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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – August 9, 2017 2 Eric Zweber, WSB & Associates stated on October 10, 2016, the City Council adopted An Interim Ordinance Temporarily Prohibiting Land Use Applications and Reviews for Higher Education Uses in Residential, Business, Industrial and Other Zones (moratorium). The moratorium can last up to one year to prepare a study to determine the impacts and benefits from higher education land uses and provide recommendations for possible Zoning Code and/or Comprehensive Plan amendments regarding higher education uses. The City Council initiated the required study and directed the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Commission to provide feedback and analysis throughout the process. The study was initially comprised of five components: • Background gathering and analysis of the existing Campus Master Plans for the University of Northwestern and Bethel University. • The regulation of Higher Education Uses within other communities. • Analysis of the Commercial and Employment Uses currently allowed in the various Commercial and Industrial Zones. • Analysis of the Employment and Economic Activity that results from the allowed Commercial and Employment Uses. • Analysis of existing parcels and buildings within the Commercial and Industrial zones. Mr. Zweber reported the Planning Commission, Economic Development Commission, and City Council have over the last few months reviewed the technical analysis of the five components and, based on the discussions, some potential outcomes. Based on discussion at these meetings, two additional components have been added to the study report: • College and University Enrollment by Community • Property Taxes Paid by Commercial and Industrial Properties Mr. Zweber indicated the college and university enrollment component was added to determine if Arden Hills has a greater proportion of students to residents than other Minnesota communities. The property tax component was added to evaluate the impact to the general fund of the City of Arden Hills if the non-profit universities acquired properties that are currently occupied by property tax paying businesses. These components have been added as separate sections within the report and have been summarized in the executive summary. Mr. Zweber stated the previous versions of the report included potential outcomes in the executive summary and did not include formal recommendations. He commented on a memorandum which included a summary of the recommendations in the executive summary and the full recommendations near the end of the report. Any changes recommended by the Planning Commission will need to be changed in both the report and the code amendments. Mr. Zweber explained any amendments to the regulation of higher education uses will need to be ultimately approved by the City Council by October 9, 2017 before the moratorium expires. The economic development issues will continue to be discussed as the City develops the Comprehensive Plan update, which is expected to be approved in the first quarter of 2018. Staff then reviewed the definition of higher education within City Code in detail with the Commission. Mr. Zweber noted on July 31, Arden Hills and WSB staff met with the Presidents and other staff from both Bethel University and the University of Northwestern to review the draft report and the