City Council Minutes

Pursuant to due call and posted notice thereof, the workshop meeting of the Victoria City Council was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mayor Hershberger Thun in the Council Chambers at 7951 Rose.

Council Members Present: Mayor: Mary Hershberger Thun. Councilmembers: Jim Paulsen, Kim Roden and Rick Tieden.

Absent: Councilmember Tim Amundsen.

Others Present: City Administrator Steve Sarvi; City Planner Holly Kreft; City Engineer Cara Geheren; Finance Director Jylan Johnson; Sue Orsen, Victoria Gazette; and Recording Secretary Tanya Schmieg.
 

Ms. Kreft stated that included in the packet are comments from the stakeholders meetings, an amended schedule and smaller versions of the maps. She said the City of Victoria needs a local preferred option. Ms. Kreft stated that staff is recommending the 150 foot option. She noted that at the meeting there was representation from almost all the impacted owners on the south side. Mayor Hershberger Thun asked how much it would be to acquire all the properties. Ms. Kreft said they are still working on that.

Ms. Kreft reviewed the key intersections. She said that Kochia would be a full intersection, 78^th Street has different options and Bavaria Road is shown with improvements. She noted that with all this option Digger’s would be acquired by Mn/DOT. Councilmember Tieden clarified that this is a 20-year plan, but pointed out that this could change. Ms. Geheren noted that the Holiday Station would also be gone in all the scenarios. Councilmember Tieden asked how many houses would be affected. Ms. Kreft responded four with the 150-foot option. Councilmember Paulsen commented on Holiday acquiring other land in the City. Ms. Kreft said that Holiday wants to stay in Victoria and they are open to options.

Ms. Geheren talked about the bridge being rebuilt and said that a corridor needs to be picked and the bridge needs to be built once.

Councilmember Paulsen asked where stoplights would be put in. Ms. Kreft said she guessed at Kochia, Victoria Drive and County Road 11. Ms. Geheren noted that they will be built where warranted.

Councilmember Paulsen commented on a frontage road.

Councilmember Roden talked about the traffic from the dog park.

Ms. Kreft pointed out the local connections with the Arboretum.

Councilmember Tieden asked about 18 being continued to the east. Ms. Geheren said it is in the county plan but they haven’t figured out the funding.

Ms. Geheren clarified the lights and left and right turn lanes will be part of the warrant analysis.

Ms. Kreft explained there will be a right-in right-out at Rose, Quamoclit and midpoint on the 13.5 acres. Ms. Johnson asked about having the middle lane similar to Highway 7. Ms. Geheren said they will look at the capacity issues and those alternatives. Ms. Kreft noted the crash rate is high on continuous lefts.

Ms. Kreft stated there will be an open house on May 21^st from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Councilmember Tieden summarized that this is a four lane, 150 feet highway with sidewalks and a double left if needed. There will also be street scaping and a trail on the north side.

The City Council discussed the safety and mobility.

Mr. Sarvi said that Mn/DOT will look at projects that have completed the corridor study and then the environmental study. He said that communities and counties are coming together and spending their own money to show the need.

Mayor Hershberger Thun commented on the gas tax and the process. Ms. Kreft said it should be an inter-regional corridor, not a preservation corridor.

The City Council discussed hiring a public relations person and getting a broader coalition to demonstrate out state Minnesota. Councilmember Tieden talked about the Carver County Elected Officials meeting he attended and having a common goal with the Highway 5 issue.

Councilmember Roden asked that the businesses affected be aware of this.

Councilmember Paulsen talked about the under paths.

Ms. Kreft noted they will bring this back in June with feedback from the open house.

The meeting adjourned at 6:19 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tanya Schmieg
Recording Secretary
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