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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 19, 2013 6 Ms. Nelson explained that the Bethel Office Center (County Road F building) will be put up for sale. She noted that there has been no discussion at this time regarding the library property on County Road E2. Mr. Barnes commented that the Pine Tree location will make buildings 31 and 34 disappear from the campus master plan, which will preserve more green space on the campus. Ms. Nelson added that the proposed parking garages will be eliminated if the Pine Tree location is purchased by Bethel. Councilmember Holmes asked what Bethel is proposing for a trail connection. She questioned if Bethel is 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 Old 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 for a 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-purpose turf field is proposed in the campus master plan which will be used for general recreational 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 City's economy. Ms. Nelson noted that students are buying such things as 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 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.