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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 6, 2015 4 <br /> <br />of two and one-half (2.5) caliper inches and coniferous trees are required to be six (6) feet <br />in height. <br /> <br />City Planner Streff reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this matter: <br /> <br />1. Recommend Approval with Conditions <br />2. Recommend Approval as Submitted. <br />3. Recommend Denial <br />4. Table <br /> <br />Chair Thompson opened the floor to Commissioner comments. <br /> <br />Glenn Hofer, Facilities Manager with Bethel University, explained that Bethel was proposing to <br />construct a 20’ x 60’ building as a part of the University’s sports complex for soccer. <br /> <br />Chair Thompson opened the public hearing at 7:41 p.m. <br /> <br />Chair Thompson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make <br />comment. <br /> <br />Dennis Foster, 1415 Arden Oaks Drive, stated his property was directly adjacent to the Bethel <br />University football field. He did not object to the new soccer building, but requested that it be <br />placed along the western edge of the soccer field instead of the eastern edge due to the slope of <br />the field. He feared that the new building would block the natural view along Snelling Avenue if <br />placed in its proposed location. <br /> <br />There being no additional comment Chair Thompson closed the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. <br /> <br />Bob Bjorklund, Athletic Director at Bethel University, reported that the proposed location <br />would best serve the function of the building and soccer field. <br /> <br />Mr. Hofer added that costs would increase significantly if the building were to be shifted to the <br />western edge of the soccer field. <br /> <br />Commissioner Hames stated that she read the letter from a resident expressing concern with the <br />noise being generated from the sporting events on campus. She requested that Bethel address <br />this concern, in addition to requiring all event parking to be located on campus. She wanted to <br />see Bethel be better neighbors by addressing the parking and pedestrian safety issues surrounding <br />their sports complex. <br /> <br />Chair Thompson requested that Bethel address the type of sound system used on the Ona Orth <br />Athletic Field. <br /> <br />Mr. Bjorklund reported that the new building would have no additional speakers added to the <br />system. He commented that the current sound system would remain in place. He explained that <br />he has been in contact with the concerned neighbor to ensure that his concerns were being <br />addressed. <br />