09-17-1990 Planning Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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r ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 17, 1990 ZONING FILE #1588-U.S. WEST NEW VECTOR CONTINUED suggested that the applicants be permitted to make their presentation. She noted that a public information meeting had been held by the applicants on Friday, September 14th, and that only two persons from the public attended." Mr. Uban explained how cellular phones function. He said, "It is a low wattage system. Towers are placed in locations so they fit together in cell system, much like a honeycomb. Each time we look for a new antenna location, we look at a small area. We have selected a site behind the Vineyard of the Lake Church. (Mr. Uban shov/ed an aerial view of the search area and the particular site chosen. ) The site we have selected is in the center of the search area. The tower will be 150' tall. A small building with the computers will be located at the bottom of the tower. There is a small air conditioner in the building. The tower is self-supporting, there are no guide wires. These towers do not fall down like trees. They are constructed to withstand 150 mph winds and sleet storms. However, should one ever falls down, it is designed to break at midpoint and fold. The tower is located with sufficient setback so it will pose no safety hazard for any surrounding property. The transmissions are low wattage. They do not cause any biological interference. The standard microwave or television emits more radiation than this tower will. There has been no documentation of these towers creating interference with other transmissions. The tower uses a frequency that is at the upper end of the UKF frequency. This frequency is above radio and television and is used by all cellular phone systems. It is our opinion that this structure meets all pertinent criteria for public health, safety and welfare. The structure will be well screened from adjacent neighbors. It will be visible above the trees. The tower makes no noise and is not lighted. Approximately once a week, a pickup truck would be on the site to maintain the tower. Except for the fact that the structure can be seen above the trees, it has no other impact on the area. We considered other locations and believed this is the best location." Kelley asked whether this area is currently served by U.S. VJest Vector. Mr. Uban replied, "Generally. This tower is being put in place to meet one capacity. There are too many users in this area now. If too many are trying to use the same frequency, communication is lost." Kelley asked where the tower is that presently serves the Cellular phone users in this area. Mr. Hellerman -eplied, "There are several. Part of the problem is that Wayzata is located in a bowl. There is a facility in Hamel, Shorewood and Golden Valley. Those towers are - 8 -