Minutes - Planning Commission - 04/04/2000

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Commissioner Johnson said the City can identify parcels, zone those parcels for tower locations and direct companies to those parcels. Hopefully, people who develop in these areas will realize there is a potential for towers in the area. He also pointed out that he liked the idea of fewer towers by constructing higher towers. Commissioner Wivoda stated higher towers encourage co-location. Commissioner Johnson questioned where the U.S. West application is in the process. Community Development Director Frolik stated U.S. West has not waived the 60-day deadline, and the City Council must make a decision by April 13. The City Council will act on the item on April 11. This item will be on the special Planning Commission agenda on April 10. Chairman Anderson noted he does not see a need to change the ordinance. Chairman Anderson stated that it seems like every ordinance the City has is changed when someone wants to do something different, which is a bad habit. He said he would not vote to give a variance for a tower higher than 75 feet in a residential area. Commissioner Johnson stated there are Federal regulations, and it could cost the City a fair amoUnt of money if these cases are not handled properly. He thought the City Council would think it is reasonable to have experts come in and-analyze the situation and help the City with this issue. Commissioner Wivoda commented that ham radio special interest groups could refer the City to consultants who could help the City, as could the League of Cities. He also questioned if they would like to establish a moratorium on towers. Commissioners Dempsey and Kociscak and stated that a layout of potential sites would be a good idea. Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Wivoda, to recommend to City Council that a consultant be hired to review the existing ordinance and potential tower sites, and in the meantime establish a moratorium on towers. Motion Carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Anderson, Commissioners Johnson, Wivoda, Dempsey, and Kociscak. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Nixt. Case #6: Schedule Joint Planning Commission and Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Chairman Anderson reported that on March 14, 2000, the ordinance regarding sidewalks was presented to City Council for introduction. However, the Council did not introduce the ordinance and requested additional information such as who would be responsible for maintenance, the recommended width and location of the sidewalk or trail, should they be bituminous or concrete, should they be called sidewalks or trails, should they be on all streets or Planning Commission/April 4, 2000 Page 9 of 10