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operate a cellular antenna on a City water tower. Jaymes Littlejohn, the Attorney representing <br />Verizon Wireless, expressed concern regarding locating cellular equipment on the second floor <br />mezzanine area. Verizon Wireless is under the opinion that the mezzanine could collapse and, <br />therefore, cause damage to their cellular equipment. The City Council tabled the item and <br />directed staff to meet with Mr. Littlejohn regarding possible locations for Verizon Wireless's <br />cellular equipment. Staff met with Mr. Littlejohn and discussed the possibility of locating <br />climate controlled cabinets on the second floor mezzanine area as a first option and then as a <br />second option locating cellular cabinets on the ground floor. Staff reiterated to Mr. Littlejohn, <br />that when the City does construct the mezzanine area in the future, it would be constructed along <br />the entire perimeter of the water tower base. This will result in Verizon Wireless's equipment <br />being located beneath the mezzanine area at a future date. Staff received a revised site plan <br />proposing to install four climate-controlled cabinets on the base floor of the water tower. The <br />applicant proposed to utilize 152 square feet of ground floor in the water tower. Since the City <br />will be unable to utilize 152 square feet of ground floor space due to Verizon Wireless's cellular <br />equipment, staff recommended that Verizon Wireless pay the one time mezzanine fee they would <br />be responsible for if they were required to locate on the mezzanine area. Applying the <br />mezzanine fee of $60 per square foot, Verizon Wireless's one time mezzanine fee is $9,120. <br />City staff was still under the recommendation that Verizon Wireless's cellular equipment would <br />be best located inside the water tower on the second floor mezzanine, however, staff supports the <br />proposed climate controlled cellular cabinets on the ground floor as a second option. Staff also <br />recommended that the conditional use permit contain language that if Verizon Wireless ever <br />expands their equipment that they will be required to locate all expansion equipment on the <br />second floor mezzanine area. <br /> <br />Councilmember Anderson inquired if the mezzanine level was anticipated when the tower was <br />built. <br /> <br />City Engineer Olson replied that the water tower was designed to accommodate a mezzanine. <br /> <br />Councilmember Anderson inquired if mezzanine levels are commonly used to house <br />telecommunication equipment. <br /> <br />City Engineer Olson replied yes, but in Verizon Wireless case, no. <br /> <br />Councilmember Anderson stated that if Verizon Wireless wants to use the lower level, then so <br />will everyone else and the City will lose their storage. Why can't Verizon be like other <br />communication companies and locate their equipment on a mezzanine level. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kurak stated that if the lower level is more accommodating and the City is <br />losing storage space shouldn't Verizon be charged a premium charge. <br /> <br />Mr. Littlejohn stated that Verizon Wireless has agreed to pay the one time mezzanine charge <br />even though the City will not have to build the mezzanine at this time. <br /> <br />City Council/October 9, 2001 <br /> Page 14 of 24 <br /> <br /> <br />