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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION –AUGUST 19, 20137 Ms. Nelson explained Bethel would complete further modeling on the Country Financial site. Mr. Barnes excused himself from the meeting, has he had another function to speak at this evening. He thanked the Council for hearing and considering Bethel’s request. Mayor Grant commented the Council would continue to think through this proposition while keeping in mind the plans put in place for the B2 district. City Administrator Klaers anticipated the City would have a CUP in early September, which would go before the Planning Commission in early October. He indicated additional discussion would be had by the Council at the work session meeting in September. Ms. Nelson thanked the Council for the feedback provided this evening. Bob Revoir, Cushman & Wakefield the broker for Country Financial, discussed the value of the Country Financial property stating the site had dropped from $16 million to $6.25million; and negotiations with Bethel were even less. He expected the site to sell for well below the property’s value. He stated he has leased this space to Country for years and has been struggling to find a buyer. Further discussion ensued regarding the Country Financial building sale. Mayor Grant thanked Mr. Revoir for this information. D. Gateway Signs Mayor Grant explained the Gateway sign was completed at Five Corners. He stated he has received a great deal of positive feedback on this sign. He indicated the Council had plans to complete two additional gateway signs in 2013.He recommended the shade of green remain consistent.He questionedhow the Council wanted to move forward with these signs. Councilmember Holmes was in favor of keeping the gateway signs similar. Councilmember Holden agreed that the signs should remain the same. She commented this would more easily make Arden Hills berecognized as a community. She requested further information from staff on a potential sign at Lexington and County Road 96. Public Works Director Maurer stated the GIS shows that this corner was County right-of-way. He explained the City would have toapply for a County permit, which would allow the City to use the corner for a gateway sign. Mayor Grant commented the corner would need substantial landscaping. He stated the scale of the sign may have to be adjusted given the level of traffic at this corner. City Administrator Klaers indicated the gateway sign at Lexington and County Road 96 may have to be a 2014 project given the scope of the project.