06/03/1997 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 6/3/97 ~,~ volume of calls is a determination in the number of needed sites. He explained that the area of Clague Park is not as high a traffic area as around the mall and the commercial area of the city. Although the legislation is the first step in securing a contractual agreement with the city, the city still has control and can regulate through its zoning codes. f. Mr. Musial said that a 120 feet tower, with carriers at 80, 100 and 120 feet, had been discussed. He asked if the distance from the ground determined the search ring radius. Mr. McGrath said the distance of the tower does play a role in the height at which AT&T Wireless and other carriers would like to be. There is aline-of--sight technology requiring that the site have an unobstructed view of the next site. He said it was a "shadowing effect" in that the height of the tower determines the amount of area that particular cell site can cover. So that height is a determining factor in a triangular way of how much of an area can be covered by a particular site. At this particular site, AT&T will be at approximately 120 feet. That is what AT&T can have as acceptable to their engineers as an appropriate height in that area. Mr. Musial asked if that means that the carrier at 80 feet would have a shorter diameter because the apex is closer to the ground. Mr. McGrath said yes, there was a difference, but AT&T uses a new digitalized system known as PCS, which is different than the standard cellular phone carrier. Typically, PCS towers are closer together because they operate at a higher frequency, which determines the distance between the towers. Cellular operates at a lower frequency; therefore, they have fewer towers and the towers are not as tall. g. Mr. McKay asked if AT&T would need a second antenna on the same pole. Mr. McGrath said no. AT&T would not operate two antennas on the same pole. He does not believe there would be an overload at the park site. Mayor Boyle said that there would be nine antennas on their platform and they could add more to that platform by negotiating with the city. They would not need to add another platform. Referring to Mr. Musial's previous question, Mayor Boyle said that the carrier at 80 feet needs to be in line of sight to the next antenna where they could possibly be at 120 feet. You have to look at the total picture--the second antenna at possibly 120 feet can offset the fact that the carrier is only at 80 feet at the first site. Mr. McGrath said that height of the tower or building mount is a determining factor in the number of sites. But in the case of the Clague Park area, no more are needed. The 120 feet is satisfactory for their network. Mr. Nashar asked if a second pole might go in at the Clague Park area. Mr. McGrath and Mayor Boyle said no, there is no such proposal. Mr. McGrath said it was the policy of AT&T to promote co-location. They understand cities and sympathize with their needs to reduce the proliferation of towers. h. Mr. Limpert said that, after looking at the map, it appears he can answer his own original question that the Lorain Road corridor is too far away to be part of the "sweet spot" of the area. By looking at the map, he feels that the park is about the best spot that he can see. Mayor Boyle brought up the question of the "fall area" of the antenna. The antenna is built to collapse, not to fall. However, in the unlikely situation that it would fall, this is one of the very few areas where it can fall without hitting a home. Mr. McGrath said that the antennas do not fall. Mayor Boyle said that he has seen documentation of antennas making it through hurricanes. He does not believe the antenna 3