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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br /> Monday,February 26,2018 <br /> 7:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> 13. VERIZON AUTHORIZATION FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT <br /> APPLICATION—Continued <br /> Jane Delaney, 1315 Woodhill Avenue, stated she lives across from the golf course. Delaney indicated she <br /> has brought some visuals of the golf course tower. Delaney displayed a picture of the proposed tower <br /> closer up. Delaney commented that it looks like a crematorium or something given the huge pipe with a <br /> flag on the end. The second picture is also from Verizon's proposal. Delaney indicated she measured the <br /> height of the club house and that the pole would be more than twice as high as the club house. <br /> Delaney commented she has worked with the Stay the Course committee and that they have put a lot of <br /> work into improving the golf course. In addition,the City has put a lot of money into the golf course in <br /> the last few years and that she would hate to have this monstrosity at the golf course. Delaney noted the <br /> City is talking about constructing a new deck at the golf course,which may be impacted now due to the <br /> tower. Delaney commented they have been working to make the golf course a wonderful place to go,and <br /> if the City Council allows this,the users of the golf course are going to look up and see this gigantic <br /> tower. Delaney stated in her view it would be a travesty. Delaney noted the Orono Golf Course will be <br /> celebrating its100th anniversary in 2024 and that to clutter it up with something to help one company get <br /> cell service will not benefit the golf course. <br /> Walsh noted this is the first time the City Council has heard about this request. <br /> Delaney stated it also appears there will be quite a bit of tree loss. Delaney noted the other interesting <br /> thing is on the footprint map it says there is an existing forest behind the tower,but most of it is <br /> overgrown buckthorn that needs to be removed. Delaney stated she is hoping this does not proceed <br /> forward and that she does not see any benefit for the City. <br /> Printup asked how big the base of the tower is roughly. <br /> Delany indicated it appears to be a 30' x 13' enclosure and then they would also need room for the gate to <br /> open in addition to a retaining wall. Delaney commented she imagines the brush will be wiped out when <br /> they install it. <br /> Barnhart noted Staff has not analyzed the site plan or landscaping at this point and that they are looking <br /> for direction from the City Council on whether Verizon can proceed with a conditional use permit. <br /> Crosby asked whether this could be delayed until the weather improves and the City Council can <br /> physically visit the sites. <br /> Barnhart stated Staff can bring it back in May or June and that there is no formal application at this point. <br /> Crosby stated public safety is an important issue and technology is an asset,but if it is intrusive to the <br /> neighbors,that needs to be taken into consideration. <br /> Delaney stated there are also questions about RF waves and whether they are good or bad for you. <br /> Delaney noted they cannot turn a cell tower off and that it will be emitting all day and all night. Delaney <br /> noted all three of them have bedroom level rooms that would be at the emitting level. <br /> Printup indicated he understands the need for public safety and the desire for better technology,but that <br /> he would be fine without a tower and siren given the visual and environmental issues for the neighbors. <br /> Page 10 of 13 <br />