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0 <br />MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL <br />MEETING HELD ON MAY 27,1997 <br />( #5 - Telecommunications Towers and Antennas Ordinance Amendment - Continued) <br />Donald Currier, 60 Cygnet Place, said he is an amateur radio operator. He is concerned <br />with the maximum height change for amateur radio operator towers from 65' to 55. He <br />feels this is too restrictive based on information regarding his particular use. Moorse <br />informed the Council that this change was recommended based on discussions with <br />DuBois. Moorse said the City is attempting to minimize the number and height of <br />antennas, but the portion of the ordinance relating to this amateur use is minimal. <br />Jabbour noted that the discussions relating to this issue will continue into the future. He <br />indicated that topography and other criteria enter into determining the height of antennas. <br />Goetten reported that a similar problem occurred regarding an amateur radio operator <br />tower on Fox Street. <br />Currier reported how the antennas operate and believes 74' would be a reasonable height <br />for the need. His particular equipment would extend 5' beyond the 65' high antenna. He <br />asked for reconsideration. <br />Moorse said this portion of the ordinance would be changed or amended if the Council <br />recommended. <br />Kelley suggested leaving the height at 65' and asked how the figure was derived. <br />Moorse indicated it was not clear how the current 65 foot height restriction was first <br />determined. Goetten said the amateur radio operators should be notified of any change <br />to the height restriction. <br />Goetten and Jabbour both recommended maintaining the 65' height requirement. <br />Greg Korstad of Larkin -Hoffman Law Firm was present representing APT, a PCS service <br />provider. He opined that the two water towers would not be able to serve the entire <br />City. His client is under operation and unable to service Orono due to the moratorium. <br />He would like to see the moratorium end so providers may determine their service needs <br />in this community. He asked the Council to keep the issue open if the ordinance is <br />passed so the industry can move quickly and effectively in developing antenna sites. <br />Korstad noted that the PC providers are not in the business of constructing antennas <br />and would prefer to use structures currently in place. <br />Jabbour informed Korstad that Tom Alexander of his firm has previously addressed the <br />Council on this issue. He noted the ordinance was drafted with advice from a <br />telecommunications consultant. Jabbour indicated that Orono encompasses as well as <br />surrounds other cities where other antennas sites are available. <br />3 <br />