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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 21, 2013 10 <br /> City Administrator Klaers recommended a Phase I environmental study be completed prior to <br /> the Council making an offer on the site. <br /> Councilmember McClung questioned if the Council had funds available for this purchase. <br /> City Administrator Klaers discussed the amount of increment funds available in the PIR fund <br /> for this purchase. He indicated that the Council would not get their money back on the <br /> redevelopment of this property. <br /> Councilmember Holden agreed that the City may not recoup the purchase price, however, if the <br /> site was improved properly, the entire downtown business district would be greatly enhanced. <br /> She expressed concern about what may go into the property if the City did not purchase the site. <br /> She asked if the City had received any inquiries regarding the property. <br /> City Administrator Klaers discussed the calls City staff had received to date. <br /> Mayor Grant recommended that the site only be considered for demolition and not for <br /> redevelopment. He stated that the site could be problematic given the low level of parking. <br /> Mayor Grant suggested that the Council authorize staff to contact the broker regarding the <br /> Carroll's property and find out what a Phase I environmental/remediation study would cost. <br /> The Council was in agreement. <br /> H. Bethel Update <br /> City Administrator Klaers explained there was a public hearing held at the October 9th Planning <br /> Commission meeting on the Bethel CUP. The Commission heard the case and recommended <br /> approval of the CUP. This planning case will be on the October 281h Council agenda. <br /> Councilmember McClung discussed the issues raised at the Planning Commission meeting. <br /> City Administrator Klaers indicated there was concern with the trails to the south of the <br /> building. Residents in this area wanted to see the trails remain open to the public. He indicated <br /> that he has spoken with Kathleen Nelson and Bethel was willing to convey their intent to keep the <br /> trails open and Bethel would be responsible for trail maintenance. <br /> City Administrator Klaers explained that he has also spoken with Bethel regarding the trail from <br /> the Pine Tree campus to the existing campus. The cost and location of the trail has been further <br /> discussed. Bethel was being asked to fund the trail in an amount not to exceed $800,000 and a <br /> payment plan was created. He then reviewed the proposed trail development and location. <br /> Councilmember Holden was pleased that Bethel would keep the Pine Tree trails open for public <br /> use. She questioned how the third Pine Tree parcel would be used by Bethel. <br />