Minutes - Planning Commission - 07/10/2008

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deminimus in terms of what we are trying to accomplish. Or, the Planning Commission can recommend approval with the exclusion of the overlay section and direct staff to identify a replacement parcel. Chairperson Nixt stated since the moratorium is up in September, the preferred course of action would be to make a recommendation to the City Council. Associate Planner Gladhill stated the other overlay areas may adequately cover even with the exception of this one parcel. Dennis Carpenter reported that at the recent NAB convention, a manufacturer was showing new monopole designs that look like big white pine trees and you cannot see the antennas. He offered to share that information with staff. He informed Mr. Enstrom that red lights are not required if the tower is under 200 feet in height. Andy Hillibregt asked about the overlay system and why the City did not leave it up to the individual landowners. He stated that a 2.5 acre lot will accommodate such a tower and it should be left up to the property owner if they want a tower. Associate Planner Gladhill explained that a 2.5 acre commercial or industrial lot may be appropriate but it would not be appropriate within a residential area. He noted that residential parcels were excluded except for areas where needed to provide coverage. He stated he believes there would be a lot public feedback against doing such with a residential parcel. Andy Hillibregt noted some of the areas could be developed in the future and when that happens the tower would be in the middle of the residential area anyway. Andy Hillibregt stated his preference to allow the property owners to make the decision whether they want to be included in the overlay district since they better know their property. Chairperson Nixt stated leaving it open to that level of discretion would end with a result that residents and the City would not be pleased with, in aggregate. Andy Hillibregt suggested they work with the residents to decide which parcels should be identified. He noted that as density increases the towers will be lowered and more will be needed. Associate Planner Gladhill stated staff tried to anticipate that, noting the additional locations along the Mississippi River areas. The gaps in service in the central area of Ramsey were also identified. He noted that technology will be changing and the City will have to adjust the ordinances accordingly. Commissioner Brauer asked who defines the coverage area and adequacy. Associate Planner Gladhill explained providers are required to research locations within a one- mile radius and that is the basis for determining the overlay. He stated staff talked with service providers about their service areas, which is the basis for the one-mile radius. Planning Commission / July 10,2008 Page 13 of 17