Item 7.1 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Planning Commission Minutes DRAFr January 19, 2006 Page 3 Planner Pedro further discussed the roll of this five year Master Plan and what relevancy it has on a decision and how the Planning Commission should respond to the Master Plan referring to the Town's Wireless Communication Policy. Each of the proposed sites needs a separate application and approval. Commissioner Kerns noted that condition #15 regarding the trees, the requirement in terms of the size is written slightly differently than #13 and #14 referring to a 20 foot minimum height at installation; #15 refers to a 36" box. Planner Pedro responded by stating that they had contacted Tom Klope, the landscape architect for the Town Hall to see what maximum size trees could be placed there. Because this area is already developed with the generator and also some existing trees, the 36" box tree is the maximum size that can be installed without a crane. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Tony Kim, Cingular Wireless representative, stated that Cingular Wireless has been committed to providing effective coverage in this part of Town for nearly three years. Their radio engineers tested the site at various heights, analyzing the data realizing that a minimum of 70 feet would be necessary to provide effective coverage to the surrounding area. Town Hall and Town owned properties are preferred locations and therefore this proposal is in accordance with Town priorities. Technological requirements necessitated 70 feet in height. Since them are other existing trees, they felt a tree pole would be the best to disguise the antennas and blend into the surrounding environment. The panel antennas will not be visible to public view. The cabinets that operate this facility will be enclosed in the existing shed. They are proposing to construct a four foot tall wooden screen so the shed is not visible from the street. He felt what was critical and very important for this proposal is that the tree will be co -locatable. Cingular has been working with the emergency communication folks for two years now. Without them the tree could handle two more carriers in addition to their installation. He felt this was a good proposal and would greatly improve the coverage in the area. They respectfully requested approval of this application. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed color of the tree pole and working with staff, how to make it appear more natural to blend into the surroundings. Commissioner Kerns referred to another Cingular site, S1718-11, Purissima I -Tills water tank, asking how much analysis have they gone through in terms of evaluating sites. Tony Vim stated cell phones are no longer a luxury but a necessity. Commissioner Carey questioned co -location of another carrier asking how much lower the Emergency Communication antenna would have to be to accommodate a second carrier. Mr. Kim felt it really depended on the carrier's needs and the size of the antennas needed. He felt that they could accommodate one more carrier directly below their antenna. They could accommodate two more carriers wi