"We continue to work with the devel-oper to heighten the berms even more," said Mark.  "We fully anticipate there will be no impact to existing trees on the north side.  They'll probably be spading out trees on the farm site.  As for parkland dedication, we'll probably take fees in lieu of land dedication because it already lies adjacent to parkland."
The cash in lieu of land would amount to approximately $400,000.
He said that signage will make sure that buyers of the lots or homes will be aware of adjacent park lighting.  The Victoria Planning Commission recom-mended plat approval.
In speaking to councilmembers that evening, developer Scott Carlston of Maple Grove, said he hopes to install a fountain in the proposed nurp pond and bring in more evergreen trees.  He said he, too, is interested in high berming but needs to be able to get a tree spade physi-cally on top of the berm for plantings.  He said it is certainly also to his advantage, for the sale of lots, to have nice backyards and roadside privacy.
There could be construction activity at Greenway on the Park yet this year.  Scott Carlston and Rich Gannon, football player and owner of a downtown Victoria property, have attended past council meet-ings together.

LOOKING AT MADELYN CREEK
AND PREPARING FOR 73 NEW HOMES
Since it's only in the sketch plat phase at this time, councilmembers were being asked for comment and feedback before developers head into the prelimin-ary and final plat phases
The acreage in question, currently zoned agricultural and often called the "Schalow property," is located along Highway 5 on the east side of town.  It consists of approximately 30 acres to be developed by K & K Communities, LLC, which includes John Klingelhutz and Brad Kerber.
Victoria Planner Mark Kaltsas said that the developers propose using the existing creek as a natural wedge between single family and multi-family housing.  He said the city's East Side Study had confirmed this type of use for the prop-erty.
Mark reported to council that the 22 single family homes being proposed will probably sell for around $500,000.  He said there'll be 51 multi-family units in the form of twin-homes and four-plexes.  The twin homes are proposed to be in the range of $200,000 to $300,000. 
"It's at a major intersection in the city so we've worked hard with the developer on looks," said the planner.  "It's difficult to provide adequate screening because of the steep grade below the highway.  They're providing some nice architectural detail.  There are building faces on all four side of the quads."
He said it would be nice to have some park facilities in an area that has so many people in a space, but the Planning Com-mission is not supportive of a park along Highway 5.
Brad Kerber, son of Pete and Irene Kerber of Victoria, spoke to councilmem-bers that evening of August 14th.  "We'd like to open it up to the custom builders," he said, "maybe three or four builders."  He said he wants to keep the multi-units looking nice so they enhance the nearby single family homes. 
Stated Mayor Jerry Bohn, "I want to applaud the design of your townhomes.  And I don't think that locating parks alongside a highway is such a bad idea.  Parks can be a very noisy place them-selves."
Said Councilmember Richard Tieden, "As a gateway to Victoria, I think the property is very important.  I really applaud you for having such nice sight-lines from all angles."
The next step is for the developers to submit a more detailed preliminary plat of Madelyn Creek, so named in recognition of long time previous owner Maddy Schalow who now lives in Waconia.

CITY BUYS LAKE AUBURN LAND
CURRENT SITE OF S.T.E.P. GROUP HOME
With a vote of 3-1 on August 28th, councilmembers approved a resolution authorizing and directing staff to execute a purchase agreement for property located 7555 County Road #11, current site of the S.T.E.P. group home overlooking Lake Auburn.
The home is owned by MABSSCO, which stands for Mid American Baptist Social Services Corporation.
Those voting in favor:  Mayor Jerry Bohn, Councilmember Richard Tieden, Councilmember Dave Lindgren.  Voting against:  Councilmember Mary Thun.  Absent:  Councilmember Terry Bishop.
According to information provided by City Planner Mark Kaltsas, the site is 22 acres, of which 14 to 15 acres are wet-land.  That means 6 to 8 acres are build-able.   He said that a representative of MABSSCO approached the city to let them know the parcel would be going on the market and to find out if the city was interested in purchasing it. 
Mark said the parcel poses many possibilities for future development that could be of benefit to the city.  It is zoned multiple residence.  He said it could also provide an opportunity to trade for other property within the city.
Mark said the city is paying $1.5 million on a contract for deed for two years with 20% down.  He said the two years gives the city time to investigate possibilities.  "We didn't offer more or less than what they were asking," said Mark.  "This was a listed property."
Mayor Jerry Bohn said the $300,000 will be borrowed from one of the city's core funds in order to make this purchase.
According to information heard at the August 28th city council meeting, there were other interested buyers, including two developers and also Three Rivers Park District.  Representatives from one of the developers spoke that evening, questioning how the city came to purchase the property ahead of them.
Said Chad Donnay, a grandson con-nected with Donnay Homes, "We had a purchase agreement also.  The offer we had was a cash deal.  It doesn't add up how a contract for deed won out over a cash deal."
Said his associate, "We applaud the city for the work they've done.  We were approved to buy the property and left four messages with the city.  Only after five days did I get a call back and was told it was zoned for multiple family residence …"

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