03-12-2018 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 26, 2018 7:00 o'clock p.m. 13. VERIZON AUTHORIZATION FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION — Continued Barnhart displayed a photograph of the proposed tower at the golf course. Barnhart pointed out the tower will be relatively well screened from the road but would be visible to people on the golf course. Crosby asked what the permitting process is on this type of request. Barnhart indicated it would be a conditional use permit. City Attorney Mattick stated typically the City handles the lease and the conditional use permit at the same time. Printup asked whether it would be an IUP or a CUP. Barnhart stated it would be a long-term lease and would require a conditional use permit. Printup commented he can understand the need for more bandwidth and that he has less concern after seeing the simulation, but that he also understands how people will not want to look at them. Crosby stated from the photos, the towers look like evergreens. Crosby asked whether other companies would be able to utilize the towers. Viera indicated one other company would be able to utilize the tower. Walsh asked whether anyone from the public would like to comment on this item. Marsha Rockey, 180 Orono Orchard Road, noted she lives in the area of the golf course and that she is adamantly opposed to this. Rockey indicated she currently receives fine service from Verizon and that she can also hear the warning sirens just fine even though she is hard of hearing. Rockey stated she has lived here for 45 years and that the area is zoned residential. Rockey stated she is adamantly opposed to any conditional use permit that would change the atmosphere in their neighborhood. Rockey commented the golf course has always been a park and a wonderful asset for the community and that it should not be an area for commercial business. Gordon Stilfer, 190 Orono Orchard Road, stated his concerns revolve mostly around environmental and safety issues. Stilfer commented it is a beautiful area and the natural beauty is why they relocated to this area. Stilfer stated he is worried about his kids and that he does not want a cell phone tower located 100 feet from his house due to safety and environmental concerns. Stilfer noted he is an AT&T customer and that he has fine service, which makes him wonder why Verizon is having problems, and that he can also hear the weather sirens. Stilfer stated it seems a little strange to combine the weather siren with the cell phone antennas and that he is curious to know how much money is involved here. Stilfer stated he is vehemently opposed to the request and that commercial uses should be confined to more commercial areas. Page 9 of 13