours of daily patrol time, is anticipated to cost the City of Victoria taxpayers $107,000. Ad-ditional patrol hours may be purchased as needed.
·Council authorized staff to obtain bids for making necessary repairs to the city-owned home at 7928 Quamoclit so it can be rented for terms of short duration. This is the home next to the Victoria House.
·On behalf of the Carver County HRA, the City of Victoria entered into a purchase agreement to purchase a proper-ty located at Field Creek Circle, a single family home with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths built in 1994. The HRA plans to rehab the residence, then manage and rent it to a low to moderate income family.
·Council approved the hiring of a full time building inspector. This is in addi-tion to the city's full time building offi-cial, Tom Gray, and part time inspector, Darel Geske. Councilmember Jerry Bohn expressed concern about accelerating the filling of this position, stating, "We've got a lot of departments that are over budget." Mayor Mary replied, "The inspection department is covering itself. People pay for this and they expect a certain amount of service."
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