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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 5 , 2017 13 any illegal dumping. He requested the Commission deny the County’s Conditional Use Permit request noting this site was not purchased to be a yard waste site. He recommended that Ramsey County conserve this space and not be allowed to further expand the compost site. There being no additional comment Chair Thompson closed the public hearing at 8:04 p.m. Commissioner Gehrig thanked Mr. Limke for the information he provided to the Commission. He understood the current compost site was public land that was serving a public service, and that the County was requesting an expansion of services. It was his opinion that all the proper pieces were in place to allow for the service expansion. Chair Thompson explained the community was creating more waste than in the past and she understood that the County was working to address ways to reduce the amount of waste heading to landfills. She indicated she was a very dedicated organics recycler and had a compost site on her property. She appreciated the fact that the County was working to raise awareness on this issue. Commissioner Zimmerman moved and Commissioner Neururer seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 17-015 for a Conditional Use Permit at 1761 Lake Johanna Boulevard, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans as amended by the seven (7) conditions in the July 5, 2017, Report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Case 17-006 – High Education Moratorium Study Interim City Planner Zweber reviewed the draft Higher Education Study report, including its potential outcomes in detail with the Planning Commission. He discussed how higher education was changing for both the Bethel and Northwestern campuses. He reported that college students did have some impact on the economy but not as much as category one businesses. He explained this report was reviewed by the City Council at their June 26th worksession meeting. He commented on the recommendations made by the City Council. Staff requested the Planning Commission provide guidance and recommendations regarding any amendments to the City’s regulation of higher education uses. Chair Thompson opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Zimmerman commented on how education would continue to change going forward into the future. He understood that leasing space may be pursued by both Bethel and Northwestern in order to allow for an ebb and flow of students. Chair Thompson stated she supported the idea of having higher education classroom/office space. She explained she was uncertain of the proper percentage of area in the B-2 District where this should be allowed. She wondered if other communities had set a limit on this percentage. Commissioner Gehrig asked if the tax base implications were considered by staff.