Topic: kwik trip
started by: twingroves
Posted by twingroves on Dec. 10 2012,8:45 pm
what does everybody think about the new store trying to come to albert lea
Posted by hairhertz on Dec. 10 2012,9:20 pm
I wish them good luck, hope they do well.
Posted by This is my real name on Dec. 11 2012,6:01 am
Good for them if the amount of business they do justifies it. It should bring a few more dollars into town and provide a few part-time positions for those looking for part-time work. That said, as nice as any growth is, we do need to focus on bringing blue- and white-collar industry to town. That will bring more people here than will bumpouts and Blue Zone walkways.
Posted by sumpdump on Dec. 11 2012,6:17 am
Posted by ICU812 on Dec. 11 2012,9:04 am
What did the council say about adding the access in last night, I was going to listen but got sidetracked...
Posted by This is my real name on Dec. 11 2012,9:39 am
(ICU812 @ Dec. 11 2012,9:04 am)
QUOTE
What did the council say about adding the access in last night, I was going to listen but got sidetracked...
I actually didn't go this time. I had planned on it initially, but ended up working 11 hours yesterday working on wrapping up a project and decided to unwind at home instead of spending an hour or two at the city council meeting.
The Tribune should have the information available soon if you feel like answering some survey questions, though.
Posted by irisheyes on Dec. 12 2012,12:44 am
Looks like they'll be postponing the decision until the next meeting. < AL Tribune - City Holds off on Kwik Trip Road >Here's previous story from last weekend. < Council to Mull Kwik Trip Frontage Road >
IMO, I'd like to see them vacate the road if it'll mean moving the area forward. It isn't just the 30 employees or so Kwik Trip will hire, there'll be A LOT of construction money going into this, a myriad of contractors involved in getting them going with a brand new facility. Plus the tax base of a fairly large gas station paying property taxes. That'll be a decent chunk of change that Kwik Trip is more than happy to bring here.
I was thinking Vern Eide should be considered, since I believe that road is in front of their business as well, but one of the articles says they've petitioned on behalf of vacating the road as well.
Tribune article, Dec. 8th:
QUOTE
Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams said both Vern Eide Chevrolet dealership and Kwik Trip have petitioned for the vacation of the roadway, but so far, city staff have not found any findings that support doing so.
This isn't a park or a wildlife reserve area we're talking about. It is, was, and will always be a lot for a business to be located.
Or, we can just enjoy the prosperity and tax base that the vacant lot has been bringing us in recent years. I mean, I'd sure miss that frontage road that has become pointless to use anyway.
Has anyone done a walkability study on this yet?
Posted by ICU812 on Dec. 12 2012,8:54 am
Yeah, I feel the same as you Irish...it is a road that should disappear.If they put as much into getting this done, as the are with the bumpout love they have, it would be great. But I find it ridiculous that it has not moved forward yet. It drive me flipping nuts when I hear "an access point has not been added since 1824", like they are proud that no improvement have happened as far as civil planning goes. And the safety thing too, as far as it goes in other areas of town. They basically created a death trap on 46 by trail and have failed to address it, yet hinder this project citing safety as a reason. Bridge is a totally different scenario.
Posted by hairhertz on Dec. 12 2012,9:11 am
Good grief, where are these governmental control freaks coming from? Hello, logic, says get the hell out of way. This project brings work for the construction industry and jobs for the future employees. And it INCREASES the tax base!
Posted by Twiggs50 on Dec. 12 2012,9:21 am
The only reason it's not going forward is because HyVee doesn't want any competition. Make your own conclusions.
Posted by amyzone on Dec. 12 2012,9:56 am
I am with Twigs on this one! If Hy-vee was the one wanting things done, they would have been done along time ago.
Posted by twingroves on Dec. 12 2012,11:29 am
i heard that hy vee has a lot to do with it
Posted by the unc on Dec. 12 2012,12:19 pm
I can't believe it's this difficult a decision to make. How many more business will have to close before they welcome more business into town....there's something going on here that's hidden under a cloud of groceries. Whatever happened to the idea that competition is good for business. Apparently, that isn't true on North Bridge Avenue. We need more businesses to create more jobs. If there are no jobs to have, why should our kids stick around. I guess they'll have to leave for greener pastures. If it had to do with putting bump-outs on Bridge, they'd have approved it long ago. What's wrong with our "civic leaders"? Maybe we should call them loss-leaders.
Posted by twingroves on Dec. 12 2012,2:59 pm
this is what happens when you have a bunch of dumb ass people running the town
Posted by This is my real name on Dec. 12 2012,9:35 pm
It's almost as if they're deliberately turning it into a retail and service-oriented retirement community. The problem with that is you eventually run out of younger families, and the retired people have to support themselves.
Posted by the unc on Dec. 13 2012,11:36 am
A former city councilman from the '60's once told me that Albert Lea was designated a "retirement community" in the late 50's and that was the plan the council was bound to follow. I think, what I thought was an off-handed comment, may be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I hate to think it's true....but stranger things are happening than that around town.
Posted by ICU812 on Jan. 29 2013,12:22 pm
So, did they finally vacate the road?
Posted by Whiskero on Jan. 30 2013,8:20 am
I talked with a gal at HyVee and she said HyVee gas will begin breaking ground soon for a bigger and better gas station (kind of where the sold sign is out there). That is why the hold up on Kwik Trip. Which is a bummer. I believe when Kwik Trip announced their intentions, HyVee stepped up theirs. Possibly HyVees was only a thought, until Kwik Trip came in the picture.
Posted by Botto 82 on Jan. 30 2013,8:28 am
(the unc @ Dec. 13 2012,11:36 am)
QUOTE
A former city councilman from the '60's once told me that Albert Lea was designated a "retirement community" in the late 50's and that was the plan the council was bound to follow. I think, what I thought was an off-handed comment, may be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I hate to think it's true...but stranger things are happening than that around town.
That's kind of hard to believe, given the night life around in the 70's.
I don't have a problem believing there are those that bought into the Paul Sparks philosophy that Albert Lea didn't have enough smart people to maintain a high-tech business infrastructure, though.
This town has always been ruined by self-interested jerks of otherwise limited vision. Why not have a national challenge for someone of vision to come and restore Albert Lea to greatness, before all of downtown becomes a parking lot? Looking within the community for solutions hasn't really worked out, has it?
Posted by This is my real name on Jan. 30 2013,8:34 am
(Botto 82 @ Jan. 30 2013,8:28 am)
QUOTE
(the unc @ Dec. 13 2012,11:36 am)
QUOTE
A former city councilman from the '60's once told me that Albert Lea was designated a "retirement community" in the late 50's and that was the plan the council was bound to follow. I think, what I thought was an off-handed comment, may be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I hate to think it's true...but stranger things are happening than that around town.
That's kind of hard to believe, given the night life around in the 70's.
I don't have a problem believing there are those that bought into the Paul Sparks philosophy that Albert Lea didn't have enough smart people to maintain a high-tech business infrastructure, though.
This town has always been ruined by self-interested jerks of otherwise limited vision. Why not have a national challenge for someone of vision to come and restore Albert Lea to greatness, before all of downtown becomes a parking lot? Looking within the community for solutions hasn't really worked out, has it?
I recall around 10 years ago or so, there was some hi-tech company that was considering Albert Lea, or was at least mentioned as being in talks with Pam Bishop.
People were commenting either on Party Line or in the Tribune letters to the editor (I no longer recall which) that "we did't need something like that, what we needed was jobs that most people here could do."
A typical case of class envy - not wanting opportunites for someone with higher skills than oneself. Never mind attracting brighter minds and actually growing the community.
It's people like THAT that Sparks was catering to.
Posted by ICU812 on Jan. 30 2013,2:23 pm
Here is the meeting. WARNING: Your heartrate will increase and your blood pressure will rise upon watching.If it is this hard too vacate a road, approve a right hand turn lane and move forward with a company that is already here and trusted, how in the fluck can we expect to lure a business here that has no ties to our community. IMO we are in trouble.
Skip to 6:53.
Posted by fredbear on Jan. 30 2013,8:35 pm
You just don't understand.Their acting like clueless, self important a-holes on your behalf!!
Honestly, you would think that if they actually wanted this done it would take about 2 months to get everything complete not over a year...
Posted by twingroves on Jan. 31 2013,5:51 am
what else can you expect from dumb ass people that think they can run a town when they have to hire outside help to tell them how to do everything
Posted by Common Citizen on Jan. 31 2013,5:59 am
I realize that the city manager isn't paid hourly nor is he represented by the local union...but my goodness...put some OT in and get the resolution agreement drafted. Maybe it would help the council members wipe that stupid deer in the headlight look off their faces and vote.Thanks for posting the vid. I've never watched the council in action for that length of time. Now I know why the city has a difficult time moving forward. Not the sharpest tools I've seen in a tool box.
Posted by twingroves on Jan. 31 2013,6:59 am
right on
Posted by fredbear on Jan. 31 2013,8:10 am
I've never watched a meeting for that long before either. Seemed like a poorly acted play. From that video Marin and Anderson? seem to be the only 2 with any clue. Brooks and Baker are just stupid. Somebody needs to step up and be a leader. The mayor, manager, attorney and engineer couldn't light a 5 watt bulb with their combined energy.
Posted by hairhertz on Jan. 31 2013,9:56 am
GET IT DONE, sorry about shouting.The voters who elect these clowns are equally clueless.
Posted by Pretzel Logic on Jan. 31 2013,11:23 am
Listening to the city manager on the radio the other day, He made it sound as if they were trying to get Kwik Trip to kick in more dough to the project and pay for the improvements as Wal Mart did when they built the new place. He said Wal Mart paid for the light and the other access road on the other side between the strip mall. 
Posted by This is my real name on Jan. 31 2013,11:56 am
(Pretzel Logic @ Jan. 31 2013,11:23 am)
QUOTE
Listening to the city manager on the radio the other day, He made it sound as if they were trying to get Kwik Trip to kick in more dough to the project and pay for the improvements as Wal Mart did when they built the new place. He said Wal Mart paid for the light and the other access road on the other side between the strip mall.
It would be interesting to see how long Walmart was exempted from paying property taxes on the new store. From what I've read, that's usually the deal they get. I bet he didn't mention that.
Posted by ICU812 on Jan. 31 2013,12:10 pm
So...This made me search my minute file.This is interesting to me. The agreement with KT has been all laid out and is in a draft form and all parties agree yet the City Manager tells them DON'T DO IT. the city might lose a little money here or there.
But 10 years earlier a much much larger project comes before the council, IN DRAFT FORM!!! and the City Manager tells the council to PASS IT and they do. 2 of the same councilors are on now that passed it then. One made the motion and the other gave a second.
I hate to tell ya but I just might miss Sparks....
RESOLUTION 02-214 ADOPTED - APPROVING DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH WAL-MART
City Manager Sparks noted that this resolution approves a development agreement with Wal-Mart for construction of a new store. He explained that the contract is in the drafting process but Wal-Mart has agreed to the conditions included in a letter to Dan Greensweig of Kennedy & Graven, the City's representative, and an e-mail from Bolton-Menk relating to terms and conditions that Wal-Mart would like to see included. Both documents have been provided to the City Council for review. The corporation has a very aggressive timeline with hopes of opening the new store in August of 2003 and has requested approval of a development agreement at this time.
After Council discussion, Councilor Marin moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 02-214, approving a development agreement with Wal-Mart, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.
Posted by ICU812 on Jan. 31 2013,12:14 pm
It gets better!!!! AThey want KT to pay for it all, yet there will be many benefiting from the stop lights. And 10 years ago they knew it was right to assess all parties invalid
QUOTE
RESOLUTION 03-112 ADOPTED – AUTHORIZING JOBS 0232 & 0238
City Manager Sparks stated that the City is undertaking Jobs 0232 and 0238 to provide traffic signals for the Wal-Mart development area. He stated that the two signal projects combined approach a little over $500,000 and would be funded by special assessment to the benefiting parties.
Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 03-112 authorizing Jobs 0232 & 0238, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the resolution approved.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 03-112 included with these minutes.)
City Manager Sparks stated that the City is undertaking Jobs 0232 and 0238 to provide traffic signals for the Wal-Mart development area. He stated that the two signal projects combined approach a little over $500,000 and would be funded by special assessment to the benefiting parties.
Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Brooks seconded, that Resolution 03-112 authorizing Jobs 0232 & 0238, be approved. On roll call vote, all Councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Eaton declared the motion carried and the resolution approved.
(See Secretary's Original Resolution 03-112 included with these minutes.)
Posted by ICU812 on Jan. 31 2013,12:30 pm
One more just for an example of how a city should treat businesses.QUOTE
RESOLUTION 02-196 ADOPTED – APPROVING A CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
City Manager Sparks stated that Bolton & Menk, Inc., Mankato, Minnesota, has submitted a proposal for a contract to provide professional engineering services for a new traffic signal system at the intersection of CSAH 46 and Blake Avenue. He stated that he wanted to obtain the plans for the traffic system in order to keep the process moving for the Wal-Mart store. He also stated that he doesn’t want to bid the construction out until the Wal-Mart decision is final in order to prevent a traffic signal where there is not sufficient traffic to warrant one.
Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Sorenson seconded, that Resolution 02-196, approving a contract for professional engineering services, be approved. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.
City Manager Sparks stated that Bolton & Menk, Inc., Mankato, Minnesota, has submitted a proposal for a contract to provide professional engineering services for a new traffic signal system at the intersection of CSAH 46 and Blake Avenue. He stated that he wanted to obtain the plans for the traffic system in order to keep the process moving for the Wal-Mart store. He also stated that he doesn’t want to bid the construction out until the Wal-Mart decision is final in order to prevent a traffic signal where there is not sufficient traffic to warrant one.
Councilor Kron moved, Councilor Sorenson seconded, that Resolution 02-196, approving a contract for professional engineering services, be approved. On roll call vote, all councilors voted in favor of said motion. Mayor Haukoos declared the motion carried and the resolution adopted.
Posted by ICU812 on Jan. 31 2013,12:39 pm
And looking at the minutes it took 2 meetings TOPS to accommodate the new Wal-Mart.
Posted by Whiskero on Feb. 01 2013,9:06 am
Walmart is our savior-NOT
Posted by This is my real name on Feb. 01 2013,9:22 am
(Whiskero @ Feb. 01 2013,9:06 am)
QUOTE
Walmart is our savior-NOT
True, but that isn't the point. The city didn't drag their feet over Walmart like they are doing with Kwik-Trip.
Like Kwik-Trip, Walmart already had presence in Albert Lea. They just wanted a newer location. The city did whatever they could to make it happen. Why is Kwik-Trip getting the runaround?
What will be the consequences if the city succeeds in preventing Kwik-Trip's expansion?
Posted by nedkelly on Feb. 09 2013,2:28 pm
(This is my real name @ Feb. 01 2013,9:22 am)
QUOTE
(Whiskero @ Feb. 01 2013,9:06 am)
QUOTE
Walmart is our savior-NOT
True, but that isn't the point. The city didn't drag their feet over Walmart like they are doing with Kwik-Trip.
Like Kwik-Trip, Walmart already had presence in Albert Lea. They just wanted a newer location. The city did whatever they could to make it happen. Why is Kwik-Trip getting the runaround?
What will be the consequences if the city succeeds in preventing Kwik-Trip's expansion?
Maybe all business gets treated like Kwik trip, could that be why the farmland site is still empty?...
...ned
Posted by irisheyes on Feb. 09 2013,3:56 pm
I watched the video of that meeting a while ago, you could sure see a lot of frustration from the Kwik Trip guys on this.There are some on the council that seem ready for the city to get out of the way and let this proceed. But as you often see with city/county meetings, staff appears to be looking for whatever reason possible to throw a wrench in the gears.
When I first heard about this it reminded me of reading the council minutes quite a while ago, only it was a road vacating at the request of Mal Prinzing's lawyers. The decision was very quick, the lawyers told them Prinzing had the resources to maintain the road. That decision was open and shut, if I remember right. I don't remember numerous stories or questions of non-economic community good it would create over many meetings.
It's a great deal they're offering, particularly the $300k if they were to put in traffic lights next year. It probably won't happen with the traffic lights, but it's a nice offer that would be worth consideration if we're ever going to do it.
In the meantime we're sending a pretty bad message of how it is dealing with the city on a decent sized project. Make the deal, vacate the road and move on. If staff comes up with more things (excuses) to throw into the mix, it'd be a good time to take them to the woodshed for waiting until the last minute to bring more things up on a deal like this.
Posted by just the facts on Feb. 10 2013,9:06 am
Maybe KwikTrip needs to play a little ball with the city. Maybe they could start laying people off and reduce their hours or maybe shut down one or both locations to show the city that they don't have to be here. I believe that would create a public out cry.
Posted by Common Sense For A.L. on Feb. 10 2013,11:01 am
If our city manager and coucil blow this deal they should be out of office. I believe Adams is two young, inexperienced, and has way to much atitude to run our city!!! I also believe Hy Vee may have something to do with all the problems of granting Kwick Trip a store???
Posted by ICU812 on Feb. 11 2013,8:39 am
By the look of the agenda it will be passed tonight. That said, just put in stoplights at that intersection now, it is almost Russian Roulette getting onto Bridge from Sykes.
Posted by Common Citizen on Feb. 11 2013,10:35 am
Especially if you're in a Prius.
Posted by ICU812 on Feb. 11 2013,12:30 pm
(Common Citizen @ Feb. 11 2013,10:35 am)
QUOTE
Especially if you're in a Prius.
"Step on it!!", "I did!!" BAM
Every time I see one I think, there goes a do-gooder.
Posted by irisheyes on Feb. 13 2013,7:33 am
This is moving forward to construction now. 
A.L. Trib:
QUOTE
City Council approves development agreement Monday; gas station slated to be built this summer
Kwik Trip officials jumped the final hurdle Monday toward their $5 million gas station on Bridge Avenue.
The Albert Lea City Council approved a development agreement with the company and approved vacating the frontage road to the east of the property.
With the approvals in place, construction is slated to begin this summer, said Kwik Trip Real Estate Development Manager Wade Dumond.
“I’m glad it’s getting done,” Dumond said.
< Kwik Trip plans to start construction >
Kwik Trip officials jumped the final hurdle Monday toward their $5 million gas station on Bridge Avenue.
The Albert Lea City Council approved a development agreement with the company and approved vacating the frontage road to the east of the property.
With the approvals in place, construction is slated to begin this summer, said Kwik Trip Real Estate Development Manager Wade Dumond.
“I’m glad it’s getting done,” Dumond said.
< Kwik Trip plans to start construction >
I've set the video to start right at the Kwik Trip resolutions. Real short meeting here, and things moved along smooth.
Posted by hairhertz on Feb. 13 2013,11:58 am
Public pressure on the council? I sure hope so.
Posted by grassman on Feb. 13 2013,4:53 pm
(ICU812 @ Feb. 11 2013,12:30 pm)
QUOTE
(Common Citizen @ Feb. 11 2013,10:35 am)
QUOTE
Especially if you're in a Prius.
"Step on it!!", "I did!!" BAM
Every time I see one I think, there goes a do-gooder.