05-19-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MAY 19, 1997 • PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ZONING AMENDMENTS ( #2) TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORDINANCE - ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR ANTENNA TOWERS AND LOCATIONS - 7:08 -7:56 P.M. The Affidavit of Publication and Certificate of Mailing were noted. The application had been tabled at the April Planning Commission Meeting to allow for the City Attorney to advise the Planning Commission regarding this issue. A letter is included in the package from City Attorney Radio. Van Zomeren noted that the City expert retained by the City in this field, John DuBois, was unable to attend. Van Zomeren reviewed the ordinance which is the same as previously reviewed with some new language added. Van Zomeren informed the Commission of what is included in telecommunication services, why there is such a demand for antenna placement, and the types of antenna structures. Telecommunications is a line of sight technology. Vendors may co- locate on an antenna structure but each subsequent vendor must meet certain criteria to show that the structure can handle the additional antenna without affecting the other antennas on the structure. Van Zomeren said industry companies would prefer to use existing structures rather than erect their own structures due to the high cost. • The ordinance would allow PCS wireless placed on municipal structures as a secondary use in the RR -1B Zoning District under administrative permit. The ordinance would generally not allow such use in residential areas. The commercial and industrial areas would allow secondary use on municipal structures only. The structures meeting such criteria include the two water towers, one by the City Offices and the other in Navarre. Each water tower could hold up to three vendor's antennas. The ordinance would be a start in providing such services in Orono. Van Zomeren said additional sites can be addressed in the future. The draft minutes from the Council meeting regarding this issue was given to the Planning Commission members. Representatives from several PCS companies were present. Van Zomeren said Staff recommends approval of the ordinance noting the moratorium expires on June 10, 1997. The meeting was opened to public comment. Michelle Johnson, zoning coordinator for APT, 1701 East 79 St., asked to address the Commission. Johnson said she believes the ordinance is problematic due to the limiting of antennas to the two municipal structures. While indicating her company is not currently seeking location for antennas in Orono, they will probably require one site in the City in the near future. Johnson indicated the City may not act so as to prohibit antenna placement within the City. She said the towers only allow limited space and questioned • whether they can actually accommodate antenna usage. 2