05-19-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

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• MEV4UTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MAY 19, 1997 ( 92 - Telecommunications Ordinance - Continued) Schroeder informed her that this was not necessarily true. He said he felt the water towers would be adequate for antennas for the time being. He also indicated other communities could provide the service. McMillan asked if any assessment has been made of the water towers. Van Zomeren indicated that while no analysis has been made, the consultant was aware of the height and location of the water antennas. Gappa said the consultant based his use recommendation on data indicating the four mile distance separation between the water towers and on areas of heavy telecommunication usage and high topography. Gappa said, while the structures were not personally reviewed, there was no reason to believe antennas would not operate from these locations. McMillan noted that the City, which is primarily residential, is concerned with the proper placement of antennas. Steve Mangold, US West Wireless, 426 North Fairview, St. Paul, said his company has a central office located south of the water tower by City Offices. A switch has been located there since the 1950's, which will provide for PCS services to Orono, Wayzata, Long Lake, and Spring Park. This switching station is an extension of their business and service, and Mangold was of the opinion that the location for providing such service should be from this central office of US West. Mangold indicated that all calls come • through this switch regardless of the company. He said it is a secure location with adequate protection from major calamities. Mangold said he would like to work with the City. He would like to see a co- location pole on the switch station for overflow. He indicated his company does not anticipate further growth until later in the year. • Van Zomeren inquired of Mangold how tall the tower would be required. Mangold said 90 -120' depending on co- location. He indicated that drive tests have not been completed. McMillan inquired what the zoning was for the switch station. Gaffron indicated B -1. Ron Gunderson, Sprint, said he is in favor of the ordinance with the caveat that the City would be willing to enter into further discussion in the future. He felt the ordinance would not provide for all carriers. He noted other communities which he has worked with regarding this issue and where antennas are allowed. He indicated that Sprint will be requesting location on the City Offices water tower. Smith noted that the industry is in the current stage of locating towers for antennas. Van Zomeren said the FCC has auctioned off licenses; A and B licenses were sold in the early 1990's and C, D, and E licenses were recently made available. She noted it would be a violation of the anti -trust law to master plan locations and grid the City for best locations; co- location may occur on a site -by -site basis but companies may not work together. 4