WE'LL MISS YOU STEVE SARVI; INTRODUCING DAVE URBIA
CHANGES IN VICTORIA CITY ADMINISTRATION
David Urbia, the former city adminis-trator of Blue Earth and Farmington, was introduced to the public on September 22^nd as the interim administrator for the City of Victoria during the upcoming 18-month absence of Steve Sarvi who was once again called to active duty in the National Guard.  Three candidates were interviewed for the position by the Per-sonnel Committee.
Said Mr. Urbia, "I appreciate the op-portunity to serve you, the people of Vic-toria.  I wish Steve and his family all the best."
In 2001 Steve was called to active guard duty at the International Minneapo-lis and St. Paul Airport.  In 2003 he was called to active duty in Kosovo.  And now in 2005 it's six months training and one year in Iraq.
Steve said the Victoria Council has stated their agreement to "swap checks" with him as they did during his service last year in Kosovo.  In other words, Vic-toria will receive his National Guard check and send his family a check for the difference in pay between normal city duty and guard duty.
Said Steve, "My family can never adequately express what that means to us.  It just continues to show what special people live here."
Said Councilmember Richard Tieden, "I see this as a monumental sacrifice for you."  He asked that all men and women in the armed service be foremost in our thoughts.
Dave Urbia comes to Victoria with experience including 10 years as city administrator at Blue Earth and 1.5 years in Farmington where he resides with his wife Tara, daughter MacCoy, 7, and son Mattea, 4.  Dave's roots are up in Chisholm, Minnesota, where his parents and a sister still reside.
How did he hear about this opportu-nity in Victoria?  "I called Steve when I heard he was being called up for active duty.  He's a good guy.  They interviewed me and a few people and I was awarded the job … I was mobilized a few years ago.  I'm in the Navy Reserve.  I've done my two years … in England.  I brought my family out for part of it."
Dave explained that his being in the federal reserves is different; his two years are done.  Steve is in the state army reserves, and they don't have a 2-year limit for mobilization.
What does Dave know about Vic-toria?  "It has a large percentage of land area, lakes, and parks.  You're issuing 150 home building permits per year.  I'm sure that pressure will continue.  Lots of excit-ing things are happening here.  It's a neat little town."
What are his strengths?  "The finance area," he replied.  "Also, keeping on top of projects and finding solutions."
Councilmembers approved the pur-chase of a new computer at a cost not to exceed $1,700 for the interim adminis-trator.
Welcome to Victoria, Dave Urbia.  And, as always, good wishes and good luck to Steve Sarvi and his family.

HYA TIME TO FIX HYACINTH
LONG TERM SOLUTION IS AROUND THE CORNER
Public Works Superintendent Bruce Osborn presented councilmembers on September 8^th with the latest information regarding street problems at Hyacinth. 
"The weather this weekend didn't help Hyacinth at all," said Bruce.  "This area continues to wash out along each side of the roadway."
City Administrator Steve Sarvi added to the report.  "It was a significant rain.  The road is difficult to maintain.  We're looking at short and long term solutions.  When they put sewer in, they didn't re-establish the ditches because there was strong indication the street was going to be paved."  The street was never paved.
Steve said a short term solution might be some type of culvert structure to han-dle rainwater that continues to undermine the road.  This solution could be carried out by the city's Public Works staff.
A long term solution, he said, is a stormwater system and new street.  Until that day, he said, "It's something we'll have to deal with on a continuing basis every time it rains.  It's not good for the taxpayer." 
On September 22^nd the city adminis-trator reported on costs for a short term solution.  Council approved that solution at a cost not to exceed $2,000.  At least six of the 12 families at Hyacinth expressed interest that evening in signing a petition for the long term solution, a paved street. 
Signatures from only 35% of the affected properties are needed for a valid petition.  Such a petition initiates a feasibility study that often confirms cost-ly estimates for street improvements.

Click here to continue City Scoop.