Minutes - Council - 08/12/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Wayne Varner, 6461 153rd Way NW, stated he would like to discuss the 160-foot communication tower that is being constructed in Alpine Park. He stated in July 2008 he sent an e-mail to Counci1members Look, Strommen, Jeffery, and Olson and asked that the e-mail be forwarded to the other Councilmembers. Mr. Varner stated as of today only Councilmember Look has responded and provided him with a detailed list of what has transpired with the Alpine Park tower. Mr. Varner reviewed the dates of past notifications and meetings held regarding the Communications Tower. He stated on April 20 2007, notices were sent out to residents within 350 feet of the proposed location on the west side behind the soccer fields and swamp. A hearing was held on May 3,2007, and on May 10,2007, the Parks Commission got involved and moved the location farther west. On June 7, 2007, at a Planning Commission meeting, three residents voiced concerns over that location and again the tower location was moved. On September 14, 2007, a mailing went out and on September 25, 2007, the City Council tabled action. Mr. Varner stated he has a list of20 of his neighbors who did not receive notice of the meeting. On October 30, 2007, four alternative sites were proposed, another mailing was sent, and again his neighborhood did not receive notice. On January 8, 2008, the request for a tower site was considered by the City Council at a different area and this time no notices go out. On June 24, 2008, a lease agreement is approved and the permit signed. Mr. Varner stated his issue is that the neighborhood most affected by the current site didn't receive any notices of the location. The neighborhood did receive notice about the location for the western side of the park, but nothing more. When residents brought this up, City officials said legally they only need to give one notice and it is then up to the resident to keep track of it. Mr. Varner stated that may be legal but it is not ethical. He asked how anyone can keep track . because over a year of time transpired and who knows how many locations were considered. Now that the tower is built, residents are getting misinformation. Mr. Varner stated the signed lease is for five years, with three, five-year renewable options. He stated his interpretation of the FCC ruling is that it requires "reasonable opportunities," which do not equal "required by law." Mr. Varner stated residents were told they would plant 30 trees, but even a 40-foot tree will not disguise a 160-foot tower. Residents were also told the City would receive $18,000 from the lease that would go directly into Alpine Park improvements. However, that does nothing for his neighborhood that lost, in aggregate, $500,000 in resale value based on the location of that tower. Mr. Varner noted Alpine Street is 50 mph and the tower is a "kid magnet. " Mr. Varner stated all understand that no one wants a 160-foot tower in their neighborhood and given opportunity, would vote against it. He stated his question is whether the City really needs it and asserted that answer is clear, "no, we don't need service." However, the tower is up. Mr. Varner stated residents could say they want it removed but that won't happen because of the cost. Mr. Varner stated he wants the City to issue T Mobile a letter saying the three, five-year options will not be given. Then, in five years the tower comes down and nothing else is built on that site unless it helps the ballpark. Mr. Varner stated he also wants the City to make the speed limit on Alpine Street a more reasonable speed because kids will be jumping over snow banks and, in time, there will be a tragedy. He stated he would like the City to adopt a more comprehensive way of letting City Council / August 12, 2008 Page 4 of 26