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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Adjustments and Appeals - 05/11/2000 APPROVED MINUTES BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS &APPEALS THURSDAY,MAY 11,2000 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER Council Chamber 8080 Mitchell Road BOARD: Cliff Dunham, Chairperson; William Ford; Louis Giglio; Ismail Ismail; Michael O'Leary and Mary Vasaly STAFF: Jean Johnson, Zoning Administrator Carol Pelzel, Recorder GUESTS: Gary Therkelsen, Eden Prairie Police Department, Technical Operations Division CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Dunham called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. ROLL CALL—PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Cliff Dunham, William Ford, Louis Giglio, Ismail Ismail, Michael O'Leary and Mary Vasaly Absent: No one OATH OF OFFICE The Oath of Office was administered to the six Board members. I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion/Second: GiglioNasaly, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried, 6-0. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of March 9,2000 Motion/Second: Vasaly/Giglio, to approve the March 9 minutes as presented. Motion carried 4-0-2 with Ford and Ismail abstaining because of absence from that meeting. Minutes Board of Adjustments &Appeals May 11, 2000 III: VARIANCES A. Request#2000-05 by City of Eden Prairie for 15150 Technology Drive to approve the construction of a telecommunications tower up to 270 feet in height(City Code maximum is 150 feet). Gary Therkelsen, representing the Eden Prairie Police Department, explained it is their responsibility to provide telecommunication services for all of the City and School District Departments and Divisions. Mr. Therkelsen stated that they are asking for a variance to the 150-foot height limit for a structure radio tower. Mr. Therkelsen further explained that there is an existing 190-foot tower at the corner of Mitchell Road and County Road 5. This proposed tower would replace the existing tower and because of the topography of the existing site, would result in approximately a 10-foot physical height increase over the old tower. The primary purpose of the tower is to provide land mobile two-way radio communications for all City departments and divisions as well as the Eden Prairie Schools. The site of the existing tower has been sold and the City has to vacate that site. The proposed new site is the location of the City's Public Works' maintenance facility on Technology Drive. A registered Professional Engineer recommended a minimum height of 270 feet,but because of FAA regulations they have had to amend their request to 207 feet. Mr. Therkelsen stated that a reliable two-way communication system is essential to provide public safety to the community. A secondary purpose of the tower will be to provide a site for other wireless carriers. Mr. O'Leary pointed out that the existing tower appears to be the same site elevation as the proposed tower. Mr. Therkelsen responded that they do lose 10 feet in ground elevation, however, they do gain essentially 27 feet. The new location is in an industrial area suitable for this type of infrastructure and will not be as visible as the existing tower. In response to Ms. Vasaly's question,Mr. Therkelsen explained how they arrived at the proposed height for the tower. This is accomplished by computer modeling that will identify a potential site. Ms. Vasaly asked if they have experienced any problems with coverage with the existing 180-foot tower. Mr. Therkelsen explained that they have not been able to provide the level of signal strength necessary in certain areas of the City. Mr. Ismail asked where the tower foundation would be located and what the effect of the proposed tower will be on the surrounding neighbors. Mr. Therkelsen responded that the neighbors had been notified as required by City ordinance. With regard to the tower foundation, Mr. Therkelsen explained that final design work has not been completed,however,the foundation size will be determined by how strong the tower has to be and could range in size from 8 feet to 12 feet. Mr. Dunham asked where the proposed building for equipment will be placed and if that will require any variances. Mr. Therkelsen responded that the building will be constructed at the base of the tower and he does not believe it will require variances. 2 Minutes Board of Adjustments &Appeals May 11, 2000 Mr. Therkelsen explained that the FAA requires obstruction lighting on the proposed tower. They plan to use white,high intensity strobe lighting during daylight hours and switch to a red non-strobe beacon during hours of darkness. Ms. Johnson presented the staff report explaining that the request has been modified from 270 feet to 207 feet. The selected site is an eight-acre site and is industrial zoned land surrounded by other industrial uses. The site is located south of Highway 5 where other tall structures exist. The tower will also have the potential to provide service for other antennas which is the purpose of the telecommunications code in hopes to prevent the need for other tower structures being built by private companies. Ms. Johnson reported that notices had been sent to surrounding properties within 500 feet. One call was received, and no objections were noted. Mr. Dunham opened the public hearing. Having no one appear, Mr. Dunham closed the public hearing. Motion/Second: Giglio/Ismail, to approve Request#2000-05 with the hardship being the topography of Eden Prairie which affects effective communication and this variance will promote the public's health, welfare and safety and promote co-location of antennae and it will not alter the essential character of the area or be detrimental to an industrial area. The motion carried, 6-0. IV. NEW BUSINESS Ms. Johnson reported that the next Board meeting is scheduled for June 8. VI. ADJOURNMENT Motion/Second: O'Leary/Ismail, to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Motion carried, 6-0. 3