Minutes - Planning Commission - 04/03/2001

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determined that elevation is too high. Thus, locating on the stem below the bowl will work for Verizon. On the frequency issue, Verizon is operating in a lower spectrum megahertz where wireless internet providers are at a much higher band. Mr. Nelson stated it is not accurate to state another user could not locate on the tower, they possibly could but there may be an issue of signal interference. He stated he would be surprised if the consultant does not indicate the same. He explained the issue for Verizon related to the temporary structure is the extra time, cost, and work. Mr. Nelson stated he would assume that although they would be willing to work with the City, they would not be excited about moving and taking themselves off the air twice. Mr. Nelson explained most companies that use buildings, as opposed to weatherproof cabinets, use a prefab building. He advised of the requirement by the City of Minnetonka that the equipment building be placed on the ground so additional buildings of the same nature can be placed immediately adjacent to it. He suggested that option be considered rather than having the City get into the building business. Commissioner Kociscak asked what type of service would be provided. Mr. Nelson stated they would provide wireless telephone communication service, not paging. Commissioner Kociscak asked about the other location mentioned. Mr. Nelson stated that is on the new water tower. He displayed a map representing the current coverage areas, noting the areas of marginal coverage. He pointed out the areas of no coverage and explained the coverage area for an antenna on the Dysprosium and County Road #5 water tower. Mr. Nelson displayed a second map identifying a combination of the existing coverage areas with the addition of this water tower site. He then displayed a third map identifying the impact of adding antennas at 167th Avenue (owned by VoiceStream) and at the site identified as Apollo. He stated he is working on another site south of Ramsey to address the last remaining no service area. Mr. Nelson stated they will ask the City to locate the radio equipment at the base of that tower. He explained the critical issues involved with the height of the antenna, noting that having the antennas too high is just as critical as having it too low. Commissioner Watson asked why the City would be interested in constructing the equipment building. Community Development Director Frolik stated it would eliminate building clutter at the bottom of the tower and that concern would probably relate to all tower locations. Motion by Commissioner Wivoda, seconded by Commissioner Kociscak, to close the public hearing. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Nixt, Commissioners Wivoda, Kociscak, and Watson. Voting No: None. Abstain: Commissioner Reeve. Absent: Commissioner Johnson. The public hearing closed at 7:30 p.m. Commission Business Planning Commission/April 3, 2001 Page 4 of 18