04-23-2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, April 23, 2001 (Sprint Proposal, Continued) Johnson stated Sprint's engineers have examined the proposed site at Brown Road and feel that an 80 foot tower would work, although they would prefer a tower that is 100 to 120 feet in height. Johnson stated an 80 foot tower would be the minimum height that they would need due to the trees in the area. Sansevere inquired whether the antenna could be installed on top of one of the trees in the area. Johnson stated they are unable to do that. Flint commented he has read a number of articles regarding a type of tower they are utilizing in the east which resembles trees. Flint inquired whether Sprint would have that type of tower available. Johnson stated he has attempted to locate some information regarding that technology. Rice stated those type of towers are referred to as stealth towers and typically cost more than your average tower. Rice stated the design of the tower that Sprint is proposing to utilize at this site is a flag pole or needle design. Flint inquired how much coverage a 60 foot tower would provide. Johnson stated he is unsure whether Sprint's engineers have considered a 60 foot tower. Johnson • explained the procedure used in determining the appropriate size of the tower. • Flint indicated the City of Orono has a present policy governing telecommunication towers and antennas. Flint stated the City of Orono is very conscious of preserving the natural look of Orono and would like to avoid the use of industrial looking towers, especially in a park setting. Flint stated he would be willing to look at the other types of towers available, but in his opinion Orono's present policy is the right policy to have. Tom Barrett, City Attorney, indicated the telecommunications field is very regulated under Federal Law. Barrett inquired whether Sprint in their opinion has some federal or other governing right or authority to proceed in this situation. Rice stated Sprint does not maintain that they have a right to any particular site, which is why they are approaching the City of Orono at this time to engage in negotiations. Rice stated Sprint does operate within a heavily regulated field and are obligated as part of that licensure process to provide certain coverage minimums. As a result of that, Sprint is obligated to construct a system of wireless facilities to receive and transmit telephone communications. Rice stated the Telecommunications Act of 1996, was a major reform in this field, and for purposes of this meeting, the Telecommunications Act allows local governments with the authority to regulate their zoning. Rice indicated the Act has been interpreted in this state that a local government can take no action which prohibits or has the affect of prohibiting the installation of towers. Rice stated the gist of the Act is that local governments cannot take actions which prohibit wireless telecommunications nor discriminate between providers. Page 11