Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION –AUGUST 19, 20135 <br />Financial space was to move Bethel’s offices currently located on RedFox into the building along <br />with the new Physician’s Assistant program. <br />Ms. Nelson <br />explained that after the original CUP approval, Bethel received further information <br />regarding the fact thatCountry Financial was interested in selling their building before year end. <br />This led Bethel to completely change their approach to the space. Bethelis now interested in <br />purchasing the entire site toallow for the reconfiguring of the entire campus master plan. <br />Ms. Nelson <br />commented that a purchase agreement has been negotiated with Country Financial <br />and at this time, Bethel plans to proceed with renovating the requested and approved 26,000 <br />square feet of educational space. However, Bethelis interested in seeking a new conditional use <br />permit that willallow Bethel to grow and expand into the propertyover the next five to 15 years. <br />She discussed a potential expansion scenario in further detail.She understood that safety and <br />traffic willbe concerns for the City. She requested feedback from the Council on this proposal. <br />Mayor Grant <br />requested further information on Bethel’s campus master plan. <br />Ms. Nelson <br />discussed the campus master plan in depth with the Council. <br />Jay Barnes, <br />President of Bethel University,provided comment on the growth in the adult <br />programs noting that the enrollment for traditional students is holding steadyat 2,800 students. <br />He explainedthat the additional space willallow for Bethel to have space forup to 3,250 students. <br />It willtake a number of years to reach the projected growth numbers. <br />Councilmember Holden <br />expressed concern with the changing vision for Bethel and their <br />continued need for additional space in Arden Hills. <br />Ms. Nelson <br />indicated that Bethel has outgrown its current campus and is proposing to shift around <br />administrative offices and classes to benefit the University in the long run. She discussed how <br />education is evolving along with the changing needsof the seminary and how all of these things <br />are being taken into consideration through the campus master plan. <br />Mayor Grant <br />anticipated that the City willneed to have additional conversations regarding how <br />the property willfit into Bethel’s master plan for future expansion. <br />Councilmember Holden <br />stated that Bethel currently rents and owns property in Arden Hills off <br />campus. She questioned how this property willbe addressed if the Country Financial property is <br />purchased. <br />Ms. Nelson <br />explained that theBethel office center (County Road F building) will be put up for <br />sale. She noted that the E2 library property has not been purposed to date. <br />Mr. Barnes <br />commented that the Pine Tree location willmake buildings 31 and 34 disappear from <br />thecampus master plan, which willpreserve more greenspace on the campus. <br />Ms. Nelson <br />added that the proposed parking garages willbe eliminated if the Pine Tree location is <br />purchased by Bethel. <br />