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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 8, 1999 <br /> <br />8 <br /> <br />Mayor Probst stated that the parking needs would be more for the City's usage rather than the <br />College's. At this point an assessment has not been made as to the number of required parking <br />stalls. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst referred to the issue of the need to consider all possible sites prior to proceeding. <br />He indicated that this would be a requirement if Federal Funds were being used. He stated that <br />he was not sure that a private development would be required to consider all possible sites. The <br />College has the right to develop the parcel so long as it meets the guidelines of the limited use of <br />the zoning for the site. He stated that, although he may be off base, he would caution those with <br />this concern that this may not be an element to rely on. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst stated that there had been good points brought up. He agreed that a thorough <br />evaluation must be completed. He also indicated that he was not sure if the City had started in <br />the right place, as Mr. Coopet had pointed out, however, the City had to start somewhere. <br /> <br />Mrs. Jeana Kristufek, 1640 Chatham Avenue, stated that she had moved to Arden Hills one and <br />one-half years ago and plans to stay there. She indicated that she had chosen Arden Hills over <br />other, overly developed surrounding communities, because of its rolling terrain and limited <br />commercial development. She stated that she would hate to see Arden Hills level off the land <br />simply for athletic fields as this would be at a great cost to the City and homeowner's property <br />values. <br /> <br />Mr. Paulu stated that the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act provides that no person shall <br />drain or fill a wetland in full or partially, without first having a wetland replacement plan <br />approved by the local government. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst stated that he had not meant to suggest that the wetlands could be arbitrarily <br />removed. He had interpreted trom comments made that other sites within the commnnity must <br />be considered and this was the issue he had intended to address. <br /> <br />Mr. Paulu noted that Bethel College is proposing to incorporate City property into the project. <br />He suggested this may have other implications in that they would not only be developing their <br />own property, they would be looking to include the City park property in the development. He <br />echoed Mr. Coopet's concern that so much time and energy is being invested in the proposal that <br />it may be impossible to back out. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst stated that Mr. Paulu's point was well taken with regard to the City park property. <br />He indicated that when the investigation had initially begun, it was believed that the two <br />properties would co-mingle better than the proposal indicates. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst stated that the project is in its early stages and a great deal will need to be done in <br />order to determine what mayor may not be accomplished. <br /> <br />Ms. Rowena Ochiagha, 1539 Oak Avenue, stated that she was aware that the land is owned by <br />Bethel College and the development of it is inevitable. She expressed her hope that, as the plan <br />moves forward, Bethel College would be a steward for the wetlands to ensure there is no excess <br />fertilizer or herbicide runoff. <br />