03-25-2026 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MARCH 25, 2026 for several decades. The applicant, Ryan Streff, on behalf of The Towers, LLC, has submitted an application for the placement of telecommunications infrastructure on the site. Under the City's zoning regulations, commercial telecommunications towers and security fencing with barbed wire arms require approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). As a result, the request is subject to review and recommendation by the Planning Commission and final action by the City Council. He reviewed details of the proposal, outside agency review, public comments received, and the recommendation of the Planning Commission. He stated that staff finds that the proposal meets the applicable development standards, satisfies the CUP criteria, finds that the security fence serves a clear security need and is consistent with the City's ordinance requirements, and recommends approval as presented. Mayor Fischer opened the public hearing for comments from the general public. Ryan Webber, property owner of 2617 Park Street, spoke in support of the request and the recommendation from the Planning Commission. He stated that there is a lack of cellular coverage and believed that better coverage would be a benefit to the community. Blair Ransom, representative of The Towers LLC, commented that Verizon will be the main tenant on the tower, and the tower will be built to allow multiple tenants. He stated that Verizon is addressing a current telecommunications gap and also planning for future capacity. There were no further comments from the public. Upon motion by Miller, seconded by Kwapick, the public hearing was closed. Ayes (4). Nays (0). Motion adopted. Malone asked if the applicant would maintain the tower and fencing. Mr. Weber replied that the tower developer is responsible for maintenance of the leased space, while anything outside of that area would be maintained by the property owner. He confirmed that the fence would be maintained by The Towers LLC. Kwapick asked about the number of towers in the community. The Community Development Director was unsure but believed there were two or three. Kwapick stated that he lives in the area and recognized that there will be more demand for these services with the apartment complex that is being developed. Malone asked if there would be any conflicts between this construction and County Road C. Kwapick replied that there would not be. Miller asked if this would also increase 5G internet access for the area. Mr. Weber confirmed that this would also improve home internet service, along with talk and text services. Miller referenced a comment made by a resident at the Planning Commission meeting related to safety. Mr. Weber replied that the safety emissions are regulated at the federal level and confirmed that this proposal falls within those guidelines. He noted that the antenna is 80 feet in the air, and the further you are from the antenna, the less the emissions are. Miller recognized that there would be liability for the City if this were to be denied, as it meets all the CUP standards. 2