06-09-1997 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MAY 27,1997 (#5 - Telecommunications Towers and Antennas Ordiriance Amendment - Continued) Donald Currier, 60 Cygnet Place, said he is an amateur radio operator. He is concerned with the maximum height change for amateur radio operator towers from 65 to 55 . He feels this is too restrictive based on information regarding his particular use. Moorsc informed the Council that this change was recommended based on discussions with DuBois. Moorse said the City is attempting to minimize the number and hei^ of antennas, but the portion of the ordinance relating to this amateur use is minimal. Jabbour noted that the discussions relating to this issue wU continue into the future. He indicated that topography and other criteria enter into determining the height of antennas. Goetten reported that a similar problem occurred regarding an amateur radio operator tower on Fox Street. Currier reported how the antennas operate and believes 70' would be a r^onablc height for the need. His particular equipment would extend 5* beyond the 65' high antenna. He asked for reconsideration. Moorse said this portion of the ordinance would be changed or amended if the Council recommended. Kelley suggested leaving the height at 65' and asked how the figure was derived. Moorse indicated it was not clear how the current 65 foot height restrirtion was first determined. Goetten said the amateur radio operators should be notified of any change to the height restriction. Goetten and Jabbour both recommended maintaining the 65' height requirement. Greg Korstad of Larkin-Hoffinan Law Firm was present representmg APT, a PCS service provider. He opined that the two water towers would not be able to serve the entire City. His client is under operation and unable to service Orono due to the moratorium. He would like to see the moratorium end so providers may determine their service needs in this community. He asked the Council to keep the issue open if the ordmance is passed so the industry can move quickly and effectively in developing ant^a sites. Korstad noted that the PCS providers are not in the buriness of constructing antennas and would prefer to use structures currently in place. Jabbour informed Korstad that Tom Alexander of his firm has previously addressed the Council on this issue. He noted the ordinance was drafted with advice from a telecommunications consultant. Jabbour indicated that Orono encompasses as well as surrounds other cities where other antennas sites are available.