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