04-21-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 21, 1997 • ROLL The Orono Planning Commission met on the above date with the following members present: Chair Dale Lindquist, Charles Schroeder, Sandra Smith, Janice Berg, Elizabeth Hawn, William Stoddard, and Lili McMillan. The following represented the City Staff: Assistant Zoning and Planning Administrator Michael Gaffron, Public Services Director Greg Gappa, City Planner Elizabeth Van Zomeren, and Recorder Sherry Frost. Mayor Jabbour and Council Member Goetten were present. Chair Lindquist called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS/PUBLIC INFORMATION REVIEWS ( #1) 7:00 P.M. TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORDINANCE - 7:00 -7:30 P.M. The Affidavit of Publication and Certificate of Mailing were noted. Van Zomeren reported that the proposed telecommunications ordinance was amended from discussions held at the March Planning Commission Meeting. Antennas structures were deleted from the ordinance. The policy was codified to allow PCS on municipal water towers. This would limit the use to the two existing water towers, one near the City • offices and the other in Navarre. Van Zomeren said she understood that the maximum distance antennas may be located is 4 miles which is the distance between these two water towers. She also noted that antennas can be co- located on the same tower. A maximum of three providers can co- locate on one tower with antennas placed at different heights. Van Zomeren indicated if problems occur due to these locations in the future, the issue can be revisited at that time. Antennas are further defined within the amendment specifying PCS, radio receivers, and ham radio antennas. The public service antenna description did not include PCS. Van Zomeren brought attention to the conditions noted on pages 3 and 4 of the memo regarding setbacks and color compatibility. She indicated the language of the ordinance was reviewed with a consultant. Van Zomeren said drafts of the ordinance were faxed to interested parties. During public comments, Tom Alexander, attorney for Larkin, Hoffman, and representing APT (American Portable Telecommunications), reported having attended the prior meeting and reiterated what he saw to be the issues. He is of the belief the ordinance would restrict instead of expand the Telecommunications Act. He said the removal of the conditional use prohibits towers from being built by placement of antennas only on the two existing water towers. Alexander believes the restriction is illegal under the Telecommunications Act. •