10/21/1997 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Public Hearing Minutes of 10/21/97 Mr. Nashar commented that he had addressed the question of lowering the height of the ,u towers at last month's Planning Commission meeting. The Nextel representatives said that lowering the tower heights would require the installation of more towers to compensate for coverage needed. Mr. Nashar feels that we are only getting one side of the story and that we need more information. Mr. Dufala agreed saying that we are only getting one side of the story right now. He reiterated his feelings that the towers should not be installed on city property but rather on commercial property even though it would mean the loss of revenue. He especially wants to preserve the city's recreation property. Mr. O'Grady thanked Mr. Dufala for bringing the information to Council. He stated that, according to the Federal Telecommunications Act, the city cannot prohibit these towers. However, we are given the right to regulate the towers within reason. It would be difficult to speculate why the towers in Medina, Washington are only 40 feet tall. However, North Olmsted has been pushing for taller towers with the idea that the number of towers would be reduced by putting more than one carrier on a tower. Mr. Dufala said his research has shown that the carriers say that they have different design specifications and need their own tower. We are already seeing that happen in North Olmsted. He is also concerned about carriers increasing the height of existing towers to meet their specific design standards. Mr. O'Grady said the city has been pro-active on this issue and has used advisors who are experts in the field to make sure we are doing things correctly. Building Commissioner Conway noted that this ordinance is being passed to regulate the towers in the city. When it comes to city property, Council has the power to include stipulations in any lease which would provide more protection than any ordinance that could be passed. With regard to the Recreation Center property, he believes the city has taken "a step back" with this particular location. Also, because it is difficult to determine if the carriers are telling the truth or not, the city is currently interviewing expert consultants. As to the issue of co-habitation on the towers, this is occurring on the antennas which are mounted on buildings within the city. Regarding provisions to raise the height of towers without a lot of review, the ordinance does provide for this up to 20 feet. This would be provided for under a minor change, which the Chairpersons of the Planning Commission and BZD Committee can reject if they wish. If they do reject the minor change, it goes through the full Planning Commission hearing. President Pro Tem Saringer adjourned the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. ~._ .: ; /. L. Seman, Clerk ~f Council 3~ames D. Boehmer, President of Council 2