03-24-1999 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 11, 1999 CUP FOR TELECOMMU- NICATIONS TOWER - U.S. WEST Pat Conlin and Dan Weisenberger, U.S. West, appeared before the Commission requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit to construct a telecommunications tower, antenna, and ground equipment at the Citgo Station located at 300 Little Canada Road. Conlin explained the design process which U.S. West has undertaken for their PCS cellular system. Conlin also reported that U.S. West has a hole in its system in the area of 694136135E resulting in dropped calls and capacity problems. Therefore, U.S. West has been looking at sites in an effort to construct an additional tower and fill this hole. Conlin reported that they have reviewed the City Planner's report relative to co- locations. Conlin indicated that the City's water tower is outside the target area since the hole in the system lies between 35E and Rice Street. Also, the water tower may be too high to serve as a fill -in site for this area. Conlin reported that the Citgo site was chosen because of its proximity to the freeway. There are properties on the west side of the freeway that were looked at; however, these sites are too low to meet U.S. West's coverage needs. Conlin was not sure why the Fire Station site was not identified. He indicated that it may work from a technical standpoint. However, it may be necessary to construct a monopole that is between five and fifteen feet higher if that site is utilized. Conlin felt that the monopole would be less visible from the Citgo property, therefore, from an aesthetics standpoint, Citgo is the preferred location. Conlin submitted a letter to the Commission that addressed the outstanding issues raised in the City Planner's report. Keis asked about the fire station site. Conlin reported that the City's ordinance provides for a priority listing of sites and encourages co- locations in an effort to address the proliferation of antennas. Montour pointed out the two existing antennas along Highway 36. Weisenberger reported that the Highway 36 towers were looked at, and it was felt that the towers along 36 were too far to fill the hole U.S. West has. They also looked at St. John's Church, but it was felt that the stone construction of the steeple would absorb the signal and limit coverage. Weisenberger reported that in their next construction phase, he would like to locate an antenna on the water tower. However, right now that location is too far from their hole to be effective. Weisenberger reported that U.S. West wants to be good neighbors and chose a site that blends in. With regard to the Fire Station site, Weisenberger reported that simply placing an antenna on the roof would not provide adequate coverage. A pole would be needed to raise the antenna to the required level. Weisenberger Page 52