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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION –AUGUST 19, 20136 Councilmember Holmes asked what Bethelis proposing for a trail connection.She questioned if Bethelis willing to contribute to a future trail connection, as this would greatly benefit Bethel’s students. Ms. Nelson explained that there is a vision to connect to the trail on the west side of the campus. It would greatly benefit the campus to have a trail connection from Highway 10, across Snelling Avenue and down County Road E. She commented that Bethel would be willing to contribute to the trail connection. Councilmember Holden indicated that the City has not budgeted fora trail connection in the next 10 years. She saw the trail connection to be a safety concern for Bethel’s students. It was her opinion that Bethel would have to bear a significant part of the expense for the trail connection.She then asked if Bethel was proposing to have any additional ball fields constructed. Ms. Nelson stated that a multi-purposes turf field is proposed in the campus master plan which willbe used for rec sports. Councilmember Holden recommended a traffic study be completed by Bethel to provide the City with information on how traffic would be affected if the Country Financial building were purchased by the college.She then discussed the impact on the City of taking the Country Financial building off the tax rolls. Mayor Grant requested further information on the economic impacts Bethel has on the economy. Ms. Nelson explained that students are buying gas and shopping at local stores which brings a great deal of commerce to the City of Arden Hills.In addition, the college offers a number of cultural events and concerts that are open to the community. Mayor Grant stated that the Pine Tree proposal has become a game changer for Bethel University and that the additional space would be a great strategic move for the campus. Councilmember Werner commented that the Country Financial building is currently underutilized. He discussed how the City was working to revitalize the B2 business district. Mayor Grant indicated that the Council may need additional time to process the possibility of Bethel taking over the Country Financial property. He questioned Bethel’s timeline on this project and what additional feedback Bethel neededfrom the City. Ms. Nelson commented that she was looking for reasonable assurances that Bethel would beable to use the entire site if the building were to be purchased. She understood that Bethel did not have a fully developed master plan in place, but would still be seeking a conditional use permit beyond the 26,000 square feet. She reported Bethel was hoping to close on the property by December 15, 2013. Mayor Grant stated transportation and public safety were very important to the City. These issues would have to be considered further by Bethel.