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'It <br /> --A DIzEEN HILLS <br /> Approved: ()ctober 10. 2016 <br /> CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA <br /> CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br /> SEPTEMBER 19,2016 <br /> 5:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS <br /> CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL <br /> Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the City Council <br /> Work Session at 5:02 p.m. <br /> Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Dave <br /> McClung and Jonathan Wicklund <br /> Absent: None <br /> Also present: Interim City Administrator Sue Iverson; City Attorney Joel Jamnik; Interim <br /> Public Works Director/City Engineer Andy Brotzler; Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers & <br /> Associates; Senior Planner Matthew Bachler; and Deputy Clerk Jolene Trauba <br /> L AGENDA ITEMS <br /> A. University of Northwestern— 1.265 Grey Fox Road <br /> Senior Planner Bachler stated the University of Northwestern has requested to meet with the <br /> City Council to discuss the property at 1265 Grey Fox Road. Smiths Medical previously occupied <br /> the site and it includes approximately 165,000 square feet of office and lab space. Northwestern <br /> plans to acquire the property and remodel the existing facilities for classrooms, labs, and <br /> administrative offices for their engineering, biology, and health services programs. Higher <br /> education schools are currently not a permitted use in the I-Flex District and a Zoning Code <br /> amendment would be required for Northwestern to proceed with their proposal. <br /> Al Cureton, President of University of Northwestern, thanked the Council for their time and for <br /> considering his presentation. He discussed the three major functions of a University, noting the <br /> focus should be teaching, research and community service. He explained Northwestern was <br /> working to advance the needs of the State and was proposing to purchase the property at 1265 <br /> Grey Fox Road in order to enhance the college and its engineering/technological programming. <br /> He commented on the number of baby boomers that would be retiring in the next five years and <br /> the growing need for highly trained individuals. He indicated Northwestern was interested in <br /> creating an incubator type environment that would attract and retain talent in the community. <br />