05-13-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Status of Hidden Oaks Park Request The Planning Commission opened a public hearing on March 18, 2008 but tabled action until the applicant could verify whether the Council would entertain a lease agreement. City staff sent written notification on February 6, 2008 of the City's intent to take an additional 60 -days to review the Special Use Permit. As such, the deadline for action on the SUP is May 31, 2008. Other Towers on City -Owned Property (in New Brighton) This is the first request for a free-standing cellular tower on a park bound solely by single family homes. While two towers already exist at Creek View Park (only one has an active lease), this park is not located primarily in a single family neighborhood. Additionally, these towers were allowed under very different circumstances. Those circumstances being the following: • I" tower was an existing emergency siren. The cellular company, at their cost, removed the tower, erected a taller tower with the emergency siren on top as well as cellular antenna. This tower was approved because the Council felt there was a public benefit in having the emergency tower mounted at a higher elevation, thus having the ability to reach more people. This tower no longer is being used for cellular equipment. • The 2nd tower was allowed in an effort to not discriminate against carriers. The 2nd request was controversial, however the I' tower was not co -locatable and the Council wanted to avoid discrimination issues. . This information is important as it demonstrates that the Hidden Oaks Park request is unlike any other cellular tower/antenna request the City has processed thus far. Future Requests Since the Hidden Oaks request, staff has heard from two different carriers interested in placing free standing towers in Hansen Park and Brightwood Hills Golf Course. Other than initial inquires, no other discussions have taken place. Conclusion In closing, staff is looking for immediate direction on how to proceed with the Hidden Oaks Park tower request. Additionally, staff is looking for direction on how to handle these requests on public land in the future. This direction would allow staff to proceed knowing additional inquiries can be handled in accordance with the Council's wishes. Attachments • Comparison chart of other cities • Zoning Code Section 4-600 (2) & (4) • Zoning Code Section 8-130 • July 1996 League of Minnesota Cities memo • Model Policy for Wireless Towers (recommended by the League) • Outline of Zoning Regulations (recommended by the League) • June 23, 2004 memo from City Attorney's office (precipitated by 2nd tower @ Creek View Park) • Map of known New Brighton towers & antenna UDOC=m is a n65ntmgs(nyndttD Mo04 mwcr policy workres n meow (5-13-N)Ac