Laserfiche WebLink
• <br />• <br />COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 13, 1997 <br />Mayor Landers explained that placing fencing over the roof would keep individuals from getting <br />into this area. Mr. Ahrens explained how the building could be reoriented to align with the <br />existing watermain so the fence can be extended to encompass the building. He concurred with <br />the need to keep this area "clean" and without clutter. <br />Council Member Bergeson stated he is not real "hot" on this application. He noted the proposed <br />building fits the needs of this company but the next company will want something else and he <br />does not think the City wants that. Council Member Bergeson stated he would prefer a more <br />comprehensive approach to a building that will serve those antennas. <br />Mr. Ahrens explained that a certain type of fencing may address those types of concerns, such as <br />a more decorative type of fencing. <br />Council Member Neal asked if the equipment can be installed underground. Mr. Ahrens <br />explained the equipment is fairly large cabinets and access is needed for maintenance. <br />Jim Nelson, Nextel Communications, explained the technology being used is not the same as <br />used with the previous request from Sprint. He advised Nextel's radio equipment is required in <br />conjunction with the antennas and is not cabinetized. Mr. Nelson explained that some other <br />communities required buildings rather than allowing just the cabinets to be installed. It was <br />noted they propose to use a prefab building but would consider a stick building to make it <br />visually different. <br />Mr. Wessel noted this request was considered by the Planning & Zoning who raised very specific <br />questions about appearance with one member voting against the request. Mr. Wessel stated this <br />is a good question in terms of the need for an overall plan. He asked what Mr. Nelson envisions <br />in five years with regard to the need for additional buildings or cabinets. <br />Mr. Nelson explained the change in technology over the past 15 years and the trend to reduce the <br />size of equipment. He stated he assumes there will be a reduction in physical mass required. <br />Mr. Wessel inquired regarding the layout of future accommodations and area needed to be <br />ultimately consumed by antenna structures. Mr. Nelson advised that a 50 -foot by 50 -foot area <br />would be needed to adequately handle a 180 -foot tower to support three providers. He explained <br />it is possible to handle four providers on that tower and in that area. However, the mass of the <br />tower to handle three to four providers is another issue. <br />Council Member Lyden noted the equipment is not being proposed inside the water tower base <br />because that space is used by storage of equipment but, perhaps, the City should use the money <br />from the antenna companies to construct a proper storage building. Then this equipment could <br />be placed in the water tower base. <br />Mr. Nelson stated if the issue of aesthetics is a major concern and the Council views the ultimate <br />service as a benefit to the community and City proper, the Council could construct a structure <br />and house all radio/antenna equipment inside. <br />PAGE 17 <br />