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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 12, 1999 12 . Mayor Probst noted that one issue was that the immediate negative attitude of the residents in the area had an effect on the discussions. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that there is a long history behind the negative attitude by the residents when it comes to Bethel College. She agreed that it would be good for the City to be part of the planning of the proposed park and the City should remain open minded until all questions are answered. Councilmember Larson stated that it did not matter much to him whether the complex would be called a City park or a Bethel College park. What is important was what does the City get by participating in the project, how long would the agreement be for and what, if anything, should the City be paying. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the way the process had been set up was for the City to work on the design and help the neighborhood to understand what was being proposed. What Councilmember Larson had been discussing would be dealt with at the end of this process. Councilmember Malone stated that Bethel College was most likely assuming that the City would help financially. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the attitude of Bethel College had changed because of how long this process had been going on. The City had understood from Mr. Hjelle that anything the City could do to participate would only make the project that much easier. Mr. Hjelle had been asking that the City approach the State of Minnesota or Ramsey County and seek grant funds to help with the project. It was never the understanding that the City would be required to invest park funds into this project. . Mayor Probst stated that when these discussions had first begun, Ramsey County had been publicly advertising the need for soccer fields and there had been an understanding that there would be financial support from the County. Upon pursuit of Ramsey County funds, Ramsey County had indicated that they did have a need for soccer fields, however they would not participate financially. Therefore, this avenue for the City had been taken away. He stated that it was time to bring this issue to a reasonable closure, as Bethel College will proceed with or without assistance from the City. The College hopes to have this complex ready for use this fall. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the College had felt tbat, ifthe City were going to fund raise for the project, this would have to start now. Mayor Probst stated that this would be a difficult issue for the neighborhood. There have been statements made by residents that there is a need to preserve the wetlands. This is not true because the College campus is private property and there are wetland replacement options available to the college. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the proposed park would meet the Zoning Ordinance and the only outstanding issue was the parking lot. Mr. Fritsinger stated that, whether the City participates or not, Bethel College expects the City to be allowed to use the facilities, however, the City may have to pay for this use. He noted that Bethel College currently uses the City of Arden Hills facilities. . Once staff has better information regarding the land transfer status, it will be brought to the City Council in order to decide how to proceed. The City will not proceed with construction bids until status of the land transfer is known and related paperwork is completed.