09/09/1997 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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?i , • pole. Mr. Kruchten responded that to try to disguise something that tall might bring attention to it, but Nextel was willing to do what ever the community wants to mitigate the unpact. They would do it, but it would blend in like the high power stations do. Mr. Tallon would like it disguised up to the top of the tree line. Mr. Krutchen clarified that a person would not lose a signal just by walking, they would lose it by traveling over a half mile area, if the sites did not overlap and the objective of this is to have continuos coverage in the network. There are places, especially along the water's edge or on high terrain, where they do not need a high tower. There is a ridge around Cleveland where they might not need a 150 foot tower, but most of their locations in Cuyahoga CounTy are 150 feet except possibly one or two. Ms. Cameron Alston asked if they have ever settled for less than 100% coverage in other areas. The developers responded that they are to gain 100% coverage in order to be a viable business. In this case the system was lau.nched without 100% coverage, but they are trying to achieve it. All of the cellular phones today have dead spots. He also advised her that they would not need another pole in North Olmsted for at least 5 years and also they have been working with the city exclusively at this time, if this does not get approval, they will have to look elsewhere, but he was not aware of other sites owned bythe City of Cleveland or the State of Oluo tliat would work. 'Ihe water tower is too far away, but the land is owned by North_Olmsted. They presented a drawing of the pole and discussed it with the members individually. It would probably be installed in 20 foot deep concrete, depending on the soil test. There will be a 10 by 20 equipment shelter, but the PCS carriers have cabinets. Mr. Brennan asked what the arrangements are with the city, but it was decided that this should not be discussed until negotiations are completed. It will be public information eventually. Mr. Herbster asked if they lowered the height of this pole, could they use one of the taller building for another one. Mr. Kruchten explained that if this were lowered, they would need another pole. The residents spoke at this time. Mr. Kubancik asked how the citizens of North Olmsted would benefit from this ugly tower, why cannot they put it at the mall, if those are the people who will benefit, or else on the golf course which. would be higher and no one would see it for 6 months out of the year. He stated that North Ohnsted had an ugly main street and this would make it uglier. This belongs someplace else, along the interstate, on the golf course, behind high school, soccer fields or behind the shopping center. It does not belong in the downtown area. Mr. McNamara complained that he did not get notice of the citizens' meeting, but he did get a notice of this one. He wondered what would happen if they put up the pole, and went out of business. Mr. Tallon advised that, if this is approved, part of the approval would be that it would be removed if they left. Mr. Kruchten stated that the lease provides that they would not remove it unless the city wants it removed, especially if other carriers were on it. He questioned why no engineers were present to explain engineering considerations. He asked why this could not be put on the water tower property and was told how far away the water tower was (this was.not audible). The developers advised that it could not be placed on the water tower property because it has to talk to towers, in all directions. They again advised that they looked at Clague Road tower, the water tower site, and earisting structures, as potential sites, but none of them were satisfactory. Mr. McNamara believed that if this is an engineering issue, the questions should be addressed by engineers. Building Commissioner Conway advised that the commission could ask for the engineering people to come to the second meeting. Mr. Tallon noted that the AT&T people did have their engineer available. Mr. McNamara objected to the Americast green boxes in front yards, and wondered if this were under the jurisdiction of the zoning commission, the FCC, or the Mayor's office negotiating the best deal. I3e wondered who in the city was the guiding light, and did the city have to accept it. Assistant Law Director Dubelko responded that the cammissions acts as far as they can with their zoning authority consistent with Federal Law. There was a Federal Law passed in February of last year which grants some local authority to regulate the location of these facilities, but not to the extent that cities are interfering with their ability to do business. He advised that there will be an ordinance under consideration this evening which gives preferable locations to towers on private property, but this is somewhat different than locating them on public property since 5