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area. He explained that this park was platted in the 1980s at a time when the adjoining properties <br />were platted. He said at this time they used the area for a horseback riding arena. He added that <br />they currently use this area as a drop-off site during large weather events for debris and the <br />mosquito control chopper uses this area as well. <br />Councilmember Stewart asked if this cell tower would inhibit any of the other potential uses for <br />the property. <br />Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood said no. <br />Councilmember Buscher shared that she thinks they should explore some more creative ideas to <br />try to get more money out of a lease; however, if they cannot get market value for the site, they <br />would have to look into the impact of accepting something that is below market value. She asked <br />if they do not move forward with this if there is a possibility that a cell tower could be constructed <br />on private land outside of the City's oversight. <br />City Administrator Hagen explained that there would be an opportunity for a private property to <br />move forward with this; however, it would require a land use application. He noted that this is not <br />something the City could say no to; however, they could set reasonable restrictions. <br />Mayor Heineman said he is not in support as he does not see the benefits outweighing the <br />drawbacks. <br />Councilmember Stweart asked if they were to move this forward if the residents in the area would <br />be notified and would have the opportunity to come forward at a Council meeting and voice their <br />opinions. <br />City Administrator Hagen explained that they would need to hold a targeted neighborhood meeting <br />with the residents in the area for them to provide the City with feedback before they decide to <br />move forward with agreeing to the lease. <br />Councilmember Buscher suggested they try to negotiate the rate with Verizon and at the same <br />time, hold a neighborhood meeting to get the residents' feedback before they move forward or not. <br />Councilmember Olson shared that he is not supportive of this, especially at the proposed rate. He <br />noted the community support for this will be very important to him if they decide to move forward <br />with this. <br />Mayor Heineman said he does not see many residents being supportive of this. <br />Councilmember Buscher stated they have held neighborhood meetings for lesser items than this. <br />She explained she would like to put the potential revenue for the City into perspective for the <br />residents she may see them being supportive. She noted it is her goal to ensure that the residents <br />are included in these kinds of conversations. <br />Mayor Heineman agreed; however, he thinks they need to be aware of unintended consequences. <br />City Council Work Session / January 28, 2025 <br />Page 5 of 9 <br />