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ORONO REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING HELD OCTOBER 8, 1990 <br />ZONING FILE #1588 - US WEST NEW VECTOR GROUP CONTINUED <br />• referred to the after - the -fact variance for an antenna at Russell <br />Lund's even though Mr. Lund has since moved. If the City allows <br />such a tower, a precedence will be set. <br />Dave Hellerman, US West Engineer, commented on Mr. <br />Gopinath's theory. If a taller, more powerful tower were built, <br />the signal would interfere with phone used in other parts of the <br />City. One of the criteria of this site was to keep it down in <br />the bowl as Wayzata forms a topographic bowl. <br />Callahan asked for clarification as to whether this cellular <br />system could, in certain locations, interfere with telephones. <br />Mr. Hellerman responded that it could interfere with other <br />cellular telephones. The key to cellular systems is to site <br />these towers in such a way so they don't interfere with other <br />areas. You have to keep them down close to what you want to <br />serve. <br />Callahan asked how large the service area is for this tower. <br />Mr. Hellerman responded roughly a 2 -3 mile radius from the <br />tower. <br />Mr. Hellerman also commented that the bird interference <br />would apply to tall towers over 9001. Short towers are not <br />having this problem. <br />Mr. Gopinath stated that he still maintains that this <br />location is not the only possible site. Alternatives still exist <br />and feels the tower should be located in an industrial commercial <br />zone, not a residential zone. <br />Harry Martin, Old Long Lake Road, asked if the City has an <br />obligation to US West to provide such a facility under the <br />existing law or does the City have the discretion to decide on <br />this issue based on the best interest of the citizens of the <br />City. <br />Mr. Marx replied that generally a landowner has the right to <br />do with their land as they see fit. In this case, the City has <br />done this through the Zoning Code. The issue is whether it is <br />permissible under Orono's Zoning Code. They believe it is <br />permissible under the zoning code and therefore cannot deny the <br />landowner the right to use the property for a communication tower <br />without sufficient reason like the public health and welfare. If <br />this location were not approved, another location in the City <br />could not be prohibited unless danger to the health and safety of <br />the public were demonstrated. <br />• Mr. Marx was asked if they had been turned down by the <br />Planning Commission and on what basis. <br />24 <br />