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• <br />Planning & Zoning Board <br />December 11, 1996 <br />Page 17 <br />Mr. Dunn expressed concern about aesthetics and how the panel antennas will <br />look. He asked if the application is for the whip antennas that will be replaced by <br />panel antennas. <br />Mr. Ahrens stated that the application is for an accessory cellular building on City <br />property, not necessarily the installation of antennas. <br />Ms. Dahl asked if there is a possibility that the number of antennas would <br />increase or the communication site strengthened for more channels. <br />Mr. Nelson stated that the application is for three whip antennas to be replaced <br />by three panel antennas. It is unlikely that the number of panel antennas would <br />be increased. He noted that there will be other communications companies <br />interested in water tower space. They may be engineered differently and can be <br />located on the pedestal. <br />Mr. Ahrens stated that the City's concern is public safety, and the manufacturer <br />of the water tower will be contacted to make sure putting a structure on top will <br />not be a hazard. <br />Ms. Dahl asked if there is any cost to the City for the top of the water tower to <br />accommodate the antennas. <br />Mr. Ahrens answered, no and explained that there are supports on a railing to <br />accommodate the antennas. <br />Mr. Gelbmann asked if there are other alternatives in this area to place the <br />antennas. <br />Mr. Nelson stated that Nextel is not negotiating another site at this time. <br />Mr. Gelbmann noted the amount of time that has been spent to carefully develop <br />a quality appearance for the whole industrial park development. He expressed <br />concern that the panels will have a major impact on the appearance that the City <br />has been working so hard to achieve. He questioned whether the panels are <br />worth the substantial fee. <br />Mr. Ahrens stated that the City Council had the same concern but noted that the <br />zoning ordinance does allow construction of a separate structure in that district. <br />Mr. Johnson asked how the City would accommodate another communication <br />company's application for a building. <br />Mr. Ahrens stated that other companies do not necessarily need a building. He <br />has seen requests for 5 -foot high cabinets that are well screened. <br />