Minutes - Council - 12/18/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember DeLuca was concerned about the convenant on underground utilities and the aesthetics of the area. Ms. Frolik stated in reading the convenant, she found no requirement that the utilities be placed underground. She also noticed that the petition from the residents was submitted prior to the public hearing; again noting she got the impression that the residents were satisfied with Mr. Monson's proposal for screening and his explanation of the tower. Councilmember Pearson stated he was at the public hearing and it was his impression that the trees to be planted will make the tower almost invisible from the road. James Monson explained the graph in the agenda material that indicates what would be seen from the road once the trees are planted. A 6'5" person standing on the road would have to look up 20 to 30 feet to see the tower. He noted that the tower itself is 80 feet high, but there will be a 20-foot column on top of that, for a total height of about 100 feet. He also emphasized that the trees will be a screening, not a curtain, so there will be an occasional glimpse of the tower through the trees. Mr. Monson went on to say that the proposal is contingent upon the Council approving the conditional use permit and upon the FAA granting a permit. He has also been told that the best time to plant such large trees would be mid-April. If for some reason he could not get them planted this April, he's been told it would be wise to wait until the following April in 1992. Ms. Frolik noted the Planning and Zoning Commission did talk about a two-year growing season, though it is not specifically mentioned in the proposed permit. Carl Youngquist, Realtor representing Howard Rohs, stated they talked to the neighbors prior to the public hearing, and they addressed the neighbors' concerns at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The Planning and Zoning Commission looked at it objectively and recommended approval. Mr. Monson is making a significant financial investment in the community and wants to protect that investment, agreeing to plant about $10,000 worth of trees to make sure the environment is going to continue to be what the neighbors will be proud of and Ramsey will be pleased with. Mr. Youngquist noted no residents are at the meeting this evening, which indicates to him that all concerns have been satisfied and that they are comfortable with the proposal. Mr. Monson also stated he spoke with one of the neighbors named Rebecca Peterson who has been opposed to this request and he told her that if the Council approved the request and the neighbors did not want him there, he would weigh the issue heavily and think about not going ahead with it because he does not want to move into a neighborhood, erect a tower, and have to deal with the neighbors' ill will. He asked Rebecca to contact him prior to the meeting if there is still a problem, and he has not heard from her. He also noted the tower will be in the back of the property, and he would be willing to plant more trees if there is still a concern. Councilmember DeLuca asked about the buildability of the land to the east. He was also concerned about having a petition before them in opposition to the proposal, however, there is nothing showing the residents are not concerned. Mr. Otto thought the land to the east is very low. Right now there are about 100 to 200 trees on the back of the lot that are about 20 to 40 feet high. In five years they will be even taller. Ms. Frolik stated that minutes of the public hearing are not yet completed, but there was a considerable amount of discussion, again stating she got the impression that the neighbors were satisfied. Councilmember DeLuca felt those minutes should be available, as it is difficult to make a decision when they don't have all the information. City Council/December 18, 1990 Page 6 of 13