HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDA April 7, 2009
C I T Y o F
NDOVE
1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 · (763) 755-5100
FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
MEETING
April 7, 2009
6:00 p.m.
Conference Rooms A & B
1. Call to Order - 6:00 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes (3/17/09 Regular Mtg.)
3. Discuss Kwik Trip Proposal, Continued
4. Other Business
@J
1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100
FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US
TO: Economic Development Authority ~
CC: Jim Dickinson, Executive Director
FROM: Michelle Hartner, Deputy City Clerk
SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes
DATE: April 7, 2009
INTRODUCTION
The following minutes were provided by staff for EDA approval:
March 17, 2009 Regular Meeting
DISCUSSION
The minutes are attached for your review.
ACTION REQUIRED
The EDA is requested to approve the above minutes.
Respectfully submitted,
~11~
Michelle Hartner
Deputy City Clerk
Attach: Minutes
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6 ANDOVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING
7 MARCH 17,2009 - MINUTES
8
9
10 A Meeting of the Andover Economic Development Authority was called to order by President
11 Gamache, March 17,2009,6:02 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW,
12 Andover, Minnesota.
13
14 Present: Commissioners Sheri Bukkila (arrived at 6:03), Don Jacobson,
15 Mike Knight, Julie Trude
16 Absent: Commissioner Robert Nowak and Joyce Twistol
17 Also present: Executive Director, Jim Dickinson
18 Community Development Director, Will Neumeister
19 Public Works Supervisor/City Engineer, Dave Berkowitz
20 Others
21
22
23
24 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
25
26 February 17, 2009 Regular Meeting: Correct as written.
27
28 Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Trude, approval of the minutes as written. Motion carried
29 unanimously. (Bukkila, Nowak and Twistol absent)
30
31 DISCUSS KWIK TRIP PROPOSAL
32
33 Mr. Neumeister introduced representatives Kevin Koenig and Dreux Shopbell with Croix Oil and
34 Darcy Erickson with SuperAmerica. They are here to voice their concerns regarding this request.
35
36 Mr. Neumeister stated the report in the agenda highlights the reasons staff supports this request.
37
38 Commissioner Jacobson stated in the letter from Croix Oil, they state several years ago a median
39 cut was suggested to the City. Commissioner Jacobson does not recall that issue presented to the
40 Council. Mr. Dickinson stated at that time it could have been related to Hanson Boulevard and
41 Bunker Lake Boulevard which are county roads. He does not recall this issue being brought to
42 the Councilor the EDA during that time frame. Mr. Neumeister stated the median change listed
43 in the letter was not for Jay Street but for Hanson Boulevard. Hanson Boulevard is a county road
44 which means Anoka County would make the decision for any median change not the City.
45
46 Commissioner Trude asked Croix Oil representatives when they were aware of this project. Mr.
47 Shopbell stated they found out last week.
48
Andover Economic Development Authority Meeting
Minutes - March 17, 2009
Page 2
1 Mr. Shopbell explained their business had been down with the road construction on Hanson
2 Boulevard and Bunker Lake Boulevard. He stated they are seeing more traffic and business is
3 coming back up.
4
5 Mr. Dickinson wanted to respond to Croix Oil's comment about not being informed until last
6 week. Back when the project was first presented it was presented as a concept plan. Normally
7 with a concept plan we don't inform everybody. Through that time frame we then came forward
8 with another plan of which the representatives of Croix Oil were made aware of both those plans.
9 Which were Kwik Trip and a major developer interested in developing the Kottkes parcel. For
10 Croix Oil to say we did not keep them apprised is not a fair statement.
11
12 President Gamache invited the representatives to take a few minutes to make any presentations
13 they might have.
14
15 Mr. VanTassel with Kwik Trip stated their proposal hasn't changed.
16
17 Commissioner Jacobson asked Mr. VanTassel in the agreement with Eddy's Auto Body is there a
18 time limit they are working under. Mr. Prater, Eddy's Auto Body stated 180 days is the time
19 limit.
20
21 President Gamache stated he sees this project as a need for development of this area. The
22 frontage road needs to be changed, it's not very useful the way that it is.
23
24 Commissioner Trude questioned using a huge amount ofTIF money on a project with not much
25 payback.
26
27 Commission Jacobson stated before making his decision he'd like to hear from the
28 representatives from Croix Oil and SuperAmerica.
29
30 Ms. Darcy Erickson representing SuperAmerica presented the EDA with a letter formally
31 opposing the request by Kwik Trip. Ms. Erickson stated SuperAmercia opposes this request for
32 several reasons. The first being it's not a unique development, it's another convenience store and
33 won't bring a lot of jobs to the area, it represents a competitor of SuperAmerica. Second it
34 represents poor public safety policy. Ms. Erickson stated the EDA would be providing access to
35 a direct competitor while access has been taken away from SuperAmerica.
36
37 Commissioner Jacobson asked Ms. Erickson why this situation is any different than a restaurant
38 or a grocery store request. Ms. Erickson stated this is different since tax dollars would be used.
39
40 Mr. Dickinson stated $326,000 is the total project cost, if there was a right-of-way acquisition
41 there would be addition costs. Also one of the property owners in the area is willing to be
42 assessed their share of the project which would amount to about $100,000. All parcels identified
43 in this Pankonin Addition area, including Croix Oil are included in the TIF district. This area is
44 still part of the redevelopment area.
Andover Economic Development Authority Meeting
Minutes - March 17,2009
Page 3
1
2 Mr. Koenig stated he didn't have much to add besides what's in the letter. The proposal to help
3 Kwik Trip is unfair and the request should be denied.
4
5 President Gamache stated the work on Hanson Boulevard and Bunker Lake Boulevard was done
6 by the County, not the City. The County has certain restrictions they put in when redeveloping
7 an intersection. This was an intersection that needed redeveloping. As far as SuperAmerica the
8 City has helped and participated in putting a signal light on 139th Lane. The City also
9 participated in some of the costs for the access road to the Mobil Station. The City has done-
10 those things to help those businesses when losing access from the County. The road in front of
11 Eddy's is a poor functioning road. This is a good time to spruce up this area on Bunker Lake
12 Boulevard when someone has interest in the parcel. The new frontage road will be much safer
13 than the one there is now. This realigned frontage road will help the redevelopment of the other
14 parcels in the area and will help the businesses further down on Grouse Street. President
15 Gamache stated these as benefits to the area and the entire City.
16
17 Commissioner Jacobson asked Mr. VanTassel ifthey have considered doing the project privately
18 or having the amount assessed. Mr. VanTassel stated they have considered an assessment
19 however, they feel by giving the City right-of-way they are giving more than their fair share.
20
21 Commissioner Trude asked if the cost of the project has gone up since it was first discussed. Mr.
22 Dickinson stated the estimate for the project is likely high. Mr. Berkowitz stated with the first
23 estimate there was no survey work involved. Since that time the site has been surveyed and more
24 information has been gathered.
25
26 Mr. Dickinson explained all the changes that have taken place in this area since 2002,
27 particularly the addition of Target.
28
29 Commissioner Knight stated he doesn't recall the City ever using TIF money for this type of
30 project. Mr. Dickinson stated with TIF notes you are willing to facilitate and build infrastructure
31 and this would be a public street. So instead of providing a TIP note you would be building a
32 public street.
33
34 Commissioner Bukkila stated she doesn't have a problem with the reconstruction or the access
35 point. She's a little at odds with the duplication of business.
36
37 President Gamache stated at some point in time this road needs to be changed, it's not going to
38 stay this way forever. This road was not done right the first time. Mr. Berkowitz stated safety is
39 a main concern and he has seen first hand traffic "shoot the gap" to get onto the current frontage
40 road. As traffic increases in this area this road will need to be changed.
41
42 Commissioner Jacobson questioned this project as good public policy and use oftax money as
43 presented. Should there be a $100,000 limit on the project. He believes it's a good idea to
44 redevelop the area but what's the best use oftax payer money.
Andover Economic Development Authority Meeting
Minutes - March 17, 2009
Page 4
1
2 President Gamache asked what the cost was buying out the junkyards. Mr. Dickinson stated the
3 cost was over 16 million. President Gamache stated buying out Eddy's would cost more than
4 $300,000.
5
6 Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight, recess the EDA meeting to go to the City Council
7 meeting and to reconvene the EDA meeting following the City Council meeting in the Council
8 Chambers. Motion carried unanimously. (Nowak and Twistol absent)
9
10 President Gamache reconvened the EDA meeting at 8:23 pm.
11
12 DISCUSS KWIK TRIP PROPOSAL (CONTINUED)
13
14 Commissioner Jacobson asked how Kottkes could be assessed. Mr. Berkowitz explained how
15 the right-a-way will butt the Kottkes parcel and the improvement will be beneficial to their
16 property.
17
18 Commission Jacobson asked ifthe EDA should spend the money and is it a good use of tax
19 money. He'd rather see the EDA set a limit of$150,000 towards the project. He stated he'd like
20 all seven EDA members to be in attendance to vote on the project.
21
22 President Gamache would like to see the project go forward. Long range for the redevelopment
23 ofthis area is necessary, that's why he supports it.
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25 Commissioner Knight stated the market should decide, not the EDA.
26
27 Commissioner Trude stated she has concern taking that much money out of the TIF fund for the
28 project.
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30 Commissioner Bukkila would like more time to read through the letters presented tonight by
31 SuperAmerica and Croix Oil. She would like the item to be brought back to the next EDA
32 meeting so all seven members are in attendance to vote.
33
34 Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight, schedule EDA meeting for April 7,2009 at 6:00 pm.
35 Motion carried unanimously. (Nowak and Twistol absent)
36
37 REVIEW/APPROVE LICENSE A GREEMENT FOR CELL TOWER
38
39 Mr. Dickinson explained the draft license agreement with Verizon Wireless to locate a cellular
40 phone antenna in Andover Station North. This project is time sensitive since Verizon would like
41 to get the antenna up before the baseball season starts.
42
43 Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight, approval of the draft authorizing the City
44 Administrator, EDA President and City Attorney to review the final draft and authorizing the
Andover Economic Development Authority Meeting
Minutes - March 17, 2009
Page 5
1 EDA President to sign as long as it's essentially the same as the draft. Motion carried
2 unanimously. (Nowak and Twistol absent)
3
4 APPROVE BANNER DESIGN FOR ANDOVER STATION
5
6 Mr. Neumeister stated the EDA is requested to choose a banner for Andover Station North.
7 There are five examples pictured in the packet.
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9 The EDA discussed the examples.
10
11 President Gamache stated the EDA would like Main Street Designs to put together a design of a
12 banner with the train from the #1 example, the lettering from the #3 example and the color ofthe
13 banner to be green. A new example, based on discussion will be brought back to the EDA at a
14 future meeting.
15
16 PURCHASE AGREEMENT/LETTER OF INTENT/PROGRESS REVIEW
17
18 Mr. Neumeister gave updates on the following:
19
20 Blue Fin Pool & Spa - The store is open.
21
22 Monument Sign - Staff is writing up a temporary use agreement for Louis Rudnicki and Scott
23 Brenner regarding a space on the monument sign.
24
25 Moose & Co. Grill House - Working on long term financing.
26
27 Office Development - The new signs placed in Andover Station North seem be working they
28 have generated a couple calls regarding the sites for sale.
29
30 Restaurant Site - Continue to pursue Buffalo Wild Wings to purchase a lot in Andover Station
31 North. They would prefer a site in front of Target.
32
33 Dynamic Sealing Technologies - July 31 st their purchase option expires. They will be requesting
34 a time extension of 18 months. They were informed there will be a non-refundable fee with the
35 time extension. This item will be brought to the EDA at a future meeting.
36
37 OTHER BUSINESS
38
39 Mr. Dickinson stated the YMCA would like to make an alteration at the Community Center. He
40 explained the alteration which consists of making a conference/meeting room out of the pool
41 conceSSIOn area.
42
43 Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight to approve the request by the YMCA to go forward
44 with the alteration. Motion carried unanimously. (Nowak and Twistol absent)
Andover Economic Development Authority Meeting
Minutes - March 17, 2009
Page 6
1
2 Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. (Nowak and
3 Twistol absent) The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
4
5 Respectfully submitted,
6
7
8 Michelle Hartner, Recording Secretary
(I)
C I T Y o F
NDOVE
1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100
FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US
TO: EDA President and Board ~
FROM: Jim Dickinson, Executive Director
Will Neumeister, Director of Community Development tl/1-
SUBJECT: Discuss Kwik Trip Proposal (Continued)
DATE: April 7, 2009
INTRODUCTION
At the March 17, 2009 EDA meeting, this item was discussed at length and continued to this meeting.
Representatives from Super America and Mobil were present on March 1 ih and offered their comments
(see attached minutes and letter). Due to the absence of two EDA members, the decision was made to
continue the discussion until all seven members could attend.
The owners of Eddy's Auto Body have a pending deal to sell their land to Kwik Trip, but the deal is
contingent upon the City reconstructing the frontage road at Jay Street and Bunker Lake Boulevard,
along with the median on Jay Street to provide full access to Bunker Lake Boulevard.
DISCUSSION
If there is EDA support, staff would suggest the EDA establish a commitment level (using TIF funds)
towards reconstructing the Bunker Lake Boulevard frontage road and the current median on Jay Street.
Since the EDA discussion on March 17th, staff has fine tuned the basis for supporting the proposal to
assistin the funding of roadway improvements. In this proposal, Kwik Trip is the catalyst for a project
that would improve the safety of the road configuration, enhance the value of adjacent property and
promote the future development along Bunker Lake Boulevard. Please review the details of what is
attempting to be accomplished with this initiative.
Safety
The current alignment of the frontage road is not a safe or convenient access to the properties that front
on Bunker Lake Boulevard (east of Jay Street). The current configuration of the access does not allow
full vehicular movement to the properties that front along that section of road. The reconstruction would
enable patrons to more easily, and safely, access these establishments.
Community Image
The existing building, operating as Eddy's Auto Body, is not very attractive and is located at a very
prominent intersection in the community. The design ofthe proposed new motor fuel convenience store
and car wash will be significantly more visually appealing than the existing structure. The current image
of that intersection very likely has a negative effect on the other development in the area, that the City
has spent a great deal of money on attracting, and is likely to continue diverting future, potential
development away from the area.
Original Intent and Boundaries of Andover Station Redevelopment Area
A strong argument could be made that the City should probably have included plans to realign the
frontage road in the overall redevelopment plan for the Andover Station redevelopment area. However,
Eddy's Auto Body was already in operation and to facilitate the rebuild previous to this opportunity
appearing would have required either a negotiated agreement or condemnation (at last resort). It should
be noted that the overall costs to redevelop this entire area were in excess of $16 million dollars. These
new costs meet the spirit of the costs associated with the original redevelopment plans as they address
the issues listed above.
It is noteworthy that the boundaries of the redevelopment area were "gerrymandered" to include the
entire strip of land along the south side of Bunker (see attached TIF boundary map). It appears that the
EDA anticipated a future need for further redevelopment in this vicinity when the redevelopment district
boundaries were originally developed.
No Condemnation Needed
In this proposal, the City would not need to initiate condemnation to acquire street right-of-way and the
needed ponding area. K wik Trip has indicated they will dedicate approximately 34,400 square feet of
right-of-way (r.o.w.) and 12,811 square feet ofponding area to handle the storm runoff from this
proposed development and the potential new street. In exchange for this dedication, they would receive
approximately 21,500 square feet of vacated right-of-way from the existing road alignment that would be
encumbered by a utility easement. The difference of approximately 25,711 square feet would result in
Kwik Trip contributing a significant amount ofland value, estimated to be $310,332 (based on the
purchase price of$12.07 per square foot). The City Engineer's estimate for the project, including design
and construction, is $326,000 if we use the $310,332 as the r.o.w. acquisition, the total project cost would
be $636,332. Therefore, Kwik Trip in this proposal would be contributing 49% ofthe total project cost.
Further Development Potential
Other vacant parcels in the area (to the east on the Kottke land) have not sold, likely because of the
limited access available to Bunker Lake Boulevard. If the access is improved at Jay Street, they will
undoubtedly become more attractive as commercial building sites. Based on a discussion at both the
August 21,2007 and March 17,2009 EDA meetings, the EDA felt that the adjacent owner of lots along
the frontage road (Kottke's Bus Company) should bear an assessment for the cost to upgrade and
improve the access to those lots. The EDA has received a letter from the owner of Kottke's indicating
that he was open to discussion about the frontage road reconstruction (see attached letter from Chuck
Peterson dated May 5, 2008). It would be our intent to establish an assessment agreement with Kottke's
and other benefitting properties (that have parcels served by the service road) bear a portion of the costs
of the road improvements that improves the marketability of their land. Kottke's three parcels have 414
feet of vacant developable frontage on the service road.
Croix Oil Concerns
In Croix Oil's letter of 3/17/09, they stated they approached the City in 2002 to inquire about a median
cut on Jay Street to facilitate more traffic to their business (see attached letter from Mark Ogren - Croix
Oil). After searching our records, staff was unable to find any evidence this was ever discussed with the
-2.-
EDA or City Council. Our understanding is that there is a difference in location between where the
median cut was proposed in 2002 by Croix Oil and where it is being proposed now. In 2002, it must be
assumed they were requesting a median opening within 50 feet of the intersection, to match the current
frontage road location, not at 250-300 feet south of the intersection being proposed now, where it would
be a safe opening. If the project were built, Croix would potentially benefit from the median cut, as
previously sought, because it would open another potential access point to their station.
SUMMARY
Staff views this project as good "public policy" because of the following reasons:
. Removes blight;
. Improves roadway safety;
. Improves community image;
. Fulfills the original intent of the Andover Station Redevelopment District;
. Does not require the use of condemnation (cost effective redevelopment);
. Improves the potential development of other vacant land in the vicinity.
ACTION REQUESTED
Staff requests the EDA further review and discuss the request from Kwik Trip. The EDA primary task at
this meeting is to determine if they want to pursue a formal agreement to assist in the project costs for
realigning the Bunker Lake Boulevard frontage road and modifying the median at Jay Street.
kZI/ ~
Will Neumeister
Attachments:
. Minutes of March 17,2009 EDA meeting
. TIF District Boundary Map
. Site/Building Drawings & Letter (July 19,2007) from Kwik Trip
Photo of Eddy's
. Previous Letter from Croix Oil (March 17, 2009)
. Letter from Super America's Attorney (April 1, 2009)
. Previous Letter from Chuck Peterson (Kottke's Bus Co.)
. Aerial Photo of Area
Cc: Mark Ogren, Croix Oil Company, 1749 Greeley St., P.O. Box 15, Stillwater, MN 55082
Darcy Erickson, LeVander, Gillen & Miller P.A., 633 So. Concord S1. (suite 400), South Saint Paul,
MN 55075
Sam VanTassel, 4815 James Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Eddy Prater, Eddy's Autobody, 1786 Bunker Lake Blvd., Andover, MN 55304
Chuck Peterson, Kottkes Bus Service, 13625 Jay Street NW, Andover, MN 55304
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6 ANDOVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING
7 MARCH 17,2009 - MINUTES
8
9
10 A Meeting of the Andover Economic Development Authority was called to order by President
11 Gamache, March 17,2009,6:02 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW,
12 Andover, Minnesota.
13
14 Present: Commissioners Sheri Bukkila (arrived at 6:03), Don Jacobson,
15 Mike Knight, Julie Trude
16 Absent: Commissioner Robert Nowak and Joyce Twistol
17 Also present: Executive Director, Jim Dickinson
18 Community Development Director, Will Neumeister
19 Public Works Supervisor/City Engineer, Dave Berkowitz
20 Others
21
22
23
24 APPROVAL OF MINUTES DRAFT
25
26 February 17, 2009 Regular Meeting: Correct as written.
27
28 Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Trude, approval of the minutes as written. Motion carried
29 unanimously. (Bukkila, Nowak and Twistol absent)
30
31. DISCUSS KWIK TRIP PROPOSAL
32
33 Mr. Neumeister introduced representatives Kevin Koenig and Dreux Shopbell with Croix Oil and
34 Darcy Erickson with SuperAmerica. They are here to voice their concerns regarding this request.
35
36 Mr. Neumeister stated the report in the agenda highlights the reasons staff supports this request.
37
38 Commissioner Jacobson stated in the letter from Croix Oil, they state several years ago a median
39 cut was suggested to the City. Commissioner Jacobson does not recall that issue presented to the
40 Council. Mr. Dickinson stated at that time it could have been related to Hanson Boulevard and
41 Bunker Lake Boulevard which are county roads. He does not recall this issue being brought to
42 the Councilor the EDA during that time frame. Mr. Neumeister stated the median change listed
43 in the letter was not for Jay Street but for Hanson Boulevard. Hanson Boulevard is a county road
44 which means Anoka County would make the decision for any median change not the City.
45
46 Commissioner Trude asked Croix Oil representatives when they were aware of this project. Mr.
47 Shopbell stated they found out last week.
48
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Andover Economic Development Authority Meeting DRAFT
Minutes - March 17, 2009
Page 2
1 Mr. Shopbell explained their business had been down with the road construction on Hanson
2 Boulevard and Bunker Lake Boulevard. He stated they are seeing more traffic and business is
3 coming back up.
4
5 Mr. Dickinson wanted to respond to Croix Oil's comment about not being informed until last
6 week. Back when the project was first presented it was presented as a concept plan. Normally
7 with a concept plan we don't inform everybody. Through that time frame we then came forward
8 with another plan of which the representatives of Croix Oil were made aware of both those plans.
9 Which were Kwik Trip and a major developer interested in developing the Kottkes parceL For
10 Croix Oil to say we did not keep them apprised is not a fair statement.
11
12 President Gamache invited the representatives to take a few minutes to make any presentations
13 they might have.
14
15 Mr. VanTassel with Kwik Trip stated their proposal hasn't changed.
16
17 Commissioner Jacobson asked Mr. VanTassel in the agreement with Eddy's Auto Body is there a
18 time limit they are working under. Mr. Prater, Eddy's Auto Body stated 180 days is the time
19 limit.
20
21 President Gamache stated he sees this project as a need for development of this area. The
22 frontage road needs to be changed, it's not very useful the way that it is.
23
24 Commissioner Trude questioned using a huge amount ofTIF money on a project with not much
25 payback.
26
27 Commission Jacobson stated before making his decision he'd like to hear from the
28 representatives from Croix Oil and SuperAmerica.
29
30 Ms. Darcy Erickson representing SuperAmerica presented the EDA with a letter formally
31 opposing the request by K wik Trip. Ms. Erickson stated SuperAmercia opposes this request for
32 several reasons. The first being it's not a unique development, it's another convenience store and
33 won't bring a lot of jobs to the area, it represents a competitor of SuperAmerica. Second it
34 represents poor public safety policy. Ms. Erickson stated the EDA would be providing access to
35 a direct competitor while access has been taken away from SuperAmerica.
36
37 Commissioner Jacobson asked Ms. Erickson why this situation is any different than a restaurant
38 or a grocery store request. Ms. Erickson stated this is different since tax dollars would be used.
39
40 Mr. Dickinson stated $326,000 is the total project cost, ifthere was a right-of-way acquisition
41 there would be addition costs. Also one of the property owners in the area is willing to be
42 assessed their share of the project which would amount to about $100,000. All parcels identified
43 in this Pankonin Addition area, including Croix Oil are included in the TIF district. This area is
44 still part of the redevelopment area.
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Andover Economic Development Authority Meeting
Minutes - March 17,2009
Page 3 DRAFT
1
2 Mr. Koenig stated he didn't have much to add besides what's in the letter. The proposal to help
3 Kwik Trip is unfair and the request should be denied.
4
5 President Gamache stated the work on Hanson Boulevard and Bunker Lake Boulevard was done
6 by the County, not the City. The County has certain restrictions they put in when redeveloping
7 an intersection. This was an intersection that needed redeveloping. As far as SuperAmerica the
8 City has helped and participated in putting a signal light on 139thLane. The City also
9 participated in some of the costs for the access road to the Mobil Station. The City has done
10 those things to help those businesses when losing access from the County. The road in front of
11 Eddy's is a poor functioning road. This is a good time to spruce up this area on Bunker Lake
12 Boulevard when someone has interest in the parcel. The new frontage road will be much safer
13 than the one there is now. This realigned frontage road will help the redevelopment of the other
14 parcels in the area and will help the businesses further down on Grouse Street. President
15 Gamache stated these as benefits to the area and the entire City.
16
17 Commissioner Jacobson asked Mr. VanTassel ifthey have considered doing the project privately
18 or having the amount assessed. Mr. Van Tassel stated they have considered an assessment
19 however, they feel by giving the City right-of-way they are giving more than their fair share.
20
21 Commissioner Trude asked if the cost of the project has gone up since it was first discussed. Mr.
22 Dickinson stated the estimate for the project is likely high. Mr. Berkowitz stated with the first
23 estimate there was no survey work involved. Since that time the site has been surveyed and more
24 information has been gathered.
25
26 Mr. Dickinson explained all the changes that have taken place in this area since 2002,
27 particularly the addition of Target.
28
29 Commissioner Knight stated he doesn't recall the City ever using TIF money for this type of
30 project. Mr. Dickinson stated with TIF notes you are willing to facilitate and build infrastructure
31 and this would be a public street. So instead of providing a TIF note you would be building a
32 public street.
33
34 Commissioner Bukkila stated she doesn't have a problem with the reconstruction or the access
35 point. She's a little at odds with the duplication of business.
36
37 President Gamache stated at some point in time this road needs to be changed, it's not going to
38 stay this way forever. This road was not done right the first time. Mr. Berkowitz stated safety is
39 a main concern and he has seen first hand traffic "shoot the gap" to get onto the current frontage
40 road. As traffic increases in this area this road will need to be changed.
41
42 Commissioner Jacobson questioned this project as good public policy and use of tax money as
43 presented. Should there be a $100,000 limit on the project. He believes it's a good idea to
44 redevelop the area but what's the best use of tax payer money.
--:i,--
Andover Economic Development Authority Meeting
Minutes - March 17,2009 DRAFT
Page 4
1
2 President Gamache asked what the cost was buying out the junkyards. Mr. Dickinson stated the
3 cost was over 16 million. President Gamache stated buying out Eddy's would cost more than
4 $300,000.
5
6 Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight, recess the EDA meeting to go to the City Council
7 meeting and to reconvene the EDA meeting following the City Council meeting in the Council
8 Chambers. Motion carried unanimously. (Nowak and Twistol absent)
9
10 President Gamache reconvened the EDA meeting at 8:23 pm.
11
12 DISCUSS KWIK TRIP PROPOSAL (CONTINUED)
13
14 Commissioner Jacobson asked how Kottkes could be assessed. Mr. Berkowitz explained how
15 the right-a-way will butt the Kottkes parcel and the improvement will be beneficial to their
16 property.
17
18 Commission Jacobson asked if the EDA should spend the money and is it a good use of tax
19 money. He'd rather see the EDA set a limit of$150,000 towards the project. He stated he'd like
20 all seven EDA members to be in attendance to vote on the project.
21
22 President Gamache would like to see the project go forward. Long range for the redevelopment
23 of this area is necessary, that's why he supports it.
24
25 Commissioner Knight stated the market should decide, not the EDA.
26
27 Commissioner Trude stated she has concern taking that much money out of the TIF fund for the
28 project.
29
30 Commissioner Bukkila would like more time to read through the letters presented tonight by
31 SuperArnerica and Croix Oil. She would like the item to be brought back to the next EDA
32 meeting so all seven members are in attendance to vote.
33
34 Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight, schedule EDA meeting for April 7, 2009 at 6:00 pm.
35 Motion carried unanimously. (Nowak and Twistol absent)
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
C2\ C I T Y 0 F ...:rax Increment Financing District 1-2
r\NDOVE~ Project Name: Andover Station
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o
July 19, 2007
Mr. Will Neumeister
Community Development Director
1685 Crosstown Blvd. N.W.
Andover, MN 55304
Dear \Nill,
Kwik Trip has executed a letter of intent (LOI) with Eddy Prater to acquire his property
(Property) located at 1786 Bunker Lake Road to facilitate the construction of a Kwik Trip
store. The sale is conditioned on approvals by the City of Andover which include the
relocation of the frontage road to run along the south edge of the Property and a break in
the median in Jay street to facilitate full turning movements to tlie relocated frontage
road. Kwik Trip would provide the property for the relocated frontage road. In return,
Kwik Trip is requesting the City to vacate the current frontage road property which would
be'incorporated into the Property and construct the new frontage road and median break
in Jay Street at the City's sole cost. Without the aforementioned, Kwik Trip would not be-
interested in pursuing this location.
We believe this request will benefit the City for the following reasons: it will enhance the
safety of the current intersection configuration by moving the frontage road access onto
Jay Street further south of Bunker Lake Blvd.; it will allow the City to relocate the
frontage road without using its power of eminent domain; it will eliminate the current
use of a body shop to a. location better suited for such a use; it will increase the value
and the functionality of the area bounded by Hanson Blvd., Bunker Lake blvd. and Jay
Street; it will enhance the tax base for the City; it will provide a valuable service to the
citizens and businesses of Andover.
, Kwik Trip is very excited about coming to Andover and providing the goods and services
for which we are known. Even though we were named convenienc~ store of the year in
2004, article attached, we consider ourselves a small grocery store that provides our
customers value.
We look forward to working with the City on what should be a mutually rewarding project.
Please contact me with any questio~s or comments.
Sincerely,
Sam VanTassel, CCIM
Real Estate Manager
Kwik Trip Inc.
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MEMORANDUM
To: City of Andover
From: Mark J. Ogren RECEIVED
President .
Croix Oil Company
. {. . 1 8 2009
Date: March 17, 2009 :Vjp;~
Re: Kwik Trip Proposal CITY OF ANDOVER
- . .
The purpose ofthis letter is to address the request of Kwik Trip that the City of Andover bear the
costs for the reconstruction of the frontage road east of Jay Street and the cutting of a relatively
new median to facilitate better access to their proposed location. Croix Oil Company ("Croix")
is the owner and operator of the Mobil On.;.the-Run convenience store/gasoline station located on
the comer of Hanson Boulevard and Bunker Lake Road (the "Mobil Station"). Croix has owned
the Mobil Station for nearly ten years, since 1999. During that time frame, several roadway
changes have been made by both Anoka County and the City of Andover which have decreased
access to our property and hurt the business being operated thereon. Croix has actively pursued
preservation of access to the Mobil Station during the last ten years with mixed success. It is
important to note, that the actions of both the County and the City have contributed to our access
reductions. In the fall of 2002, representatives of Croix met with representatives of Anoka
County and the City of Andover to discuss our access concerns and potential roadway/access
changes which could alleviate such concerns. As the attached letter dated September 16, 2002,
indicates, one of the roads about which Croix wished to discuss, was Jay Street. During our
meeting, Croix specifically asked ifthe City would consider any changes to the median and/or
frontage road at Jay Street which would help facilitate better access to our site, via the frontage
road. The City said that it would not be willing to consider,any such changes and,.i~ fact,
explicitly stated that it would not consider a cut of the median because the location and extent of
the median was ideal for public safety. It is staggering that now, the City staff is not just
considering a cut of the median, but is actually recommending it, and further recommending that
the City contribute of$326,132 toward such an endeavor. This fact is especially disturbing
considering that such recommendation is being made for the primary benefit of an entity that
would be a direct competitor of the Mobil Station.
In attempting to support its recommendation to benefit a private development interest, the City
staff report dated March 17, 2009, states that the frontage road is not "safe or convenient". Croix
has been involved in countless discusses with representatives of cities and counties regarding
roadway changes, this is the first time anyone has alleged that a full or nearly full access point to
a frontage road was safer than an existing right-in-right-out access point. Even with the shift of
the access point away from Bunker Lake Road, this contention is extremely questionable. With
-11/---
1749 South Greeley Street · PO. Box 15 · Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 · Telephone: (651) 439-5755
Memorandum
March 17, 2009
Page 2 of 4
regard to the idea that such a change would provide more "convenient" access to the frontage
road, I would speculate that are a great number of locations in the City of Andover for which a
median cut would provide more convenient access to properties located on the other side of the
applicable median. When building a median, convenience is always sacrificed for public safety.
It should hardly be surprising that the elimination of a median (or cutting a median) would
increase convenience.
Probably the most factually faulty section of the Staff report states:
"Relative to this project negatively affecting the existing motor fuel stations in the area, it
could be argued that at least one of them already has a fairly recent track record of not
being able to make it, as it has been resold many times in the past five years. With their
limited access to Hanson Boulevard, it could be assumed that the stations on the comer of
Hanson and Bunker will be harder to get to and associated with that will be less business.
Preventing this site from developing in the manrter that is proposed will be less of an
impact on them than the road changes that have already occurred. The City did assist in
preserving their access as part of the Hanson Boulevard Reconstruction Project and did
agree to assume 1/3 of the access costs."
I would like to address this Section line by line:
a. Assumedly, the phrase "it could be argued that at least one of [the stations]
already has a fairly recent track record of not being able to make it, as it has been
resold many times in the past five years" is referring to the Mobil Station. As
stated above, Croix has owned the Mobil Station for nearly ten years, so
obviously the foregoing statement is incorrect. While our tenant at that location
has changed during that time frame, tenant changes are not uncommon in our
industry. A more important consideration is the fact that the Mobil Station has
never been closed (aside from being closed irl<accordaacew'ith l10rinal business
hours) during Croix's ownership of the facility.
b. I am uncertain of the point trying to be conveyed by the sentence "With their
limited access to Hanson Boulevard, it could be assumed that the stations on the
comer of Hanson and Bunker will be harder to get to and associated with that will
be less business", but it appears to be arguing that since the Mobil Station and the
SuperAmerica station have been damaged by the roadway changes to Hanson
Boulevard, the City should make it worse by contributing directly to the addition
of a competitor locating nearby. Such an argument is truly disturbing.
c. "Preventing this site from developing in the manner that is proposed will be less
of an impact on them than the road changes that have already occurred." First, a
-/>"-
1749 South Greeley Street · P.O. Box 15 · Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 · Telephone: (651) 439-5755
Memorandum
March 17, 2009
Page 3 of 4
refusal by the City to pay for the realignment of the frontage road and the
allowance of a median cut does not amount to "preventing this site from
developing in the manner that is proposed". Croix is not arguing that Kwik Trip
should be prevented from locating a gasoline station/convenience store in the
area. Quite the contrary, if Kwik Trip's proposal meets applicable zoning codes,
they should be allowed to develop as they wish, Croix is arguing that the City of
Andover should not contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars and a median cut
toward changes that would give K wik Trip a competitive advantage over existing
businesses of Andover. Second, the statement that the proposed development wiU
have "less on an impact on them than the road changes that have already
occurred" is ridiculous and, assumedly, not based upon any research whatsoever.
The primary reason K wik Trip is requesting the median cut and frontage road
realignment is to enable it to capture east bound traffic on Bunker Lake Road,
traffic which now goes to the Mobil Station. Since that is one of the only
directions from which the Mobil Station gets its customers, such traffic represents
a substantial portion of the Mobil Station's business.
d. While the City did assist Croix when access was reduced to Hanson Boulevard,
such assistance amounted to $10,577.82 and was for the benefit ofthe Mobil
Station and the adjacent property. As such, the benefit provided to Croix to help
mitigate the damage to Croix's access was $5,288.91, compared to the $326,132
being recommended to improve the access for the benefit of Kwik Trip. This
reality seems inequitable and unjust.
Reason number 7 of the Staff report states "[o]ther vacant parcels in the area (to the east on the
Kottke land) have not sold because of the limited access that they have to Bunker." As with the
previous section, ifthe City wishes to rely on this conclusory statement as a basis to support a
particular private development project, it should have some study or research conducted to verify
the veracity of the claim.
Reason number 8 of the Staff report touts the added benefits of $8,500.00 per year to the tax
base. Using the City staffs own numbers, this means that the City will break even, without any
adjustment for the time value of money, in just over 38 years. Hardly a compelling "benefit" to
the citizens of Andover.
Make no mistake, Croix Oil Company is concerned about the development of a major competitor
in close proximity to our Mobil Station. Certainly, our position on the proposed development is
biased. However, we respectfully ask you to take a step-back and look at the facts outlined
herein. Consider the precedents being set. For example, granting a median cut in a relatively
new median is a departure from the typical behavior of most metropolitan cities. Especially
-/~-
1749 South Greeley Street · P.O. Box 15 . Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 · Telephone: (651) 439-5755
Memorandum
March 17, 2009
Page 4 of 4
when the City of Andover previously refused to consider such a median cut in the exact same
median. In addition, the costs that the City is being asked to bear for a project of questionable
benefit to the citizens of Andover are significant, $326,132. Finally, many ofthe City Staffs
reasons for its recommendation lack factual basis and seem to be based on nothing more than
personal opinion. The proposal under consideration is neither prudent nor equitable. For these
reasons, Croix Oil Company respectfully requests that you deny the proposal under
consideration. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
.',
-J?-
1749 South Greeley Street · P.O. Box 15 .. Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 · Telephone: (651 ) 439-5755
September 16, 2002
,
Mr. Doug Fischer Mr. Scott Erickson
Anoka County Engineer City Engineer forthe City of Andover
1440 Bunker Lake Blvd. 1685 Crosstown Blvd. NW
Andover, MN 55304 Andover, MN 55304
Re: Access problems related to
Gasoline station located at
13650 Hanson Blvd: N.W.
Andover, MN 55304
Dear Gentlemen:
Croix Oil Company O\VllS the Spur-branded gasoline station/convenience,store located at 13650
Hanson Blvd. N. W., Andover, MN 55304. Over the past few years, various changes have been
made to the roadways adj acent to and in the vicinity of our property. Those roadway changes,
' have had. a significant detrimental impact to the access to station, particularly for traffic
approaching from the east and the south.
As I am sure you are aware, convenient access IS crucial to the success of a gas station. As such,
Croix Oil Company and its tenant are concerned about the state of access to the property. I have
enclosed a map of the area diagramming the access routes for motorists approaching from the
easterly and southerly directions. As you can see, the access options are very circuitous q,nd '
confusing. In addition, since the access routes are not readily apparent, most motorists would
simply pass by the station in h~pes of finding an alternative station with obvious access points.
Given these c~:msiderations, Croix Oil Company would like to sit down with representatives of
the County of Anoka and the City of Andover, in hopes of developing a solution which would
improve access to our property. We believe any solution wol!ld require input from the County
, becartse the site is bounded by two county roads (Hanson Blvd. and Bunker Lake Blvd.) and the
City, because the side str~ets of Jay Street, Grouse Street and Commercial Blvd. are currently
utilized for access. I will 'follow-up with each of you 'in the next couple of weeks to schedule a
meeting.
Sincerely,
rnO~O~C~MN ,
c6if~~
. (....<';;:::; ~
, ~
Paul W. Muilenberg
Manager of Corporate Mfairs
~ ,
Cc: Gerry Channoli, Tenant -It~
1749 South Greeley Stre~t . PO. Box 15 . Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 · Telephone: (651) 439-5755
I., ...., '. ..... . '''''.. ,....,~,... _,"~'''...~...:. r.-:"~".~,,,..-,:~...u...,.,..~.~~,;,-;..,., ",:.''''''''~ ~ TIMOTHY j. KUNTZ
LEVANDER, DANIELJ. BEESON
'KENNETHj. ROHLF
GILLEN & oSTEPHEN H. FOCHLER
9jAYP. KARLOVICH
MILLER, P .A. ANGELA M. LUTZ AMANN
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ATTORNEYS AT LAW ANN C. O'REII.LY
o'DONALD L. I-IOEFr
Esrnblished in 1929 DARCY M. ERICKSON
, DAVID S. KENDAI.L
BRIDGET McCAULEY NASON
ELlZABETI-1 HALL MURTHY
DAVID B. GATES
April 1, 2009
HAROLD UVANDER
1910-1992
ARTHUR GILLEN
Andover Economic Development Authority 1919.2U1I5
President and Board Members
c/o Mr. Will Neumeister VIA E-MAIL AND ROGER c. MILI.ER
I 91.1.211l19
Community Development Director U.S. MAIL
1685 Crosstown Boulevard N.W. 'AI.IOAOMrll'ED I!; WISCONSIN
+ALSO ADMI1TF.D IN NOltTll DAKOTA
Andover, MN 55304 0'\1.50 ADMIITED IN MA.ISACllUShTIS
DIU..'iO ADMITIED 11'1 oKMHOMA
RE: KwH\: Trip Request for EDA Assistance
Our File No. 20407.02000
Dear President and Board Members:
Please allow this correspondence to supplement Speedway SuperAmerica's ("SSA") prior
submission, dated March 17, 2009. By virtue of its March 17, 2009 letter and this letter, SSA
provides its lormal objection to Kwik Trip's request for the Andover Economic Development
Authority's ("ED A") financial assistance with realignment ofthe Bunker Lake Boulevard fTontage
road fTom the north side of the parcel it has recently offered to purchase, the Eddie's Auto Body
parcel, to the south side of the parcel and for the provision of a median cut in Jay StTeet to permit
unrestricted access to the parcel.
SSA opposes Kwik Trip's request for EDA assistance with this proposed project on public policy
and public safety grounds, both of which are fully discussed below, SSA respectfully requests that
the EDA deny Kwik Trip's request.
1. EDA Participation in this Proposed Development Represents Poor Public
Policy.
SSA believes that the EDA' s 'financial contribution to this development would constitute poor public
policy because not only does the substantial expenditure come at great expense to current businesses
in Andover, including SSA, but it also provides a poor return on or investment ofta'Cpayer dollars.
SSA is a long-ternl corporate citizen of Andover. It has been a proud member of the Andover
business community for approximately 15 years,
-/1-
633 SOUTH CONCORD STREET · SUITE 400 · SOUTH SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA 55075 · 651-451-1831 · FAX 651-450-7384
OFFICE ALSO LOCATED iN WISCONSIN · W\V\V.LEVANDER.COM
Andover Economic Development Authority
President and Board Members
Page 2
April I, 2009
Kwik Trip is essentially asking the EDA to contribute significant public tax dollars, approximately
$325,000, a portion of which are SSA' s tax dollars, to subsidize a competitor's private development
in SSA's own neighborhood. The Andover business market already provides consumers with two
fuel/convenience store options at the adjacent intersection of Hanson Boulevard and Bunker Lake
Boulevard: SSA and Mobil (Croix Oil Company). This significant public investment will not
facilitate a tmique business operation, help fulfill an tmmet need in the community, or deliver
numerous high paying jobs for the City's workforce.
Moreover, the subsidization of the K wile Trip development within one block of the two existing
stations does not appear to be a pmdent use of substantial public tax dollars given the admittedly
limited economic retum that is expected. The increased tax revenue from the development is
modest, just $8,500 per year, according to the March 17, 2009 EDA Report. Using this figure, it will
take approximately 38 years for the EDA to recoup its investment. In the meantime, EDA funds that
might have been spent elsewhere for other opportunities will have been spent.
This proposed development has been lauded in the March 17,2009 EDA Report as "an exanlple of
what private redevelopment can accomplish if the right conditions exist (i.e. willing buyer/willing
seller)." This proposed development involves a buyer and seller willing to transact business, but
only if local goverrunent subsidizes the buyer's development to the tune of $325,000 and provides
the buyer a competitive advantage over a longstanding corporate citizen. In fact, as SSA
understands it, the buyer's purchase of the property is conditioned on this subsidization and without
the EDA' s commitment of significant funds, the d~velopment will not occur.
2, EDA Participation in this Proposed Development Represents Poor Public Safety
Policy.
It is SSA's understanding that the City improved Jay Street approximately ten years ago. At the time
of that improvement, the City installed a median, presumably to improve public safety and restrict
turning movements by the traveling public across Jay Street to reach properties located on the east
side of and abutting Jay Street. SSA contends that to now create a new median cut constitutes poor
public safety policy for. several reasons.
First, the realignment of the Bunker Lake Boulevard frontage road and provision of a median cut on
Jay Street presents additional traffic conflicts and is inherently more dangerous than the cun'ent
arrangement, which has eliminated those traffic conflicts. While the current median and aligmnent
of the fTontage road prohi bits full directional access for the properties to the east of and abutting Jay
Street, these properties still enjoy "J:ight in, right out" access onto Jay Street. In the March 17,2009
EDA Report, it is claimed that the provision of a median cut on Jay Street, which will facilitate
increased and presumably lmlimited turning movements, is actually safer than keeping the median
and the existing frontage road in place. Public safety is increased by keeping traffic con11ict points
-20-
Andover Economic Development Authority
President and Board Members
Page 3
April 1, 2009
to a minimum. Fewer conflict points results in the potential for fewer accidents. The claim that
road realignment that includes a curb cut will result in increased public safety is therefore
counterintuitive. SSA bas endured median closures at its Hanson Boulevard station and other
stations in furtherance of and in the name of increased public safety. If such closures were not
effective in increasing safety, govemment would not continue to condemn property to construct
medians.
Second, in addition to increasing traffic conflict points, the proposed realignment and median cut
present another potential public safety danger: inadequate stacking. The distance between the
intersection of Bunker Lake Boulevard and the proposed median cut is approximately 100 feet
according t9 City Engineer Dave Berkowitz. Ifthe development attracts traffic as is projected, there
may be significant public safety issues presented by the stacking of motor vehicles and insufficient
space to accommodate that stacking.
At the March 17,2009 EDA meeting, Mr. Berkowitz provided 2005 traffic counts for Jay Street in
an attempt to differentiate the volume of traffic on Jay Street, as opposed to Hanson Boulevard, to
explain why there is .no risk of inadequate stacking space. Mr. Berkowitz indicated that the 2005
average daily traffic count for .T ay Street is 1,250 vehicles and suggested that the 100 foot turn lane
would be sufiicient to accommodate stacked vehicles.
SSA respectfully contends that these numbers are approximately four years old and reliance upon
these numbers is misplaced, as these traffic counts may not be representative of the traffic on the
road today. Moreover, in addition to being old traffic counts, these traffic counts will not remain
static. If the development is successful, the tTaffic counts will only intensify and the 100 feet of
stacking may become insufficient to prevent stacked vehicles waiting to turn onto the Blmker Lalce
Boulevard frontage road from entering/backing up into the Bunker Lalce Boulevard and Jay Street
intersection.
Finally, it is SSA's understanding that Kottke's Bus Service utilizes Jay Street for deployment and
return of their school buses to and fTOm their bus routes, Kottke's utilization of the new frontage
road and curb cut in the median at Jay Street will coincide with Kwik Trip's peak business hours in
the morning and late afternoon when customers are purchasing gas on the way to and on the way
home irom work and school buses are on their way to and fTom school. SSA questions whether the
100 foot turn lane will be able to safely accommodate the anticipated congestion at Jay Street and the
realigned frontage road without forcing traffic into the Jay Street and Bunker Lake Boulevard
intersection.
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Andover Economic Development Authority
President and Board Members
Page 4
April 1, 2009
In closing, SSA thanks the EDA for its thoughtful and thorough consideration of the concerns it has
raised with respect to tins issue and again urges the EDA to reject Kwik Trip's public subsidy
request.
uly yourS'ifJ .
. Eric (son
DME/so
c: Beth Claypool, Esq.
Paul Marlin, Real Estate Representative
Daniel J. Beeson, Esq.
-21.,-
KOTTKES' BUS SERVICE, me
13625 JAY ST NW
ANDOVER MN 55304
763-755-3100
lMr, Will Neumeister
Community Development Director
1685 Crosstown Blvd NW
Andover, MN 55304
May 5, 2008
Dear Mr, Neumeister:
Kottkes' Bus Service, rnc, is open to discussion about the proposed
"improvement" to the service road located between Jay St NW and Grouse
St NW just South of Bunker Lake Blvd NW and to the possibilities of an
assessment charge to us,
We would have to be assured that the cost of the assessment would be fair
and proportionate to Kottkes', We would also have to be assured that the,
cost of the assessment would be a monetary benefit to the land value of the
undeveloped land we own adjacent to the new proposed service road, We
also would have to have the maximum time frame to pay the assessments if
approved.
This letter does not make any commitment to the proposed "improvement"
of the service road; it only states that we are open to discussions about the
proposed change,
Sincerely,
M
harles M. Peterson
President/Owner
Kottkes' Bus Service, Inc.
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1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100
FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US
TO: EDA President & Board
FROM: Jim Dickinson, Executive Director
SUBJECT: Supplemental Agenda Item for April 7, 2009 EDA Meeting
DATE: April 7, 2009
The EDA is requested to receive the following supplemental information.
Item #3. Discuss Kwik Trip Proposal, Continued (Supplemental) - Planning
C I T Y o F (1)
NDOVE 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100
FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER,MN,US
TO: EDA President and Board ~
CC: Jim Dickinson, Executive Directo :::.....
FROM: Will Neumeister, Director of Community Development ud-
SUBJECT: Discuss Kwik Trip Proposal (Supplemental)
DATE: April 7, 2009
INTRODUCTION
The attached email was received after the staff report was sent out. Joyce Twistol
requested the other EDA members see her thoughts and questions.
Secondly, the sketch shows the potential development that could happen on the Kottke's
parcels to the east of the subject property.
ACTION REQUESTED
The EDA is asked to review the email received from Joyce Twistol and the potential
development scenario drawing and have them entered into the record.
Attachments
Email from Joyce Twistol
Drawing showing development potential
RE: EDA MEETING
I have carefully read the minutes from the last EDA meeting and the items in this week's packet. Here are
some observations:
1. The property for Eddy's Auto Body and the adjacent Kottkes' building are eye-sores. These
properties as well as the Mobil station have been topics of conversation with the EDA more than
once over the past 3 years. The EDA has been concerned with the image of our City not only in
this area but also along Bunker Lake Blvd, west of Hanson Blvd. We should not give up on our
quest to improve our image.
2. Several years ago Blaine put a moratorium on gas stations because of too many gas stations and
mainly because of the image along Hwy 65. Is it possible to have staff take a couple of photos of
the newest stations in Blaine along Hwy 65. One is the Marathon by Menards and the other is on
the opposite side of this station. It is an all brick building..far from the boiler-plate gas station.
3. Compare the SA station, Mobil station and the proposed Kwip Trip. It is pretty obvious that one of
these appears "out of place". Are there funds available via the EDA to assist Mobil to spruce up
this corner...not only the building but some berming and planting would enhance the area. If there
are not funds, would Mobil be willing to invest in Andover rather than complain about competition.
4. It is interesting that SA is so concerned about competition. They were extremely silent when Bills
Superette proposed a gas station/convenience store on Hanson Blvd between 138th and 139th
Lane. I attended almost every meeting of the Council when this proposed development was a
heated topic. Super America was not opposed.., and was not even present at these meetings. IS
THE CONCERN NOW THE EDA MONIES OR THE COMPETION?
5. I support the use of EDA Funds to clean up this area. Construction costs are predicted to be the
lowest due to the current economy.
6. I have heard sorne concerns raised that Kwik Trip would be a competitor for Festival Foods. Isn't
it true then that Target and the existing gas stations are also competitors?
7. Does the City have info regarding the routes used by the school buses? I don't recall that they
access Bunkers directly via Jay Street. Can we get info as to the routes and departure times,
etc?
Joyce
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