CCP 05-08-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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J . . e Memorandum, Telecommunications Master Plan Page Three May 3, 2000 Secondary Issue Another issue to consider is one that was brought up by Councilmember Larson; "Does the City want to actively market the water tower sites as being available for these telecommunications providers?" In addition, should the City be taking a broader look at not only the telecommunications industry, but also the wireless Internet and future technologies? Ifwe do not have a Master Plan, we might inadvertently miss an opportunity to provide space for a service provider that can bring a new technology to the City of Arden Hills, its businesses and residents. Included in these other opportunities could be the impact of new technology on public safety (i.e., Ramsey County Sheriff; Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department). We would certainly want to include the consideration of these services in looking at a total picture for providers to include and allow on the sites. Imnact on Budl!et At this time, there is currently no money budgeted in the 2000 Budget to allow for a consultant to assist the City in looking at the Master Plan for the two (2) water tower sites for telecommunications antennae and related ground structures. We do receive monthly rents in the amount of$1,542.78 from Nextel and AT&T Wireless, and we expectto receive and additional $2,000.00 per month from Sprint PCS and Aerial Communications. These revenues are currently not designated for any specific project or fund, and go directly into General Fund revenues. The 2000 Budget is $18,000. These revenues could go to offset the costs for any consulting services. We may also want to consider trying to recover costs for this project by either looking at increasing the application fee for the Planning process, or look at additional fees paid through the lease agreement by the applicants to recover these costs. This might be determined by prorating the costs over the total maximum number of applicants that might be allowed on the site. Recommendation Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Administrator to seek consulting services to develop a Master Plan for both the north and south water tower sites dealing specifically with the total number of antennae and related ground structures that should be allowed on each site. Staff is also recommending that the City Council decide if they want to be in the business of advertising and marketing the availability of the water tower sites in the future, after completion of the Master Plan, for recruitment of telecommunications and wireless internet providers.