The council’s deliberations on the condominium development were comprehensive. The proposal, situated in the downtown area, features two ground-floor commercial units and a showroom, with eight two-bedroom units on the second and third floors and two additional units on the top floor. The council examined the project’s alignment with the city’s comprehensive plan and zoning regulations. The development’s proposed building height and mixed-use nature comply with the central business district zoning requirements, yet the project required conditional use permits for its mixed-use designation and showroom component.

A significant topic of discussion centered around the project’s parking arrangements. The proposal includes 82 parking stalls, with 20 dedicated to condominium residents. The council expressed concerns about future parking needs, particularly if the showroom space were converted to commercial use, which would necessitate additional parking stalls. The potential for increased traffic also prompted suggestions for additional stop signs at key intersections to manage the flow.

Additional parking challenges arose from the development’s location within the Shoreland Overlay district, requiring adherence to specific setback and impervious surface regulations. The proposal sought a variance to increase the impervious surface limit to 96%, up from the standard 80%. Staff supported this increase due to necessary infrastructure improvements, such as wider sidewalks and street enhancements.

The council also explored the ownership and use of parcels involved in the parking plan. There was a preference for retaining city ownership to maintain flexibility in future developments, avoiding complications from joint ownership with developers. The council reached a consensus to approve the 96% impervious surface limit while ensuring the city retained development rights through ownership or easements.

In addition to the condo development, the council addressed the city’s stormwater management program, receiving an update on the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). The program’s self-audit revealed positive findings in inspections, public engagement, and education, though documentation was identified as an area for improvement. The council discussed the city’s pond maintenance program, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing maintenance based on various factors, including infrastructure condition and resident feedback.

The meeting also included a public hearing on the 2026 budget and levy, where the council approved a reduced final levy of $9,789,558. Despite the increase, the city’s tax rate would decrease slightly, resulting in a modest increase in city property taxes for the median-valued homeowner. The council also approved the 2026 fee schedule, noting a minor adjustment in membership categories for the Victoria Recreation Center.