Agenda - Council - 04/25/2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Anita Rasmussen City of Ramsey Anita: DSU Is pleased to assist the City of Ramsey in research, analysis,..and ordinance preparation in relation to wireless telecommunications facilities. The rapid increase in this technology has created an enormous challenge for cities in responding to the physical location of antennas, towers and equipment. Of course the federal government also stepped into the equation with the 1996 Telecommunications Act O'CA) which limits cities' ability to regulate the industry. I am sure that Ramsey, like most cities, wants to benefit from the spread of wirsless technology, but also wants to be responsible to its citizens in protecting the landscape from the unlimited proliferation of towers and equipment. DSU proposes to assist the City of Ramsey, In close consultation with City staff and the City Attorney, with the following services: ORDINANCE ANALYSIS: 1) We will research current City ordinances for existing regulations relating to towers, antennas, and similar facilities. These regulations may vary in different zoning districts. A clear summary of these provisions and their locations In the City will be essentlar before taking the next steps. 2) We wlll research other city ordinances, the League of Minnesota Cities, and other sources for mode{ telecommunications ordinances to use as a template for Ramsey's ordinance. MAPPING ANALYSIS: 3) We will locate on a City map existing tower and antenna facilities in the City and in adjacent cities immediately outside Ramsey's borders. We will also locate other tall structures, such as water towers, utility towers, light poles, tall buildings, or other such structures that might offer potential {ocations for antenna facilities. 4) We will also locate on a map existing City-owned property, including parks, maintenance facilities, and other City properties, since these might be potential sites for antenna and tower facilities. 5) We will map the existing and future major highway corridors in t~e City, as these will be the first areas sewed by wireless companies. We will also map concentrations of population and businesses which might need wireless services,- which are not within a mile or two of major highway corridors. 6) In consultation with Clty staff we will analyze potential locations for future tower and antenna faci{ities, either as new facilities or co-{ocatlons on existing towers or structures, attempting to create a grid of potential locations at a spacing of one to two miles sewing the major highway corridors, and business and population centers. RECOMMENDATIONS: 7) Based on the above research, analysis and consultation with City staff and City Attomey, we will prepare a draft report and ordinance for Ramsey addressing wireless telecommunications facilities. The ordinance will include appropriate definitions, processes,.and standards for such facl{ities. 8} We will present our findings and draft ordinance to the Planning Commission and City Council for review and approval, or assist the City staff in preparing for and presenting them. 9) We will revise the report and ordinance based on the above discusslons, or assist City staff to make the necessary revisions as appropriate. COST ESTIMATE: We estimate the cost for the above services to be $4,000 to $7,000, depending on the level of detail required, the issues uncovered in our Initial analysis, and the extent of City staff assistance in all parts of the work. We will not exceed this estimate without prior explicit approval of the City. Our services wilt be charged on a time plus materials basis, with hourly rates ranging from $75/hour to $90/hour for a Senior Planner down to $45/hour for support staff. Expenses associated with the project will be charged at cur typical rates, and wilt include mileage, fax, xerox, delivery charges, and'other normal and typical expenses associated with this type of planning work. We wilt bill the City monthly for the costs incurred during the previous month. To ail invoices more than thirty days past due a service charge of 1.5% per month will be added. We wlll proceed with verbal approval of this agreement, unless the City would like to have a written signed letter of agreement In advance, which we will be happy to provide in a few days. 325