02/12/2001 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Qwest Rezone February 12, 2001 page 3 In the PSP and GI zones, a new tower requires an administrative permit. This type of permit was created by Ordinance No. 01 -98. It does not require a public hearing or review and approval by the P & Z or the City Council. (The public hearing at the P & Z was required for the rezoning.) However, the rezoning hearing provides a good venue to discuss the tower application, which is driving the rezoning request. Tower Location and Description: The proposed location is in City Hall Park at the corner of Main St. and Rondeau Road. The tower would be constructed next to the hockey rink and the Public Works buildings. It will be designed to accommodate antennas for two additional wireless providers, for a total of three. The proposed tower will be 135 ft. high. The tower is approximately four feet in diameter at the base and tapers to about two feet at the top. Several equipment cabinets will be installed next to the pole. These cabinets will be about nine feet long and six feet tall. There are several color options. Several field lights now on a wooden pole would be relocated onto the Qwest tower. The entire installation of tower and cabinets will be placed on concrete pavers that will cover approximately 16'x 18'. Below grade, the tower will be stabilized with a large concrete footing. Necessity of New Tower vs. Utilizing Existing Structures: As stated above, an applicant for a new tower must demonstrate that the location of the new tower is necessary to provide wireless coverage and that there is no existing structure that can accommodate the antenna. Qwest has explained that it needs a facility in the northern portion of the City to provide service. There are no water towers or existing towers in the northern part of Lino Lakes. The locations of the City's two water towers do not fill the gap in the Qwest coverage. Qwest currently is on the Centerville water tower, a Circle Pines location, and on a communication tower in Columbus Township, near the freeway. The tower location study conducted by staff indicates no nearby structures. The City has hired Garry Lysiak of Owl Engineering to analyze the information, and Mr. Lysiak will present his analysis. If there are no existing structures that will accommodate Qwest's service provision needs, the City must consider what is the best site for a new facility. The proposed site is owned by the City. The City will gain lease income from Qwest. In addition to the senior center and recreational activities, the site serves as the Public Works headquarters, which is an industrial - like activity. The large, open park area creates separation from surrounding agricultural and residential uses. A tower on this site will be less intrusive than on other sites in the north part of Lino Lakes, and the City can exercise more control over activity on City property than it can over activity on private property. We also must consider future needs of other PCS providers. This tower will provide for additional antennas for two other companies, which avoids the need for additional towers for two firms.