09-28-1999 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Planning Commission Minutes September 28, 1999 Page 6 . the City Council. Mr. Frank stated that he has been authorized by Wal-Mart to make the changes which he reviewed with the Commission. Commissioner Kuester asked if it would be possible to continue the request to the Planning Commission workshop on October 12th. Ms. McPherson stated that it would be possible to continue the item to the 12th and still move it on to the Council on October 18th. Mr. Bernie Hess, 1602 Thomas Street, Minneapolis, representing the Livable Wage Task Force, stated that for every two jobs Wal-Mart creates, three are lost. He felt the city should study further the impact Wal-Mart will have. Mr. Hess cautioned that the city should utilize businesses which turn over dollars locallh. He urged the city to delay action on Wal-Mart's request until a job loss study and tax base survey are completed. Jennifer Swanson, stated that she was representing retail grocery interests. She asked if the grocery store expansion is still proposed by Wal-Mart. Mr. Frank stated that he did not know the future of an expansion for Wal-Mart but he did not believe it would be for grocery retail. Ms. Swanson expressed her concern that Wal-Mart pays substandard wages, while other grocery retailers pay livable wages. . John Christian, representing Ron's Foods, asked if a traffic survey has been done for the Main Street/Highway 169 area. Terry Maurer, City Engineer, stated that a traffic study was done for the entire project area. Mr. Christian asked if consideration has been given to the impact the development will have on schools and law enforcement. He asked if there are any plans to close the Main Street entrance to Ron's Foods. Terry Maurer stated that the long-range plan is to close the entrance. Mr. Christian stated that if the entrance is closed, Mr. Dargis will be forced to close Ron's Foods. He stated he did not feel it was fair to put a store out of business that has been in the community for 20 years. Kathy Swanberg, Becker, MN, expressed her dissatisfaction with Wal-Mart stores, stating that she did not feel they took care of their property. She felt their garden centers became eye sores and should be fenced and hidden by arborvitae plantings. Robert Hall, resident on County Road No. 21, expressed his objection to the condition proposed that would not allow overnight parking of RV's in the Wal- Mart parking lot. He stated that many RV travelers take advantage of these types of lots when they need to pull over and sleep for a while. The Commissioners discussed whether to take action at this time or continue the item. Ms. McPherson noted that closing on the property with Wal-Mart is scheduled for October 28th and that the "60 day" time line for the city to act on an application must be considered. Darcy Winter, representing the applicant, indicated that their concern is that the item go to the October 18th City Council meeting, and that the time line could be extended at that point. . There being no comments from the public, Chair Cote closed the public hearing.