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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 19, 2013 5 University regarding the Country Financial building. She appreciated the City's willingness to have another conversation regarding this building and the proposed use by Bethel University. She presented the Council with a handout and then discussed Bethel's campus master plan. Ms. Nelson stated that the campus's current limiting factor is size as it is physically constrained on all boundaries. She explained how the continuing adult/professional studies programs are expanding and will need to move off campus. She noted that the original intent with the Country Financial space was to move Bethel's offices (currently located on Red Fox Road) into the building along with the new Physician's Assistant program. Ms. Nelson explained that after the original CUP approval, Bethel received new information regarding the fact that Country Financial was interested in selling their building before year end. This led Bethel to completely change their approach to the space. Bethel is now interested in purchasing the entire site to allow for the reconfiguring of the entire campus master plan. Ms. Nelson commented that a purchase agreement has been negotiated with Country Financial and at this time, Bethel plans to proceed with renovating the approved 26,000 square feet of educational space. However, Bethel is interested in seeking a new conditional use permit that will allow Bethel to grow and expand into the property over the next 5 to 15 years. She discussed a potential expansion scenario in further detail. She understood that safety and traffic will be concerns for the City. She requested feedback from the Council on this proposal. Mayor Grant requested further information on Bethel's campus master plan. Ms. Nelson discussed the campus master plan in depth with the Council. Jay Barnes, President of Bethel University, provided comment on the growth in the adult programs noting that the enrollment for traditional students is holding steady at 2,800 students. He explained that the additional space will allow for Bethel to have space for up to 3,250 students. It will take a number of years to reach the projected growth numbers. Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the changing vision for Bethel and their continued need for additional space in Arden Hills. Ms. Nelson indicated that Bethel is outgrowing its current campus and is proposing to shift around administrative offices and classes to benefit the university in the long run. She discussed how education is evolving along with the changing needs of the seminary and how all of these things are being taken into consideration through the campus master plan. Mayor Grant anticipated that the City will need to have additional conversations regarding how the property will fit into Bethel's master plan for future expansion. Councilmember Holden stated that Bethel currently rents and owns other property in Arden Hills off the main campus. She questioned how the other property will be addressed if the Country Financial property is purchased.