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City Council Minutes <br />February 6, 2017 <br />Page 6 <br />He agrees that Spectrum has been a benefit to the city in many ways but is the city <br />perpetuating the problem by allowing Spectrum to expand again in a business park. <br />Mayor Dietz stated if the council allows them to purchase this building to operate as <br />a school; the council will still work to pass an ordinance disallowing further schools <br />to operate in a business park. He stated Spectrum should understand this and if they <br />reach full capacity in this newest building, Spectrum is aware their future expansion <br />needs cannot be met by expanding in the business park building. <br />Mr. Kepler noted the building has been vacant for a very long time and not <br />generating economic activity in the city. <br />Councilmember Westgaard commented that just because the building has been <br />vacant doesn't mean the taxes haven't continued to be paid on the property and the <br />building. <br />Mayor Dietz stated he doesn't buy the argument that the buildings in the business <br />park are sitting vacant because of Spectrum school. He stated he doesn't feel he <br />should abandon Spectrum since he was part of the original council agreeing to allow <br />the school to operate in a business park. He stated this isn't kicking the can down the <br />road; he stated he felt "it's stopping the can and the lid is on forever," and he doesn't <br />feel there is any other solution. <br />Councilmember Westgaard stated things are different now than they were 10 years <br />ago. He stated at that time, the city was able to help the school in a collaborative <br />effort to help and the school didn't anticipate such high growth. He stated the <br />council now would find it very difficult to deny an application submitted by the <br />school to continue operating in a different business park location given the <br />circumstances of what the city has allowed in the past. <br />Councilmember Wagner was not in favor of the 13 -acre parcel scenario and is very <br />glad to hear the school has found a property they will be the best fit for them. <br />Mr. DeBruyn thanked the staff and council in helping Spectrum seek a solution for <br />their expansion needs. He indicated Spectrum will present a conditional use permit <br />application to the city in the near future. <br />II. Adjournment <br />There being no further business, Mayor Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk <br />River City Council at 8:12 p.m. <br />Minutes prepared by Jennifer Johnson. <br />)Jnljietz <br />,P 011FAEF A9}i <br />