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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 24, 2000 4 Landscaping has been proposed to add screening of the equipment building. Staff has some concerns with the amount of trees planted on the site. Maintenance of the site requires about 90 inches between trees and other structures. Staff recommends arborvitae be planted a minimum of six (6) feet tall and run along the entire south property line, in place of the proposed five trees. Staff has received a concern from a neighboring business that currently has a 900 MHz fire sprinkler system. The concern is that the antenna might negatively affect the fire protection system. The applicant has stated the antennas should not affect the existing systems. Mr. Lynch noted that Staff received a letter from Resistance Technology, Inc., with concerns about the antennas affecting hearing aid equipment. He added the Council may wish to request that the applicant participate in cost share for a possible impact study. Mr. Lynch advised that the Planning Commission recommends approval of Planning Case #00- 16, Special Use Permit, witll 10 conditions. Councilmember Aplikowski asked how Resistance Technology knows that there will be interference. Steve Katkov, a representative of Aerial Communications, explained that FCC, which governs all issues relating to interference, has regulations which make it the responsibility of a landowner to protect its own equipment. He added his company would be glad to perform a standard frequency study at their own cost using the City engineer or another local engineer. Councilmember Aplikowski asked why a study would be required unless a problem is known to exist. Mayor Probst stated that such a study is standard procedure. Councilmember Larson asked what the cost of such a study might be. Mr. Katkov stated the study could cost up to $750 depending upon the engineer hired. Councilmember Larson stated that the Planning Commission had expressed concern with regard to future proposals and the overall site plan. He added the Council might want to consider this issue. Mayor Probst stated there is no way to predict what the space needs will be on the site, and the Council is not in the business of being landlord. He added the condition requiring the same materials for all buildings is a positive step. Council member Grant asked whether Aerial's equipment would work if they operated outside their frequencies. Mr. Kakoff stated the equipment would work but the FCC would suspend their operation. Councilmember Rem stated the letter mentions that current conditions are not acceptable, and added the concerns must be clarified with regard to the current case. Mayor Probst stated the Council is not required to assure their profitability as a business. Councilmember Larson suggested the Council might want to consider marketing the City's water towers as possible sites for future ventures. He asked how many antennas a tower could accommodate. Mr. Katkov stated his company utilizes 70 water towers and is under negotiations