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<br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 8 1999 <br />, <br /> <br />9 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst noted that the action requested is for the City Council to either stop the process or <br />direct Staff to continue working with Bethel College and Parks and Recreation in order to gather <br />additional information. <br /> <br />Councilmember Aplikowski asked if the area to the north, near the corner of County Road E2, is <br />Ramsey County open space. Mr. Fritsinger explained that most of this land is owned by the City <br />and was part of the Chatham development park dedication. <br /> <br />Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she is sensitive to the neighborhood responses. She <br />indicated that she had lived in the same neighborhood for over 22 years and had felt the same <br />concerns when the Chatham development had been proposed. It hurts when things change <br />because most people do not like changes. She pointed out that the Chatham neighborhood has <br />brought a great deal of resources to the City and what needs to be considered is how good this <br />proposed project could be for the City. <br /> <br />Council member Aplikowski stated that she would like to do what the neighbors want, however <br />she is in favor of expanding athletic opportunities. She stated that she would be in favor of <br />deliberately looking at the project for more answers. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rem stated that it would make sense to move forward to learn more about the <br />site and what can and cannot be done on it. She noted that Bethel College owns the land and <br />ultimately would make the decision on what would be done. She stated that it would be helpful <br />to have additional public discussions to determine what the possibilities are. <br /> <br />Councilmember Aplikowski asked ifthere would be any cost to the City to move forward with <br />this consideration. Mr. Fritsinger stated there would be costs to the City to involve the City <br />Engineer as well as Staff time. There would also be a cost to the City if other consultants were <br />brought in. <br /> <br />Council member Rem asked, even if the City did not move forward with the project, how much <br />of the City Engineer's time and studying would be needed. Mr. Fritsinger stated that, even if the <br />City were not involved in the project, it would still incur some engineering costs related to the <br />review of the site. If the Council chooses to proceed, the Staff should frame out the process. <br />This would give a better idea as to the costs the City and Bethel College may incur. He <br />suggested that prior to the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Staff would discuss <br />what the process may require and this information could be used by the Parks Commission to set <br />up future meetings. <br /> <br />Councilmember Aplikowski asked for additional rationale of how Bethel College had come to <br />this request. Mr. Hjelle explained that the project has it roots in the fact that Bethel College has a <br />need to develop athletic facilities. The Campus Master Plan had been updated and approved. At <br />that time the Planning Commission had requested the College to show recreational fields on the <br />site. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Mr. I-Ijelle indicated that both Bethel College and the surrounding communities have a strong <br />need for these types of facilities and this project would benefit both. He noted that the concept is <br />