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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – OCTOBER 10, 2016 4 authorization at a future meeting. City Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 2016-008: An Interim Ordinance Temporarily Prohibiting Land Use Applications and Reviews for Higher Education Uses in Residential, Business, Industrial and Other Zones. Councilmember Wicklund asked if this action was being driven by staff. Senior Planner Bachler stated that staff was bringing the proposed ordinance forward for consideration by the City Council. Councilmember Wicklund questioned how much time would be needed to complete the study. Senior Planner Bachler anticipated the study would be completed by an outside consultant given the amount of time that would be required. He estimated the study would be completed in a six- to twelve-month time period. Councilmember Wicklund inquired what the expense would be to complete this type of study. Senior Planner Bachler stated staff has not explored the cost and expected staff would be bringing forward a proposal at a future meeting. Councilmember Wicklund asked when the City last passed a moratorium. Senior Planner Bachler did not recall a moratorium being passed during his time with the City. Mayor Grant explained a moratorium was passed on the B-2 zoning district. Councilmember Wicklund questioned why a moratorium was necessary when zoning district uses were evaluated on a regular basis. Councilmember Holden believed the moratorium was a good idea because it would assist the City in evaluating its uses within the B-3 and B-4 zoning districts. Councilmember Wicklund inquired if passing this Ordinance would not allow the University of Northwestern to pursue the Smiths Medical building. Assistant City Attorney Monge reviewed the State Statute requirements regarding moratoriums and explained any requests that would come to the City for higher education uses would be delayed until the moratorium was complete. However, he noted that any requests made in full prior to the moratorium being in place would have to be considered by the City. Councilmember Wicklund asked if the University of Northwestern had submitted an application in full. Senior Planner Bachler explained the City did receive an application from the University of Northwestern for a Zoning Code Amendment and Conditional Use Permit for the Smiths Medical property on Monday, October 3, 2016. Staff was still evaluating this application and has not determined if the application is complete.