06-23-1998 BA MIN DRAFT
• MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1998
Members Present: Chair Mesich, Commissioners Chambers, Cote, Kuester,
Schuster and Thompson
Members Absent: Commissioner Morris
Staff Present: Scott Harlicker, Planning Assistant;Steve Wensman, Planner;
Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary
1. Call Meetina To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Board of
Adjustments was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Mesich.
2 Consider 6/23/98 Board of Adjustments;Agenda
COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE JUNE 23, 1998 BOARD OF
ADJUSTMENTS AGENDA. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
• MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
3.1. Request by U S West.Wireless for Variance, RpOric Hearing Case No.V`'98-5
Staff report by Scott Harlicker. U.S. West has requested a variance to setback
requirements in order to construct a 150 foot tall mono-pole which will support
wireless PCS antennas. The applicant proposes to lease a 32'x32' area for the
construction of the mono-pole which is part of a 2 acre lot located in the Elk River
Industrial Park. Staff recommends approval of the variance request based on the
findings in the staff report.
Chair Mesich questioned how close the pole would be to the nearest building.
Scott indicated the pole would be directly adjacent to the building on this site.
Commissioner Thompson asked if the other towers in the city would meet the
current setback requirements. Scott indicated they would not, noting that the
other towers were installed before the current ordinance was passed.
Commissioner Thompson questioned if the proposed tower could hit the building
if it collapsed. Scott stated that it possibly could. Commissioner Kuester asked if
the ordinance addressed setbacks from neighboring buildings. Scott stated the
ordinance only addresses property line setbacks.
Commissioner Mesich expressed concern that he did not feel the findings could
be met to grant a variance.
Chair Mesich opened the public hearing. There being no comments from the
public, Chair Mesich closed the public hearing.
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Board of Adjustments Minutes
June 23, 1998
Page 2
Ken Nielson of U S West Wireless, explained that in the 10- 15 years cellular towers
• have been in existence, there is not one documented incident of a mono pole
tower toppling over. He stated the towers are designed to bend near the top of
the pole to offset wind resistance. The towers are set into the ground
approximately 50 feet to further insure stability. Mr. Nielson indicated that during
recent storms and tornadoes,water towers and antenna poles have remained
standing. He explained it is estimated it would take a 200 m.p.h.wind to topple
an antenna, in which case, the whole town would likely be leveled, as well. Mr.
Nielson stated why co-location on the existing towers is not possible. He reviewed
existing and proposed locations of US West Wireless antennas. Mr. Nielson
indicated the industrial park is the most compatible location for antennas, but he
did not feel the setback requirements are appropriate. Mr. Nielson felt the
extensive setbacks limit the use of the property and would be a waste of industrial
land.
Commissioner Chambers questioned why cell phone users cannot get continuous
coverage. Mr. Nielson explained that an antenna is needed every 5 to 7 miles for
continuous coverage.
Discussion followed regarding whether or not the setback requirements in the
city's antenna overlay ordinance are appropriate. Scott Harlicker indicated the
setbacks could be reconsidered. He explained that other cities vary in their
setback requirements,with some cities only requiring that the tower meet the
underlying use setbacks and others require a setback equal to the height of the
tower,which is Elk River's requirement.
COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON MOVED DENIAL OF THE REQUEST BY U S WEST
WIRELESS FOR A VARIANCE TO THE SETBACK REQUIREMENTS, PUBLIC HEARING CASE
NO. V 98-5, CITING THAT 4 OF THE 5 THE FINDINGS FOR GRANTING A VARIANCE
CANNOT BE MET. COUNCILMEMBER COTE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
6. Adjournment
There being no further business, COMMISSIONER COTE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE
MEETING. COMMISSIONER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Board of Adjustments adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
06164
Debbie Huebner
Recording Secretary
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