Agenda - Council - 06/12/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-30- plan for Royal Oaks Realty development on March 27, 2001. Verizon Wireless is proposing to install I2, eight-foot by 12-inch antennas on the City water tower located at a height of approximately 96 feet. The applicant is also proposing to construct a 12 foot by 30 foot equipment building on the City proper~y. The building exterior is proposing to consist of fiver rock, which meets B-1 Business wall material requirements. The site plan indicates that a fence will be constructed around tile A/C units that are outside of the building. Staff recommended that the fence be constructed out of wood, privacy material or materials that closely match the exterior wail finishes on the building. The applicant is proposing to utilize an existing driveway to access the equipment building. There will be no personnel stationed at the site on a permanent basis. Verizon Wireless is currently proposing to enter into a lease agreement with the City or Ramsey for water tower and equipment space in the amount of $12,732.00 annually. The City Attorney has drafted a lease agreement. The City Council discussed the conditional use permit request at a Council work session. The Council directed staff to obtain a quote from a consultant who could advise the City on how many more potential cellular providers could locate on the City's water tower, if the City would be better served by constructing a building-to house the equipment of all potential providers, and how large of a building would be required for such a use. Staff contacted Mr. Jeff Nelson and Mr, Chuck Beisner as potential consultants. Jeff Nelson sent an email to staff stating that he is very busy right now and is not able to research the City's request at this point in time. However, he would be willing to look at the City's request during the summer months if the City's request is not time sensitive. Chuck Beisner called staff on April 19, 2001, and recommended that staff contact Garrett Lysiac, from Owl Engineering. Mr. Beisner stated to staff that Mr. Lysiac has worked with several cities in the past regarding technical telecommunication issues. Staff contacted Mr. Lysiac on April 19, 2001, he was very helpful in answering staff's questions. Mr. Lysiac offered some preliminary information, if it his opinion that the City is not charging enough for the leasing of water tower space and City property. At a very minimum, the City should be charging $18,000 a year (Andover currently collects $24,000 per year). It is also Mr. Lysiac preliminary opinion that the City should not construct an equipment building for all potential users. He stated that there are other methods to protect the property from a mini village of equipment buildings. If the City were to construct an equipment building there would be liability and security issues to deal with. Mr. Lysiac is willing to analyze the water tower site to better answer the Council's questions at a price not to exceed $5,000. Also during the work session, the Council discussed the idea of requesting Verizon Wireless to install temporary equipment structures until the City could better determine whether or not it is in the City's best interest to construct an equipmenZt building for all potential users. The Plarming Commission held a public hearing on April 3, 2001. During the public hearing the applicant stated that they had some concerns regarding the City constructing an equipment building to facilitate all cellular providers. Equipment buildings are constructed to be electronically climate controlled in order to house radio controlled equipment. Verizon Wireless also stated some concern regarding security as they are not comfortable placing their equipment in an area that is accessible to others and they would need to have access to the building monthly for regular appointment checks. Mr. Nelson stated that they also have a few concerns related to installing temporary equipment structures as it will be extra time, cost, and work for them, however, they are willing to work with the City. Subsequent to the Plann/ng Commission meeting, the applicant submitted a landscaping plan that meets City standards. The landscaping City Council/April 24, 2001 Page 20 of 27 I I I I I I