CCP 01-25-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. e e e ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - JANUARY 6, 1999 11 Councilmember Malone stated that, since Cindy Walsh left her position as Community Development Director, the City will return to having a Park Director position as it would be difficult to find someone with Ms. Walsh's wide range of expertise to replace her. Councilmember Malone reported tlJat the City Council passed Planning Cases #98-29, Mark Thompson and #98-32, Cardiac Pacemakers Inc., Site Plan, at their December 14, 1998 Council meeting. Councilmember Malone stated that the City water rates have been adjusted slightly. A change was also made to the senior citizen discount for sewer rates. The rate had been 50% off the sewer rate, new rate will be increased to 67 percent over the next three years off tlJe standard rate. He also noted that tlJe Metropolitan Council Environmental Services will be cutting their rates and these savings will be passed on to the City residents. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Sand asked if the Fox 29 Tower representatives had given up on tlJe TCAAP area. Councilmember Malone stated tlJey had not. He noted tlJat, when the 700 to 1,000- foot tower on tlJe Vaghan property had been proposed in 1984, tlJere had been enough protest that the proposal had been denied. This time the proposal appears to be a more serious situation. Commissioner Galatowitsch asked how many towers are currently located in Arden Hills. Councilmember Malone stated there are three and gave their locations. Mr. Ringwald noted there are an additional three towers located in Shoreview. Commissioner Galatowitsch expressed her belief that tlJe City of Arden Hills seems to be taking the brunt oflocal tower construction. Councilmember Malone explained that Arden Hills is an attractive area due to its elevation and airplane traffic patterns. Acting Chair Rye asked, if the tower is constructed, would there be a clear zone available in the event tlJe tower were to fall, or do towers always fall within tlJemselves. Councilmember Malone stated that he had documented cases where towers fell to the side, furfuer than the height of the tower. Acting Chair Rye asked if this would allow the City to deny tlJe new tower. Mr. Ringwald stated tlJat this could be included as part of tlJe City's decision making process. However, the Federal Government requires the City to provide some space to reasonably accommodate tlJese uses. Commissioner Sand asked, since there is already an antenna farm bordering Highway 694 in Shoreview, why should tlJe City create a new one on tlJe TCAAP. He stated that his preference would be to expand where they are rather tlJan adding a new tower area. Commissioner Sand referred to a letter received from Mr. Theodore Brausen, Texaco, expressing interest in purchasing tlJe property on County Road D at Cleveland Avenue. Commissioner Sand stated tlJat, having served on both the Park Board and tlJe Planning Commission, he had been concerned about good citizenship on tlJe part of Texaco. He explained that, when tlJe Standard Station becarne a Texaco and tlJe new station wanted to build tlJe additional garage, the City had asked tlJem to provide screening. For a year there had been no screening until tlJey finally planted some small shrubs.