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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – March 7, 2018 8 Chair Thompson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Dennis Foster, 1415 Arden Oaks Drive, explained he lived across the football field from Bethel. He stated he believed Bethel was a good neighbor for the most part. He indicated he was concerned with the variance request. He discussed the water quality issues being addressed by the State of Minnesota. He commented water quality was a concern to him and he recommended Bethel not be allowed to encroach closer than 150 feet to Valentine Lake. He stated there was no hardship with the request and for this reason recommended the variance be denied. Brian Lapham, BWBR Architects and representative for Bethel University, introduced himself to the Commission. Commissioner Gehrig asked if the proposed addition could be completed without encroaching in the 150-foot setback to Lake Valentine. Mr. Lapham commented a number of locations were discussed for the new Science addition. He stated in the end the best fit was within the Academic Commons renovation. He explained more space was needed which required an addition. Commissioner Gehrig questioned if the building had to angle out into the setback. Mr. Lapham stated he had considered options that would fit within the setback, however this would not meet the needs of the University. Commissioner Jones asked how close Bethel mows down to the existing waterline. Mr. Lapham explained there was a line of cattails and wooded area along the lakefront before there was grass. He stated he was uncertain as to the distance from the water to the grass. Commissioner Jones indicated he believed Bethel had plenty of space between the proposed building and Lake Valentine. Mr. Lapham commented on the landscaping plan and noted where paths would go around the buildings. Commissioner Lambeth noted the applicant would be 118 feet from the ordinary high-water mark with the proposed addition. He was of the opinion this was an adequate distance from the lake. He stated he supported the encroachment as requested. There being no additional comment Chair Thompson closed the public hearing at 7:27 p.m. Chair Thompson noted the Rice Creek Watershed District would require review of this request. Commissioner Jones moved and Commissioner Lambeth seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 18-003 for a Conditional Use Permit Amendment and Variance at 3900 Bethel Drive, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by