01/13/1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 13, 1997 Mayor Landers called for a recess at 8:50 P.M. The meeting was called back to order at 9:01 P.M. CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT, DAVID AHRENS - CONTINUED Consideration of Antenna Lease Agreement for Sprint Communications - Mr. Ahrens explained Sprint Communications has discussed with staff the installation of antenna facilities on the City's existing water storage tank near the Correctional Facility. The proposed agreement between Sprint and the City has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney, staff, the City's communication engineering consultant, and Sprint officials. Staff requests Council approval of the Antenna Lease Agreement. Mr. Ahrens noted the Police Department reviewed this request and made several points in their review regarding the Police Department and other cities in Anoka County considering an 800 MHZ. frequency range for a public safety dispatching system and though there is no possible way to predict interference, this would be higher usage and a priority. FAA approval is required and the Lino Air Park North Commission needs to receive all appropriate reviewals. Mr. Ahrens recommended the applicant be required to submit a letter of those approvals. Regarding access to the site, the applicant will need to contact prison officials or City officials for after hours access to the site. Mr. Ahrens stated he recommends approval. Council Member Lyden requested a clarification as to "after hours access." Mr. Ahrens explained after hour access will be infrequent and only on and emergency repair basis. Normal maintenance would be handle during normal business hours. Mayor Landers stated to the best of his knowledge the Lino Airport North is not radio controlled and asked how the antennas could affect the Airport. Paul Harrington, Sprint PCA, explained they contact the FAA anytime they are placing appurtenances on structures not just to address communication or plane traffic, but also to address the height issue. Mayor Landers asked if the twelve -foot whip antennas will also have a beacon light. Mr. Harrington explained the directional panel antennas will be used which allows them to handle three times the traffic that an omni antenna can handle. He further explained it will be a six-foot long panel, mounted on center, at a certain height determined by award by the FCC. Mr. Harrington estimated the panels will be between 160 and 172 feet. Initially they anticipate going on the safety rig but will eventually move them to the band that is lower down on the tank, most likely within a year. Then the panel will be at 160 feet. Mayor Landers asked what is the approximate height of the antenna being mounted above the tank and if it needs a beacon. Mr. Harrington advised the initial mount will be about three feet above the safety rail. Mayor Landers asked if the panel will block the existing beacon from any view (360 degree circle). Mr. Ahrens agreed this may be a potential since the panel is six -feet wide and if this is a concern of Council, the Agreement can include a condition to raise a beacon, if needed. Mr. Ahrens stated the Council may want to leave this to the discretion of the FAA. PAGE 15