Minutes - Planning Commission - 04/10/2000 - Special Meeting

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Commissioner Dempsey stated that the ordinance analysis should also consider how towers can be sited to reduce residential impact and still serve the area. Commissioner Nixt asked if any of the U.S. West engineers completed an analysis of the coverage area from the existing tower. Ms. Bocian stated she is not aware of such an analysis. Commissioner Dempsey noted regulations of other communities and stated if the tower is being located on 20 acres, other residential uses would not be impacted. Ms. Bocian stated the proposed site is 30 acres in size. Mr. Longfield asked if the 30 acre parcel will be developed. John Gobernatz, 17515 St. Francis Boulevard, stated the 30 acres is developed as far as it can be until the ordinance is changed. Community Development Director Frolik stated that property is proposed to come out of the 4 in 40 so density would be at one per 2.5 acres. Mr. Longfield asserted that a tower at this site would block the property from development. Commissioner Johnson stated he thinks this proposal looks better than the previous proposal and he is not as confident with regard to the findings made that night. He stated that he will abstain from the vote due to a potential conflict of interest. Commissioner Nixt stated that he understands the concerns expressed by Mr. Longfield in his opposition, but land use is always evolving. Commissioner Wivoda stated there has to be a certain effort put forth to get a colocation on the existing tower and it does not sound like that has been done. He suggested that colocation at 145 feet and a smaller antenna at the proposed site may accomplish the same service area as being requested. Commissioner Dempsey agreed and stated there is a difference between taking an existing parcel surrounded by residential uses and another site that does not have existing residential uses around it but may have in the future. He stated when people buy that land, they will be advised that the tower exists, but when placing towers into an existing residential neighborhood, it denies people the choice of where they want it to be. Commissioner Wivoda asked if there is a power pole not far from this site. Ms. Bocian stated they have looked at all City owned property, park property, church property, and power lines with utility poles. She stated the power poles mentioned by Commissioner Planning Commission/April 10, 2000 Page 14 of 16