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PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMISSION BUSINESS <br /> <br />Case//7: .Creation of Tower Overlay District <br /> <br />Chairperson Nixt closed the regular portion of the planning Commission meeting at .8:45 p.m. in <br />order to conduct the following public hearing. <br /> <br />Public Hearing <br /> <br />Chairperson Nixt called the public hearing back to order at 8:45 p.m. <br /> <br />Presentation <br /> <br />Planner Pat Trudgeon stated that City Ordinances were recently amended to restrict commercial <br />towers in Residential Districts to parcels at least 10 acres in size in an area to be identified as the <br />Tower Overlay District. Staff is recommending approval of the ordinance to create the tower <br />overlay district. Subsequent to the publication-of tonights agenda, the City Attorney reviewed <br />the ordinance and directed staff to make some slight modifications. The current version of the <br />ordinance was then distributed to the Commissioners and Staff. <br /> <br />Citizen Input <br /> <br />John Enstrom - 8702 1812' Avenue N.W. - Stated he is concerned with the ordinance because he <br />owns 120 acres and he has been approached by several companies to place towers on his <br />property. He further stated that he is not in favor of a tower on his property even though he has <br />the highest elevation and tallest structure (NiP pole) in Ramsey (other than other commercial <br />towers) on his land. Mr. Enstrom stated that he has a cellphone and has never had a problem <br />with service in his area and he questioned the need for more towers in this area; is a $100,000 <br />tower for 200 residents justified? This overlay district is proposed to be permanent rural; there <br />will not be a lot of development taking place in this area; why is there a need for cell towers in <br />this area? These towers should be placed on public land such as City property and parks and <br />undevelopable green areas. Will property values be lowered for parcels selected for placement of <br />towers? Ramsey should contact, all cell phone companies and see which one will give Ramsey <br />the best package. <br /> <br />Peter Mayer 71.90 175~h Avenue N.W. - Inquired as to how many towers would be allowed in <br />this area if this ordinance is passed; is there means to stop someone from buying vacant Property <br />and putting a towei' on it? <br /> <br />Ms. Frolik replied that the standards were recently amended to increase the tower radius area <br />from ½ mile to 1 mile. All construction of towers requires a 'conditional use permit and vacant <br />properties are eligible for a tower. <br /> <br />Planning Commission/January 2, 2001 <br /> Page_ <br /> <br />-293- <br /> <br /> <br />