HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.22.2000COUNCIL WORK SESSION
May 22, 2000
4:45 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Anders, Jordan, Murphy, Gronen, Getty, Berry.
Members absent: Krizek.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Murphy that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Krizek. Motion carried.
The proposed site plan amendment for property located at the southwest corner of Kimball and
Ridgeway Avenues for an Osco Store was reviewed.
Patrick Fehrenbach, representing Eppstein Uhen Architects, stated that they are here tonight to
get approval of the site plan amendment. Mr. Fehrenbach reported that Osco has plans for other
projects in the city.
Mike Girsch, owner of Kimball Avenue Drug, stated that at one time he was thinking of
upgrading his building and was told that there were not enough parking spaces for him to expand,
and now the city is talking about approving 60 spaces for Osco. Mr. Girsch stated that the city is
also talking about selling property to Osco at lower than market value, and he has concerns
regarding the traffic in the area. Mr. Girsch asked if the city approves the parking variance for
Osco will they do it for other buildings.
Mr. Fehrenbach noted that Osco is looking at building a new store at Logan Plaza, which will be
identical to the one being proposed on Kimball and Ridgeway except the outside will match the
Logan Plaza area.
Councilperson Getty stated that the assessed value per square foot for this site is $6.00 per square
foot, and Osco has offered to pay $3.00 per square foot, which he feels is fair because of the
easement. Mayor Rooff commented that we could hire an appraiser. Councilperson Jordan
stated that the Planning, Programming and Zoning staff is recommending the $3.00 per square
foot, and he would go along with that. City Planner Don Temeyer stated that the Planning staff
are not appraisers, and we could hire an appraiser at an estimated cost of $500.00. Councilperson
Jordan stated that he feels comfortable with the selling price as the city has done it for others.
Councilperson Murphy stated that the city has even sold other property at a lower price, and if the
city doesn't sell it to Osco, its not good for anything else.
Councilperson Getty stated that he visited the Osco Store on University Avenue, and that even at
their busiest time, he has yet to see the parking lot full. Councilperson Getty stated that after
speaking with Fred Debe he has had his questions answered.
Mr. Girsch stated that he is concerned that the city is giving Osco a chance to compete with him,
its not necessary.
Rick Morris stated that they are not opposed to competition. Mr. Morris stated that they had two
employees of Kimball Avenue Drug do a traffic count, and they came up with more than twice the
amount of cars going into the Osco Store on University Avenue than they did at the gas station on
Ridgeway Avenue. Mr. Morris stated that they tried to pick a day that was fair, and that traffic is
a big issue. Mr. Morris stated that he has a petition with over 660 signatures of citizens opposed
to the Osco Store on Kimball and Ridgeway Avenues.
Tim Mrozek, Traffic Engineer, stated that according to the independent engineer's report, traffic
will not change. Mr. Mrozek commented that the city tried to improve the signal at that
intersection, but it is not a timing issue but capacity. Mr. Mrozek stated that the report shows a
traffic problem already exists at that location.
Council Work Session
May 22, 2000
Page 2
Police Chief Bernie Koehrsen stated that he conducted a traffic survey for the intersection, and
that there have been only 10 accidents at this intersection this year to date compared with 20
accidents during the same period last year.
Mr. Fehrenbach stated that at least 50 percent of the business of the Osco Store business comes
from those passing by the store already, not people using it as their prime destination.
Mr. Morris stated that the nature of the business will change. Osco will be selling wine, beer,
liquor, etc., which is more than being offered by the gas station. Mr. Morris commented that the
Osco Stores have done will here, and that intersection is a very desirable location.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Jordan that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:13 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Krizek. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk