CCP 05-28-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Approved Planner Gundlach indicated only one XM Sirius Satellite antenna is located on the top of the water tower. Several other carriers have antenna mounted around the stem/shaft of the tower,which are painted to match the tower and blend in. AT&T would be the first cellular carrier to be located on the top of the tower. Also,the City will in the near future mount SCADA(lift station communication) antenna at the top of the tower. Staff recommends approval of the Special Use Permit, subject to the following conditions: • The applicant is advised that currently space on the interior of the tower is limited due to a vacated tenant leaving behind an equipment shelter. This empty shelter may interfere with AT&T's proposed equipment. The Director of Public Works has indicated a desire to not block the entrance/exit doors,to best utilize the interior space, and be compatible with existing equipment at the base of the tower. In order to achieve this,AT&T may have to work cooperatively with the City on removal of this empty shelter to make room for their own equipment. • The method of attachment of the antennas at the top of the tower,whether on the existing railing or utilization of a new railing/rack, shall be at the discretion of the Public Works Director,who will collaborate with the City's water tower consultant. • Up to nine antennas may be placed on the tower,with the placement to only be allowed as three antennas per sector,and subject to a future amendment to the City's lease. Commissioner Danger asked if the City would be protected if AT&T were to damage the water tower. Planner Gundlach commented there is language in the lease to assure the City's water tower is protected. She explained that the railing reconstruction would be done to the City's specifications at AT&T's expense. Commissioner Banker questioned why the antennas were needed in this location. Steve Trueman, AT&T Wireless, explained the proposed location would serve as a fill-in site while increasing the bandwidth in AT&T's 4G network. Commissioner Danger explained he was an AT&T user and inquired if this area was a dead-zone. Mr. Trueman stated the new tower should improve coverage for residents in this area. Chairperson Howard asked if additional carriers could be added to the tower after the AT&T antenna were installed. Planner Gundlach explained the Public Works Director worked with a consultant on this issue. She anticipated that additional antennas could be added in the future given the height of the tower. Motion by Commissioner Banker,seconded by Commissioner McPherson to close the Public Hearing. Approved 7-0. Commissioner Danger asked which company used to occupy space on the water tower. Planner Gundlach indicated Nextel used to lease space from the City for this water tower. Commissioner Danger questioned if AT&T would be housing a generator onsite for emergency purposes. Mr. Trueman commented the shelter would have a battery for backup power. He did not anticipate that a generator would be brought on site at this time. Motion by Commissioner Banker,seconded by Commissioner Danger to approve staff recommendation. Approved 7-0. (B) Joseph A. Wolkerstorfer on behalf of Wolkerstorfer Co., Inc. requests consideration of a Site Plan and Nonconforming Use Permit concerning a 15,937 SF building addition and associated off-street surface parking and loading at 348/350 1st Street SW. City Planner Janice Gundlach reported the applicant is requesting Site Plan and Nonconforming Use Permit approval in order to allow construction of a 15,937 SF addition to the existing industrial building located at 348/350 1st Street SW. The proposed addition would be single story warehouse space and be located on the south side of the existing building. The proposed improvements include two new loading docks but no additional off-street parking spaces. A Nonconforming Use Permit is necessary as the site does not contain enough off-street parking stalls to accommodate the size of the existing building,nor is the existing 20' rear yard building setback or 5' easterly side yard parking setback met. 2