Community and Economic Development Director, Jen Brewington. Welcome, Miss Brewington. >> Good morning. Thank you for having me. Um, as you just mentioned, I'm Jen Brewington. I'm the community and economic development director. I recognize some faces, so good to meet you all. Um, my team is responsible for all of the residential commercial development that's happening through the community. Um, and we want to just give you an update on a Downtown West project that we have going on that you've probably seen some movement on. So, I just want to start by giving some background. So the city owns a 13 and a half acre parcel known as downtown west which is located west of the existing downtown and is required through a land swap with three rivers park district and since 2006 the site has been evaluated as a strategic opportunity to extend the current downtown and connect the downtown core. In 2016, the city council adopted the downtown master plan, guiding the area for a walkable, mixeduse neighborhood with commercial residential uses to support the long-term growth and vibrancy. And if you're not familiar with where this is located, this is right by the Dairy Queen site um right there. So, we wanted to highlight some of the community engagement that we did with this project. Um it was really key in making this development successful. engagement included outreach at local events, public surveys, community forums, city council workshops and sessions. Um those all took place just to help shape that vision for downtown West. Staff and consultants asked residents, business owners, property owners what they wanted to see in the downtown west area. I might jump in here, chair, committee members. Um thank you, Jen. I do want to note that I don't believe any committee members were here at this time. Maybe Richard, you were. Um I know. Sorry, I'm not putting you on the spot by any means. Um, but the committee also was heavily engaged in providing feedback during this stage of the downtown west development, reviewed the survey and also answered um some questions from the community development scene. So, I just wanted to pause on that for background >> and [snorts] I just want to highlight one of the focus groups. Some of the information that came out of that was um a strong interest in the hot mixed juice residential commercial development, standalone restaurants, and specialty smallcale grocery and little shops. And we'll get into the grocery conversation in a few minutes. [laughter] >> I know you're dying to ask >> leaning in. >> It always comes back. >> I know you will. [laughter] >> Um and I want to highlight some of the key elements of downtown West. So when discussing the design phase, um there really was an emphasis for that small town feel with smallcale buildings and architecture that complements the existing downtown character. Um a mix of housing types will support growth in downtown vibrancy and will be constructed in phases. Ground floor retail is prioritized to create an active walkable district um that supports that small town vibrancy and business growth. Um, there's going to be integrated green spaces, plazas, and open areas that reflects the city's identity as the city of lakes and parks. And strong pedestrian connections will link downtown west to the existing downtown with trails and public access and spaces for people to interact and gather. So, phase one, which you're probably quite aware of, um, phase one includes the Olivine apartment building, which is a 145 unit market rate of building. Um the city sold that land to the Marco MLAN development team in 2022. The first phase also includes initial public infrastructure, utility work, an extension of Stiger Lake Lane, and a central green space as part of the phase one as well next to the Olivine apartment building. So right here, there's going to be a central green space. Um that space will be used for city programming, a place for people to gather where you can relax, connect with nature. Um there will also be additional public parking stalls around the central green space. And then within this um project there, right off the screen here is a 25 additional parking spaces off of Stiger Lake Lane, >> which is really great because >> yall know we want parking in the community. >> And here are some uh Olivine renderings. And in fact, they are opening today, which is very exciting. >> Um, day one of their new facility. Um, so this is what the building's looking right currently. Here's some renderings. Um, they plan on having a really nice outside plaza. Um, they're going to have a pool, grilling area. So, just a really nice, really nice building. Phase two. All right. So, right now we are working on phase two. As you can probably tell, there's a lot of moving dirt out there right now. they're doing the the grading for phase two. And so in late 2024, the city released a request for proposal seeking development concepts that reflected that next phase. So proposals were evaluated on integration of small businesses, residential options, mobility features, natural amenities, and just overall project readiness. The council selected Victoria DW LLC to work with and create a master plan. In September of 2025, the planning commission and city council reviewed a sketch plat for the full buildout of downtown west phase 2. Council expressed support for the overall direction, especially for the additional retail and residential components. In February of 2026, the city council approved a final plat for four retail and commercial buildings, one mixeduse building with groundf flooror commercial space, and two town home condo structures. The public plaza um also had discussions that were starting focusing on the programming, intended uses of the space in overall design. So, this is a rendering of how it's going to look in phases. Phase two will kick off this spring for the buildings and will be a multi-year project for completion. Just a few things to note that there will be 213 total on street or parking lot spaces throughout the master development available for these retail and residential uses. The master development also proposed an extension of the regional trail along Minnesota Highway 5 south of the retail sites and connecting with Stiger Lake Lane. A trail is also shown on the south side of Ster Lake Lane connecting to the future roundabout connection to County Road 11, Victoria Drive to the west. So you can kind of see right here. This is that central green space >> where Olivine is over here off the screen here. But these are the first buildings that are going to be built right here. This phase one, these are the residential. This is that mixed use. And these are the um commercial and retail spaces. I did want to point out to you where the public plaza is in relationship to the development itself. So the public plaza is right in between here. It's 1,200,000 square feet. It's going to be programmed with city events, public gathering spaces. Um think of things of like food uh craft fairs and you know live music, ice skating, things like that we can do. And here are some renderings of it. So, we want to make sure that this plaza is activated all year round as well. So, if you have any great ideas or you've been to events that you love, we're happy to to get feedback from you all as well. Um because again, we really want to make sure that we're utilizing the space and people are are able to use it for what they'd like. One thing I do want to point out as well is we are hoping to have um great relationships with the retail and restaurants in the site too. So, then they can use the space as well to host events that they maybe want to have. All right. So, there is going to also be a public building. The city is going to own a building. It's going to be designed to serve as a community anchor within the downtown district. It's going to have ground floor space that can accommodate community use. Um, as well as possible small business space, so maybe a cafe or a coffee shop. Um, there's also a community meeting space. We could do public workshops, cultural events, classes, and programming. So, we really want the community to be able to utilize this space. Um, we also will be able to use the space in the winter where hopefully the design is maybe some garage doors where you can spill out into the public plaza and really just have additional um areas for the community to gather >> in in that space. Is there any like co-working or small space for because we that's what we get asked for all the time. >> Sure. Great question. So that building is still kind of evolving as we're going through the phases, but that's the type of feedback that we're looking for is what does the community need and how can we make sure the community has that. Um, so I believe the space is going to be pretty flexible to where we can offer things like that. Um, you know, and maybe down the road it's a business incubator space for some purpose. You know, maybe there's a community kitchen that people could use. So again, slowly evolving, but we're trying to take all the little things that people want. >> Yeah. Yeah. And just to jump in here, committee members, chair, um we were also looking, you know, as we're bringing this to this committee and we talk about senior facility spaces, um this could be an avenue to host donuts in Victoria or create uh you know, instead of having connect at the wreck or maybe we still have connect at the wreck, but maybe this is that place where people can come and have coffee and create that natural gathering space for older adults that we program um every so often. So, just think about what we could do with some of these areas when it comes to providing uh a facility or resources to our our older residents. >> Do you think you would ever consider a an official senior center? >> You know, uh council has talked about that a couple different times >> with this committee specifically. They haven't tasked us with looking at a specific building, but they have tasked us with looking at spaces within our current buildings, within our current spaces throughout the city to create that kind of senior center. >> And to that point, Alyssa, we really wanted to make sure that downtown West was designed for all ages, right? It's walkable. Um, it's safe. It's lit. And so this building we're pretty excited about because we can utilize this. It's, you know, going to be a nice outfront space. When you're driving into downtown west, it's boom, you're in downtown west. Welcome to Victoria. So we're pretty excited. >> And then I wanted to show just a few more renderings. So this is kind of like the downtown, the main street. So really focusing on again those smallcale buildings, making it feel familiar like it is already currently in your downtown. um the streetscapes, um a lot of greenery and trees, and then here's some renderings of the retail space. Um these are going to compare in sizes. So, some of the spaces are going to be around 800 square ft to 6,000 square feet depending if it's a restaurant or retail. Um, there is no defined users for these spaces yet, but I will tell you the development group team is working with some fantastic groups that I think the community is gonna be very happy with. So, um, more food, more activity, more restaurants, which is which is great. More retail, just a rendering of one of the restaurant spaces >> and another one. Um, I will say that this group has done a really great job of the architecture. Um, very high-end materials, high-end building. We really want people to um, be appreciative of of the the old look of Victoria, right? We want to make it feel like it's always been here. >> I I I realize this is these are just renderings and so not every detail is here, but I see lots of steps and no ramps. >> Yeah, some of these will go away. We've we've talked about that with the ADA component and such too. Um some of these will be more ramped. So these are some of the earlier renderings, but yeah, those are discussions we're having. Those walkways, the pedestrian crosses, um where do the trails intersect, >> right? So that's very very important to us. So thank you for mentioning that. >> Would this be the location that uh obviously we're a ways out from that yet, but the Victoria Car Show? Are we still envisioning that be downtown or at least perhaps? >> Yeah, it's a great question. We are talking about that. What does that look like? How would that flow? Um, >> we like having it currently near downtown because we like to support our businesses in downtown. >> Yeah. And I do want to note that we don't host the Victoria classic car show. That is the Victoria business association. So, we would lean on them to their preference. Got it. >> Um, >> we are looking at, you know, what other events, programs that the city hosts downtown. um and how do we make sure that we're continuing [clears throat] to host things in both areas and even expanding, you know, our programs and our events. We don't want it to compete with downtown by any means. We don't want to take away things from downtown, but how do we complement them? So, like we talk about um you could do small concerts at that public plaza that we showed because it has that potential stage option. However, we have a great band stand down here. So, hosting big bands isn't probably the best avenue here because we do have something that >> has um the ability to play music. We have electricity there. Um in our band stand area, we have the Bayfront Plaza. So, making sure that we're thinking about things not in a vacuum, but very complimentary. I think that question about classic car is exactly the same thing that we're we're talking about too, Kyle. So, >> great. So, we want inclusion with the whole area, the whole downtown plus this. >> This is down for for us as staff. Um, we've been really intentional that this is downtown. Yeah. >> Yes. We call it downtown west because you need that physical like um aspect to it, but like for us, we want to make sure that it feels and it is downtown that we're not having separation between the two areas. So, even the walkability in between downtown and downtown west, how do we make sure that Stiger Lake West feels um welcoming and it's a short distance so people can park in one of the other and just walk. Um we're really being um smart and and trying to think through those things so that it is just one downtown area, not you know, old downtown and new downtown. That's not the atmosphere we want to um put off as part of this project. >> Thank you. and Alyssa, myself and our um Kender, our communications um folks were working on some placemaking um items as well is how does how does it feel like the current downtown with you know matching flags and you know just public art things like that that connects everything. So that's something that we're also looking at which is pretty pretty fun. Um okay, retail and then I want to show you one more. Here's an example of some of the housing. So, there's going to be a mix of housing out here um with some town homecondo units. Now, they're a little unique where they have their own front entryway, but they're attached. So, they almost feel like that brownstone feel, so really elevating the housing that we have here, something that we don't currently have. Um, and they will be owner occupied. All the housing will have underground parking, which is great. So, guests will be able to access access that. Um, and on on the back side, did you have a question? >> So, they're not rentals, they're owners, >> correct? >> Okay. >> In possibly phase four, there might be some rentals out there, but as you know, we've seen a lot of apartments going up right now. So, trying to figure out what else does the community need? >> Can we get those filled first? >> Um, what is the housing that we don't currently have? Um, so it's, yeah, something that we're currently looking at. And then this is what the site's looking at right now while it's being burned [laughter] out there. So trees are gone, roads in, buildings up. [laughter] >> Is there um outside of the the trail, is there any connection between old downtown, new downtown besides the major, I guess, highway five. >> Yeah. Okay. So that's >> on the back end, you know, to kind of connect the two together. So, there will be a sidewalk connection um in this area along Stiger Lake Lane West. Um so, this will have a sidewalk component to it um once it's installed. So, that connection will exist. Um we're also working with Carver County for a trail connection that will go behind the site which will link up to the Lake Minnetonka regional trail. So, that will also be a connection. Um, and then obviously the highway five connection once you go around the roundabout will be a transportation connection, not a walkability connection. But those are two of the pedestrian and bikeway connections that we're looking at. >> And the extension is going to be bike lanes as well as a sidewalk or just >> just a sidewalk. >> Okay. >> Are they considered a catapult to get people? [laughter] >> You know, our insurance provider might not want >> I thought there were no bad ideas. Yeah, that's [laughter] true. >> Um, one thing I too I wanted to mention is on our website under development and projects, we do have the downtown west project listed and we have updates. So, please feel free to follow along with that, share the information. We we'd love this information to get out into the community and hear your thoughts. Um, because it's very exciting. The city's owned this land for a long time, so it's >> it's a big project to us. And yeah, >> any other questions, curiosities? >> I have a comment. Um, so I've talked to several of the residents that live in the flats. They're dog owners or elderly. >> Um, who would love to see more benches and waste receptacles, >> you know, between the two spaces. >> They would walk down to the new facility more often >> if they knew it was more user friendly. >> That's easy. Thank you. This is exciting. I think we've all been >> excited to see what's going to happen and waiting to see what happens with Dairy Queen. I want to [laughter] note that the Dairy Queen is um under contract with the same development group and it will be a later phase down the road. We're actually working right now with the development team on what does that look like a design. Um we are thinking two retail restaurant drive-thru in that corner. Oh, I know the families would. >> We need it. >> Do we have um anything under the right at five there the row? Do we have retail those spaces? There's four, isn't there? >> Yep. That's 8,700 square f feet of retail. And I will tell you that there is a Mexican restaurant >> that is opening this summer. >> Oh, summer. Okay. >> Yes. Yes. And there are two other attendants that are signing letters of intent right now which I can't share but >> where is that? I'm sorry. >> The row building right um >> right across from Holiday. >> Yes. Thank you. >> I just saw the sign. It's agave, isn't it? >> Blue agave. >> Correct. >> And what did you say about grocery? [laughter] >> I was thinking the same thing. >> Yes. So originally when we did receive some of our requests for proposals, there was a developer that wanted to do just a ger out here. Mhm. >> Um, which is great, right? But now taking consideration, it's only 13 and a half acres and the Alivine apartment was already >> like develop developing. >> Um, >> and we've had some concerns and challenges with attracting a grocery store in the first place just because there are 10 within 10 miles of us. And so when we were trying to find grocerers to access the site, they just weren't interested. So the city decided to pivot and not go that direction obviously. and we think that a ger will be better on our self-growth area as railroad tracks road 10 and 111 we're seeing some more commercial growth um that just seems to be a better location for it. Um we've been in contact with a few grocerers but they're just not ready to pull the trigger yet. You don't have enough heads and beds, enough people, >> which is kind of funny to think about, right? [clears throat] Um but they're a business too, so they need to make sure that they can support their their business. So we will get one. Mark my words. Yeah. >> I'm not sure when, but >> So, is the quick trip designated for up there? >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> So, that's sort of like a grocery store that it will it will >> and it's a bigger the bigger aspect of >> the larger >> next summer. My understanding, but they are doing a new model for us. They're doing um >> more selfch checkckout lanes, more fresh grocery, um a large like walk-in popcave. Um so, it'll be interesting to see how >> larger version for our grocery needs. >> And what about any interest in pharmacy >> in these areas? >> Nothing yet. Do you are you familiar with where the hometown bank is going to be going? The new by the fire station. They purchase that land. Um they will have a medical clinic of some sort. We're not sure what that is yet. They're looking for partners right now, but some sort of medical use will be out there, which is great >> for restaurants or business owners, retail, etc. that is interested in learning about this or putting their name in the hat for some type of property, who would they contact? >> Um, you can reach out to me and then I can connect into the development team and their brokers. >> Okay. >> Very exciting. >> Yeah. Um, any any else other feedback? Anyone questions? chair. Um, and I'm also looking at Jen. As we get more information for that public building, um, we will be bringing that to the committee for a programming review. Um, today is just kind of a crash course because it's been a while since we've talked about downtown West. There's been a lot of moving pieces over the last few months. So, just kind of catching this committee up on where it is, what are we looking at? Um, so then once we get more [clears throat] um towards that public building programming uh, conversation, you at least have some background. So that will conversation will be coming back to you for further discussion about what we could do on a older adult level. [snorts] >> Again, feel free to call, email me. I'm always happy to answer questions, have coffee, chat. I love I love doing this. So, >> thank you. >> Thank you for doing it. >> Can we get a copy of this presentation? >> Yeah, I will actually and we'll share the link to the website too where the project page is as well. >> Yep. Okay. Um, next we have a community connection series update presented by assistant city manager Alysa Nelson. The floor is yours. >> One moment to run the [laughter] >> she has to getting her steps in today. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> There you go. [laughter] Thank you for >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks so much. >> All right. I'm getting my steps in today. >> Yeah. >> All right. I wanted to uh bring you all up to speed committee members on the community uh connections week slash series. So, just as some background, the city opted to do this after receiving some feedback from the community as well as this committee um about wanting some sort of senior expo uh in-person way to connect um residents with older adult resources and caregivers with those resources as well. So, we we took a little spin version of what we did in 2022. 2022, we did a more formal senior expo where we had a one-day event um at the Lions Pavilion and we just brought in vendors um to do and people could just walk around and they just set up tables um which was fairly okay attended. Um we didn't have that great um of people coming in, but you know, the vendors, they thought that it was an okay program, but based on time, we just thought we should pivot and think about something different. So we co-opted um what the city of Chanhasson has done. So they instead of having kind of a one day thing, they also do a a week or partial week event um in just a certain part of the day. So for us, we're taking that and kind of making it our own and doing a Victoria flip on it. So it's going to be Monday, May 18th to or Thursday, uh May 21st, 2026. So, it's not Friday because we're just kind of um right up against Memorial weekend. So, we did want to um have people stick around for Friday knowing that most people wouldn't attend. Um and it's going to be for the morning, so 9:00 a.m. to noon. And I'll show you kind of a tentative schedule in a in a moment. Um and it's going to be at the Victoria Recreation Center because that is our our main spot for recreation and programming. So what we're looking at for a tenative timeline, I do say tenative for some of these um but we have our our idea for this is similar to what Chan has done. So it's more program focused. So we're actually having programmed activities um and presenters coming in. And then um outside of that, if you're not interested in attending all the programs or you want to stick around a little after um you can do some sort of activity. We're looking at some passive activities that we'll have outside of the multi-purpose room as we're envisioning the presenters being so outside of that in the lower lobby and the upper lobby having booths and tables and activities. Um so each time slot we're looking at a specific focus area. Um so our 9:00 a.m. would be focused on hobby and homes. Um the ideas for that is um having like gardening for small spaces. Um we're bringing in Carver County Historical Society for Evolution Own Farming um in Carver County. Wednesday we're doing our donuts in Victoria spring cleaning with Carver County Environmental Center. Um and then Thursday we're partnering with the Lowry Nature Center, Carver Park Reserve, Three Rivers uh for some sort of natural uh program. On Thursday, we have a small break. Um and then at 10:00 a.m. we're focused on technology and tools. So, we're going to have intro into dig digital literacy um hosted by our very own IT director, Eric Shy here. Um I have the library as a TVD, but we'll talk on that one um after this, Patrick, about what that might look like. Originally, we were talking um about doing um kind of like an intro to the library um as well as talking about uh older adult programs that the library offers. Um, Wednesday, we'll have the Victoria Fire Department come in and do community safety at home and do home safety uh, audit toolkits. And then on the last day, Thursday, we'll have a Lake View clinic joining us to talk about teleaalth basics. And then 11:00 we'll do less program sitting presenting, but more kind of get up and move. So fun and fitness is our focus. So, we will have um Monday through Wednesday having our group fitness instructors Mandy and Leanne joining us to do functional fitness classes. And then on Monday, since Eric, our IT director, will be there, we're also going to do a section on technology help. So, he will be stationed by to help people with whatever technology, phone, computer, laptop, um tech help that they need. And then the last day at the last time, the Victoria Parks and Recreation is going to host a bingo to kind of cap off um the series. So that is our tenative community connection series timeline at this point. Um like I said, we're looking at doing passive activities. Um so free coffee, water, pastries. Um we're looking at hosting uh trivia stands uh related to the daily topics scattered throughout um the lower lobby area. Um, we're looking at potentially a community history or craft project. Not sure what that could look like. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, we'd love to hear that. Um, some aerial maps about Victoria throughout the years, just really showing our growth. Uh, and then community jigsaw puzzle. Jigsaw puzzles happen to be a massive hit right now, so kind of leaning into that. Um, and then we're also having Victoria Recreation Center tours scattered throughout as well as um, if you're familiar with our membership program, we do have insurance. We do take insurance for our membership at the Victoria Recreation Center. Um, however, it is very um, conducive to technology and needing to get on your computer and log in. So, having somebody there um, to help navigate folks through that insurance piece, especially um, people that might struggle through that. So, we'll have somebody stationed there just to help with any questions or walk them through um silver sneakers or any other active net pieces towards [clears throat] >> Do you need a trivia wheel for the trivia thing? >> Um are actually going to do kind of like sign trivia. We'll just stack it throughout kind of like as a mini scavenger hunt. If you're if you're sitting there, then you'll have the trivia. So, it's not going to be station thing. Great question. We do have a trivia. We'll just >> as a if we need it. >> Okay. got it last year. >> Do you intend to have any um vendors or any >> Oh, >> no. That's okay. >> Oh, I thought that's where we were going. Um like sprinkled throughout the community center. >> And I did pull that up because my third question was to talk about is doing some sort of expo um do we want to consider that as an option? Um we were just talking about it this morning that you know it might be helpful. We do have the gymnasium rented, so that might be a space where we could have um businesses coming in um and hosting booths. So again, it's that more expo style um that we can have throughout the series as well. So we wanted to pose that question to you all to see if that would be beneficial. Um especially being a first year, we know that we're not 100% sure on if um we're going to get great turnout or not. We're going to get smashing great turnout. That's the answer. But um if we would do a senior expo, typically we would charge a a small cost. However, being the first year, we probably wouldn't um just because we don't know what the attendance would look like. Wanted to throw that out as one of the questions. Um some of the other questions that I have is just general feedback on the event and program topics. Um any feedback or ideas for the passive activities, the event activities. Um and then we briefly talked about during our um work plan sessions about transportation. Um so wanted to some ideas and feedback from the >> that piece as well. >> Can you remind me is there a home and garden show taking place this year in >> I >> there was last year. >> Is the ARB doing one? >> Well, it was at uh I thought it was at the rec center last year and I can't remember. Was it in the springtime? There was a home and garden show I thought and there was but I don't know if it's still taking place or what the feedback or turnout was. >> Yeah, great question committee member. I am not a 100% sure if they're coming back for the home and garden show um this year. If we would do an expo, it'd be probably more focused towards older adult. When we did it in 2022, we reached out to like the clinic um Ridge View. We had Mac and Tunes because they have a um a dietitian that came out. Um we had probably 20 different vendors. I'd have to go back at my listing. >> Um, >> I would lean against not doing an expo, >> but doing a good evaluation of the event and asking if that is an option people would like to see with the idea if this it's just not a one-time thing that if you're going to do this, if this community connections is going to be an annual thing, I I would focus on the programming the first year. Find out what people want. to see if they want an expo, what kind of businesses they would want rather than take a take another risk. And when we did the other senior expo, my memory is wasn't it in the late fall? So the idea was a lot of people were bringing holiday some of the craft people were I don't remember. That's I have some vague memory of that. So that could have been another expo I was at. I go to a lot of them. What if we focused um vendors more on resources you know so um you know businesses who are providing ease of use or access or you know so even I love like the transportation options you know and I was even thinking for the passive events we should be present with computers and a printer available to help people get signed up for mailing lists and things so that they can see all the resources that are available even if they don't have web access. Right. It would I think it would be helpful for us to just be available. >> Absolutely. And I didn't include that slide on here and I should have um so my apologies committee but um the committee's involvement was something we extensively talked about in the work plan. So unless that changed, what I have um earmarked is that um the committee would be the ones that would introduce one of the presenters. So that would be one or two people depending on the day. Um and then the other piece to this would be people standing out in like the more passive area. Um just with we talked about having clipboards where it has like the sign up for the digital newsletter. Um and then you can just help people sign off. So, it's a good introduction, but then you can also just talk to them about the v variety of resources that are around there. And I saw a couple of you taking photos and that's fine. I'm happy to share this with you after the fact, too. So, >> so I think what we're what we agreed on and to that point is perhaps not having our own expo or booth or uh agenda topic, but really we'll be ambassadors for the city of Victoria with either a name tag badge or something clipboards guiding people through the programming and then perhaps taking feedback about what they'd like to see in the future. is that um I think what we're kind of what we talked about a little bit last time um but it's just a matter of do we really want to have a particular an agenda item or at the expo or creating expo for us or more just this time the first year kind of dipping our toe in the water about um getting feedback and and being there as a representation of the city >> that is the question I am posing to you all yes absolutely >> that's what she's asked >> I think it would be helpful for one of us to have a computer available though just so we can show people all the resources that we can you know what I'm saying like we can help them leave with something [clears throat] if they want it right I'll bring my computer have computers available >> yeah they have I was in doing >> we have a [clears throat] monitor set up >> workstation that's what I'm saying >> we usually do like when we were at Lion's park they had. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> But we can make sure that's set up and it can be via um like a connect with the senior resource committee member and you can have them just sit down and chat with you and you can talk about programs or again just general feedback or just whatever. Um, I think it's good as ambassadors to the community, um, just to talk about what concerns they might have too, just being their voice. >> And how are we getting the word out besides the website? >> Well, so far we were waiting to finalize this lineup because we'll be advertising that as much as possible. Um, we do have flyers that we've been trying to put out as many places as we can. However, I do have a a large stack over here. um if anyone is interested in bringing that with them and one handing them out or placing them at places you might find um valuable or important um and we're also looking at doing um other sorts of advertising as much as possible right now we understand this is the first year so trying to get the word out is the >> yeah let's see >> I think notifying the surrounding assisted living facilities too I mean you know not just obviously I understand we want to focus on Victoria residents But, you know, I think just driving people to these um events from CHASA or CH would be beneficial as well. >> And that's part of my job, too. I see. I go to, you know, five commission meetings in five of our cities every month >> and um I promote what's going on in the in the whole county. So, I'm happy to do that. >> Thank you, Cara. >> I'm nervous. favorite thing. >> There you go. We're glad it's your favorite. >> Okay. Anything else on that topic? >> Well, I guess are we would you like us to go and and vote on what we would like to do? I guess my sense would be to continue to be an ambassador like we had discussed and >> table uh having a specific topic or event for perhaps the following year. Sure. >> But I'm just one person. So, >> anyone else? >> Great. I think that's great. >> See head nods? >> Yeah, I think that's great. >> I think that's great. >> That is where we'll focus our time and attention on um for this year then and we'll get kind of a packet um for you all to review um in between probably the May meeting. We are meeting in May and I'm just going to skip ahead. Sorry, >> this is not following agenda or order. But um I did have for our mate meeting to just prepare for the Victoria Community Connection series. So that can go over roles, duties. I will send out the schedule well in advance because I know you all are very very busy. Um so you can get that on your calendars and I it could be potentially a sign up. So not all of you have to be there every single day, but we could schedule it out so that people can rotate in and out depending on how their schedule allows. So we'll get that all going. May I add something? Um, your your September meeting is usually my all commissions meeting and I just wanted to say that that date has been finalized. It is Thursday, September 12th from 10 to 1 and it's at the new Wakonia Event Center. They call it Paradise Commons. >> So, we're going to move it out there this year. >> September. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Yes. Yes. Traditionally, it's been at the arburitum, but we're going to try something new. And I'm going to try and get uh Carver County Parks and Wreck out there for a couple of Nordic walking or other type of try it activities for before after breaks. >> You'll put that on our email, won't you? >> I will. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> And September, what was it? >> September 12th. Uh se September 10th, I think it is. It's not because I was like it's not Friday the 13th. It's not September 11th. It's September 10th. It's a Thursday. >> Oh, okay. >> And that's in place of our normal >> It would be. Yep. >> Yeah. >> September 10th. Committee members, do we have any other feedback regarding um the program as well as any of the passive activities before we pivot? >> I think it's great that there's going to be coffee and pastries to keep people around during break from one one topic to the next. >> We will not skimp on that then. [laughter] >> Yeah. And that might be a good place for the committee members to like stage themselves. Yeah. >> Is by the food during the breaks because people will come out. >> Yeah. >> Can we go back just to the activities again or that? Yeah. I just uh want to make sure I maybe I missed it. Was there were there going to be any topics or maybe there'll just be a separate stand just about um voting or elections. >> We did not have anything on voting and elections. Um we tried not to steal conversations from Donuts in Victoria program. Oh yeah. >> Um but we can make sure that we have resources available towards that >> just >> just out and about. So we do we do plan on having like a general city booth and then um making sure that we're pulling in resources for that day as um appropriate. So um like Wednesday for example, we have the Carver County Environmental Center. So we plan on having them host a booth after their 10 o'clock or their nine o'clock session is over. So then for the rest of the day they can stay there with their resources regarding environmental um and recycling and composting as well as the Victoria Fire Department. They have a variety of resources to making sure that they're one there um that day. Since they're the Victoria Fire Department, we probably have some resources available throughout the whole program, but we'd have more tailored resources regarding the Victoria Fire Department and they would stay there for the rest of the session. just as um questions come up, we'll make sure we add elections to the list. We're always looking for election judges, so this is actually a great time to advertise to that. >> Another [snorts] plug if you're interested. >> I'm an election judge. It's really fun. Actually, >> it's a fun day. >> Great. Thank you. Okay, with that we'll move on to reports and emerging issues. >> All I have is our upcoming meetings. Um so next meeting um will be fairly straightforward if you've been here um a couple of years. So we will do our annual committee orientation. Just kind of walking through what a committee looks like. Um we will not have any new committee members. Um we did not have any turnover this year. So it will just be um us again for the upcoming year. But we will do an appointment for the committee chair and vice chair positions. That is an annual term. So if you're interested um if you're interested in red or re being appointed um this is your opportunity um for that is in April. And then like I mentioned before um May we will be talking about the Victoria Community Connections um series and then uh going all the way into June, this makes me smile because that means summer is approaching. Um we will be doing kind of an afteraction review of the community connections week. So what went well, what didn't go well, what were we missing. Um so just keep that in mind as we look at May um on when we have those conversations during the community connections week. Uh thinking about that we'll be talking about what we can do better on um at the next or the following meeting. Um and then we will be preparing for Victoria Classic Car Senior Night um this summer. That is all I have. Chair, >> have we ever had a senior night before at that? >> Not an official one. Last year, um the did of the event. So, our idea for the senior night is to make it a little bit more advertised for senior night. Um and you know, one of the things we didn't talk about during the community connections week, so I'm really going out of the agenda order, but is transportation. Um and that was something that we talked about for classic car night as well. So if anyone has any suggestions, ideas um on bringing people to this event. We know that transportation can be a barrier um please let me know um whether now or if you have any ideas you can talk to me via email or or phone call to >> you already rejected my catapult idea so I'm not offering another one. >> So what is what kind of options are there though for transportation? It's a great question and that was something that, you know, we're posing to you all as staff is one of the things that the committee has talked about is we need to figure out ways for getting people to and from. So, you know, we're we're open to suggestion on what that might look like. Um, if there's some potential partnerships that we should be looking at, um, should we be reaching out to specific resources? Um, what should we be considering? >> I wonder if I don't have I wonder if one of the transportation companies would be interested in partnering with us for events like that to give people that experience. I have to say um since you gave us that chart, my mother has scheduled appointments using each option and given me feedback who's on time, who you know whose family was easy to get in and out of, right? She has a all those things and she's actually had a really pleasant experience all of them and I think that there maybe is a lot of isolated people who just don't know how simple it is to make that phone call the schedule maybe >> she should have like a talk that she like a TED talk by your mom [laughter] >> well because I'm usually her transportation right and so I was like you should try and so one day and and then called and scheduled come back from schools and did the library one day and then waited pick her up and took her to I can't remember. I was really proud of her, but I think that that's a barrier a lot of people have. They just don't know that they can make travel. For one thing, there aren't that many transports. So, Southwest Prime comes out here. Uber and they have to, you know, they have to do that themselves. But, um, what do we have actually that would come out here? Did the city start? Yeah, you have Go ahead. >> Well, didn't the city weren't you looking at another transport to Victoria company? Yeah. >> And I I will jump in here uh chair committee members. So, we do have in Victoria currently um like you mentioned, Southwest Prime is available um at a discounted rate. We have WCAB, which is a volunteer service um that operates out of Victoria. And then there's also Metro Transit, which is not necessarily new, but I think it's new to our awareness that Metrotransit is available. Um, there is a difference between each of the three. And as your mother has probably found out, there's a difference on the scheduling and availability on how that works. Um, so we do have three, I think, fairly good options available to us. And maybe, you know, what I'm what I'm hearing from the committee and kind of what I'm digesting is maybe this is something that staff will take back and reach out to the three and say, "Hey, we're hosting this event. Um, we are going to start if [clears throat] you're comfortable with these three companies. we will advertise um that U3 are available quite extensively for this program kind of in not necessarily a partnership but if you're looking for transportation get there um make sure you have enough drivers available um or your routes change that you'll have enough people to cover this area during this event maybe that's where we'll start um and see if that works and if you are interested in um learning more about the transportation services on the county has a great kind of one pager um with all of them for the county and we kind of co-adopted that into our senior resource guide and just took the ones that are available for Victorian and placed them in there. >> I wonder if for Southwest Transit, you know, some of our more rural cities have circulators. So there are buses that come on certain days and they have two stops in town and then they'll take them to the grocery store in Wakonia on Mondays and then on Wednesdays they go to Target. Um but I wonder if there was a way that like during that week um and I feel like this is putting a lot of work on you, but I would be happy to maybe check if you need some help. um if you could contract with them or whatever to have a circulator running and it stops at like three places in town before going to the rec center and then at noon it'll do those same three stops >> um if that would be helpful. And then another Norwood Young America, I believe they have a a big event and they use they have um a local group that and they use golf carts >> circulator golf carts with sides and you know you can get the ones with six and I don't know if there's any sort of alliance group or something that could would be happy to do that but you never know. >> And a highway five I think presents a challenge. >> Yes. >> As a lawyer the first thing that comes to mind is liability. >> Yeah. [laughter] That sounds like a great idea. [laughter] >> Small towns get away with more. I mean rural rural small. >> What are your thoughts on catapults? >> Exactly. [laughter] >> No liability there. >> You sign a waiver. >> Yeah. >> Oh, that's funny. >> Well, yeah, that would be neat. I I know like a lot of the assisted living um facilities have, you know, a bus that goes twice a week somewhere and those people are more active than a lot of people who own their homes just because there's transportation every time, you know, so that the circulator thing kind of neat. >> Yeah. >> Is it Southwest that does that? >> I'm sure. >> It's a big deal though. I mean like it takes a lot um to get something like that started and your town and you know it costs a lot of money and there's feasibility you know like how many people will will really get on it specifically if it's brand new >> you almost have to have a learn like a session how to ride the circulator [clears throat] >> thank you for brainstorming that with me. I think I'll start by reaching out to the three and see if there's any sort of options and maybe a circulator becomes kind of a future conversation for us. >> That'd be kind of neat for car. >> Okay. Um members of the committee, there are no more items to come before the body this morning. Can I ask for a motion to adjourn? >> So move Thank you. Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Motion carries. We stand adjourned. Yum. >> Another great rest of the