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1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 20. 1990 <br />conspicuous and that $16,000.00 of trees and shrubs were planted <br />to improve the site. Mr. Christianson noted that the entire <br />facility will be substantially screened and the wetlands will be <br />preserved. He noted that the color of the dome will remain as it <br />was manufactured. Mr. Christianson said that although WCCO <br />respects the feelings of the people who have appeared this <br />evening, he felt that the decision given by the City Planner and <br />the DRB is a responsible decision. <br />Steve Smith, Director of Engineering for Midwest Cable and <br />Satellite, Inc. explained that the size and power of the Doppler <br />transmitting unit was small and draws about four (4) or five (5) <br />amps. The large antenna projects a thin pencil beam. The energy <br />is narrow for long distance projection. This beam detects wind <br />patterns. The large dish amplifies signals from the clouds and <br />equates to a micro wave oven. The pencil thin beam can see out <br />150 miles and detect wind bursts. The electro magnetic impact is <br />a universal application and has been studied on numerous <br />occasions and does not create any electro magnetic arm or <br />interference. <br />Council Member Reinert asked Mr. Smith to tell the Council what <br />he considered the micro wave tower. Mr. Smith explained from the <br />ball to the ground. Council Member Reinert said that he is <br />concerned because the tower was put in place and soon there were <br />additions. He said he did not know where WCCO would go next. <br />Council Member Reinert said that some companies feel that once <br />they have their foot in the door they can get anything they want. <br />He said the reason he wanted this hearing was to hear what WCCO <br />is doing and what is planned for the future. Mr. Christianson <br />explained that a CUP was granted for the tower and the tower was <br />built to accommodate this type of installation. The radar <br />equipment does not change the use and it is not a structural <br />change. <br />Council Member Kuether asked if the tower was designed for the <br />Doppler radar why was the permit for the radar not requested at <br />the same time the permit for the tower was requested. Mr. <br />Christianson explained that the Doppler radar had not been fully <br />developed. Council Member Kuether asked how many Doppler radars <br />were in the twin city area. Mr. Christianson explained there are <br />three others including one (1) in Duluth. He noted that the <br />Doppler radars cannot be located in a downtown area because of <br />interference from tall buildings. <br />Council Member Kuether asked what DRB Member Slatten said about <br />the Doppler radar. Mr. Smith said Mrs. Slatten said that she was <br />aware of the installation but was not bothered by it. She <br />indicated that the installation was similar to an addition to a <br />building. Mr. Smith indicated that Mrs. Slatten seconded the DRB <br />PAGE 9 <br />i7U <br />