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From: Bruce Kunkel To: Neacian B krnAn Subject: AT&T Cell Antennae Date: Friday,August 27,2010 4:30:30 PM Letter of Support for the AT&T Cell Antennae: Over the past several years cell phones have become as prevalent on the Bethel campus as they are in other parts of our culture. It seems as though everyone is carrying at least one cell phone these days. They are so much a part of the student culture that we are in the process of removing desk and wall phones from our residence hall rooms. It has become clear to us that our students simply do not use land lines. As in the old days one wall phone will service an entire residence hall. However, our students,we suspect, will be more engage than ever before because of the ubiquitous cell phone. Although cell phones are everywhere they do not always work as well as we would like. Whether it is due to the topography of the Bethel campus,the large buildings of concrete and steel or a combination of the two, cell phone coverage is a significant issue. I regularly receive complaints from our student government that we need to do something about coverage on campus. In addition to the mere convenience of being able to talk to friends or mom and dad, the cell phone has also become our emergency communication link with our students. In response to the highly visible and tragic incidents on college campus'over the past several years we have instituted an emergency alert system that relies heavily on cell phone communication. In the event of a crisis on the Bethel campus most students would learn of the incident and what to do by following instructions on their cell phones. This is no longer about connecting with your friends but takes on a far more serious tone. At Bethel we are always conscious of the aesthetic implications that any new structure will have on the overall campus appearance. In this instance the location on the Brushaber Commons made it even more imperative that it be done well. To ensure we are not making a mistake I have had Dr. Wayne Roosa,art historian and art department chairperson, review the design and its implications. In addition to his academic responsibilities Dr. Roosa has been a involved in every major building project since 1994. Dr. Roosa is comfortable with the proposed antennae and its stealth covering as something that will not disrupt or obtrusively alter the campus aesthetic. We appreciate your time and the time of the planning commission and city council in reviewing this important matter. Sincerely, Bruce A.Kunkel Vice President for Campus Services Bethel University 3900 Bethel Drive St. Paul,Minnesota 55112