05-25-2005 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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`/ +- O J 2'1 cea>zaela 515 Little Canada Road, Little Canada, MN 55117-1600 (651) 766 -4029 / FAX: (651) 766 -4048 www.ci.little- canada.rnn.us MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Blesener and Members of the City Council FROM: Joel Hanson, City Administrator DATE: May 20, 2005 RE: New Cingular CUP for Wireless Communications Tower MAYOR bill B iesener COUNCIL, Jim LaValle Rick Montour Barbara Allan John Keis ADMINISTRATOR Joel R. Hanson This past week, I received a call from Mr. Desmond Chan representing Cingular Wireless. Mr. Chan informed me that with the merger of AT &T and Cingular, there is some redundancy in antenna locations. Therefore, they are looking at terminating existing leases if they cannot secure more favorable lease terms. In our case, this impacts the lease we had with AT &T for the water tower. Annual revenues are currently about $18,000 per year with a four percent annual escalator. (See Articles attached that speak to this topic.) While the above situation does not have a direct bearing on the new tower proposed to be Located at 3250 Spruce Street, it seems ironic that in one part of the City they are talking about reducing the number of towers while needed to expand them in another. Therefore, I believe we should proceed with caution in approving this CUP to ensure that there is truly a need for a new tower and this is not simply a new tower to replace one that will not renegotiate existing lease terms. Another interesting point we should pursue is the existing tower at Donovan Construction. Mr. Holm indicates it is outside of the 'IA mile radius search ring as evidenced by his map. Closer evaluation of the map indicates that the location of this tower seems to he misrepresented in that it is not as far south of the search ring as the map indicates. Also, given the elevation differences between this site and the proposed site on Spruce Street, it may be a feasible option. Still another point to keep in mind is American Tower Corporation appears to have a financial interest in securing a new tower location. Based on Mr, I- Iolm's letter of April 11. he indicates they are -the leading independent owner and operator of wireless communication towers in the [Mired States". We should ensure that we. are obtaining objective information. as it may not be in American Tower's best interests to co- locate the antennae on another tower.