05-12-05 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 12, 2005 Holm reported that New Cingular and T-Mobile work together to share towers and have a masCer lease agreement to this effect. Rheaume expressed concern about the issue raised about the setback for the tower in relation Co its "fall zone". Holm reported that the tower would be a crumble-zone tower, which means that if it were damaged, the top would bend over at a certain point but not come detached. Holm noted that the City's ordinance requires that if the tower were to fall it would fall onto the parent land and not onto neighboring properties. The setback proposed for this crumble tower would meet the ordinance requirements. The Planner noted that the setback applies to the property line and not to the existing building on the property at 3250 Spruce Street. Duray asked about the MN DOT tower and property at 694 and Rice Street. Duray asked if Cingular could construct a new tower in that location. Holm reported that Crying to negotiate lease agreements with the State is very difficult. There are also setback issues with that site given the close proximity of the freeway. Holm further stated that the development of tower farms is also discouraged. Knudsen asked if what the cost difference was for a co-location versus new tower. Holm reported that a new tower would cost approximately $1.80,000 while a co-location runs about $10,000 to $15,000. Therefore, it is very advantageous to co-locate, if possible. Rheaume asked if the construction of a tower on this property would impact any future development potential. The Planner replied that it would not since communications towers are allowed as accessory uses. Knudsen asked about the impact to the surrounding area. Holm described the surround area noting the large industrial warehouse buildings as well as the Xcel Energy substation. Holm then described the equipment building that would be constructed to support the tower, and indicated that a landscaping plan would be submitted for that building. Wojcik noted the Planner's recommendations relative to the proposed security fencing. Holm indicated that the fencing would comply with the recommendation of the City Planner. Knudsen questioned how the City could be assured Chat co-location options have been exhausted. The Planner replied that the City has not done independent investigations of the co-location issue, and indicated that the information submitted is what is commonly seen in these investigations. -4-