01-17-2017 Planning Commission Packet

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Item 2 Date Application Received: 12/12/2016 OA, Date Application Considered as Complete:1/9/2017 V 60-Day Review Period Expires: 3/9/2017 To: Chair Thiesse and Planning Commission Members *kEsHors14,Jessica Loftus, City Administrator `` From: Jeremy Barnhart, Community Development Director Date: January 17, 2017 Subject: #17-3886, Hennepin County, 3880 Shoreline Drive, Conditional Use Permit: Essential Service Public Hearing Application Summary: The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit for an essential Service to construct and operate a mesonet weather station. A mesonet station consists of a 30 foot tall tower with small weather sensors mounted on the tower and other equipment mounted on the ground. This tower and equipment is located within a 40' square fenced in area to the immediate northeast of the existing garage building within Hennepin County's public works operations off of Shoreline Drive. Staff Recommendation: Planning Staff recommends approval of the request. Background Hennepin County is in the process of building and expanding its weather information (Mesonet) system throughout the County. This mesonent station collects weather information and feeds it to a central location for analysis, compilation, and further communication. Their system is intended to supplement other agencies' weather information gathering stations. Currently,the County has stations in Medina, Plymouth, Hanover, Saint Bonifacius, Maple Grove, Minnetrista, and Rockford. A photo of the St. Bonifacius site is attached as Exhibit E. The mesonent station is considered an essential service as it is communicates important information to County departments, including public works and emergency response. The mesonent communications tower is not considered a personal wireless or commercial wireless tower and the user is the county government using the device solely to communicate weather information. Should the County in the future desire to place commercial antennae on the tower, a separate permit may be necessary.