12-09-2008 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 9, 2008 4 Tom Mechelke, 9090 Jane Road N., expressed his dismay having to look at the tower especially when viewing vistas across Lake Jane from Sunfish Lake Park. Other residents cited the negative aesthetic aspects of the tower which would be seen from around Lake Jane and Sunfish Lake Park, Ron Obermueller, 8696 N. 42nd Street, offered suggestions as to where the tower could be placed and how the same coverage could be gained with two smaller towers which wouldn’t dominate the landscape. Jean Olinger, 9057 Lake Jane N., noted all the change that she and her family had experienced while living on their property for thirty years. During that time the Olinger family did not oppose such changes in the neighborhood Mark Holm, real estate and zoning manager for T-mobile, explained the company approached the city six months ago and was told that there was no city property appropriate for the tower which is why the company sought out private sites. Council Member Smith said she would prefer to work with T-mobile officials for an additional 60 days to explore alternative sites for the tower including nearby City property. Council Member Park stated that applicants, Daniel and Jean Olinger, had presented the City an application in good faith and they deserved to have that request reviewed and acted upon. Mike Pearson, 2805 Lisbon Avenue N. and a planning commission member, supported Council Member Park's comments stating that the applicant is not getting a fair deal in the process. State statute requires that a City act on such an application within 120 days, the city’s deadline was December 24th. The Council discussed using 60 days to continue a discussion with T-Mobile officials and staff on the placement of the cell tower and the details that go into building a tower. Mark Holm, real estate and zoning manager for T- mobile agreed to the request for a 60-day extension. MOTION: Council Member Smith moved to table until February 9, 2009 the application to construct a wireless telecommunication tower at 9057 Lake Jane Trail in order for the staff and T-mobile officials to discuss the location and design. Council Member DeLapp second the motion. Mayor Johnston and Council Members DeLapp and Smith voted in favor of the motion and Council Member Park voted against. Consider setting a public hearing to establish a moratorium on the construction of a new wireless telecommunications towers – Not Discussed