Agenda - Council - 04/14/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 04/14/2015 By: Tim Gladhill, Community Development 7. 2. Information Title: Adopt Resolution #15-04-099 and #15-04-100 approving Conditional Use Permit for 199 Foot Private Communications Tower; Case of Connexus Energy Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is to consider a request from Connexus Energy for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a 199 foot communications tower related to their operation. Connexus Energy is located at 14601 Ramsey Blvd. NW and services several communities within a several mile radius of their headquarters. Connexus Energy desires to locate a monopole communications tower at this location to provide communication to its staff, sub -stations, grid, meters, and other related equipment. Primarily, in order to provide adequate coverage over their entire service area, Connexus Energy has stated that this height of tower is required in order to provide coverage with a single tower. Additionally, the closed landfill does provide some barrier to coverage. Notification: A Public Hearing was held by the Planning Commission on March 5, 2015. Staff attempted to notify all Property Owners within 350 feet of the Subject Property of the Public Hearing via Standard US Mail. A Notification of Public Hearing was published in the Anoka County UnionHerald. Observations/Alternatives: This review is contingent upon approval of City of Ramsey Ordinance #15-07 amending maximum height requirements for certain types of towers. Connexus Energy has provided technical analysis as to their findings for the need for this communications tower and the chosen site. Other than the height, the request would meet all other minimum standards for Towers found within City Code Section 117-428 in conjunction with performance standards established in the attached Conditional Use Permit. The Planning Commission reviewed materials compiled by the City regarding communications towers in 2008 as well as information from the Centers of Disease Control. The Planning Commission feels that the proposed tower is safe and free from harmful secondary effects. The City has received one comment in support of the request and one comment concerned about the request. Alternatives Alternative #1. Approve the Conditional Use Permit as presented. The Planning Commission has recommended this alternative. Alternative #2. Approve the Conditional Use Permit with modifications. Modifications could include location of improvement on the site, adjustment to the height, or modifications in design. Alternative #3. Table the request for additional information.