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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24,2013 10 <br /> Councilmember McClung agreed stating that the Council had to consider the best interests of the <br /> entire City. He asked if the Council had to take action on this item tonight or if the item could be <br /> postponed to allow for consultation with the City Attorney. <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the 60 day time period expired on <br /> July 4, 2013. She indicated that the City could supply the petitioner with reasons requesting an <br /> additional 60 day period. <br /> Mayor Grant saw the proposed lease as a benefit to both Bethel University and Country <br /> Financial. He commented that it is beneficial to keep the City stro Zd its buildings occupied. <br /> Kathleen Nelson, Senior Vice President for Finance and inist on at Bethel University, <br /> explained that Bethel University has leased property at for the past seven years for its <br /> continuing adult education and has since outgrown the ace. or that reason,26,000 square feet <br /> of space is being pursued in the Country Financial building. Bethel prefers to lease space in the <br /> City of Arden Hills. A significant investment will be made it the Country Financial building to <br /> meet the needs of Bethel University which was why an interim use permit is not being requested. <br /> Ms.Nelson read the definition of specialized education within the B-2 Zoning District stating that <br /> this is currently a conditional use in the B-2 zoning district. It is her opinion that Bethel <br /> University is proposing this same type of use, albeit, for higher education, and should be <br /> approved. <br /> Mayor Grant questione ho g Bethel Uni ity is proposing to lease this space. <br /> Ms.Nelson was n d to re nd to this qu <br /> Councilmember Holden versity would begin offering classes fiom the <br /> Cotult7y Financial propel <br /> Ms. Nelson indicated tha ethel rsity would like to have classes operating from this <br /> location January 1,2014. She noted vast majority of classes at this site would take place in the <br /> eveni ng, but the Physi ci an's A ssistant program would be held during the day and the maximum <br /> number of students in this program would be 64. <br /> Mayor Grant inquired where Bethel University was in terns of their Master Plan. <br /> Ms. Nelson explained that the Master Plan was completed last May. She noted that the adult <br /> programs were not included in the campus Master Plan. <br /> Councilmember Holden recommended that the Council support the request this evening and not <br /> delay action to July. She stated that a million dollar investment in the building would greatly <br /> benefit the community. <br /> Councilmember McClung preferred to investigate the interim use permit; however, he could <br /> reluctantly support the recommendation of staff this evening. <br />