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<br />at each site. However, despite the site differences, it does appear that the current lease rate for <br />the Sprint antennas at the Arden Hills water tower is below the average lease rate of nearby <br />municipalities. The median lease rate for antennas at the -150 foot level is approximately <br />$18,000 with a range of$9,516 per year to $27,231 per year. The City's current lease rate with <br />Sprint is $13,800. <br /> <br />Staff discussed the lease rate differences with Richard Markus of Baran Telecom, the <br />representative for Sprint-Nextel. Sprint-Nextel has agreed to raise the yearly lease rate to <br />$18,000 if the CUP and lease amendments are approved. A revised lease amendment was <br />submitted (Attachment 8A-I). All other terms of the existing lease would remain the same, <br />including the scheduled lease rate increases and the length of the lease. The lease rate is <br />scheduled to go up by 15 percent every five years. The rate increased in 2005 and will increase <br />again in 2010 to $20,700 based on the new rate. The lease will still expire in 2025. <br /> <br />If the Council determines it is necessary, a consultant can be contracted to prepare a full study of <br />market rates for cellular tower antennas. A consultant would be able to fully consider the <br />variables of each tower site to determine a more accurate market rate for cellular antenna leases <br />in this market. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that such a study could be completed before the City <br />Council is required to make a decision on this CUP amendment. The City must make a decision <br />by December 20,2007, unless the applicant grants an extension to the City. <br /> <br />Findinl!s of Fact <br /> <br />The Planning Commission offers the following seventeen findings of fact for review: <br /> <br />General Findings: <br />1. The proposed antennas would not exceed the height of the tallest existing antenna. <br />2. Cell antennas are a permitted accessory use on City water towers. <br />3. Cell antennas are a conditionally accessory use in the I-Flex District <br />4. The proposed antennas are compatible with the character of the area and will not <br />adversely impact the surrounding properties <br />5. The total number of Sprint/N extel antennas on the water tower will decrease to twelve <br />from fifteen; however, the number of antennas located on the top of the water tower will <br />Increase. <br />6. The guardrails on which the antennas will be mounted are structurally capable of <br />handling the additional load. <br /> <br />On the Conditional Use Permit amendment Evaluation Criteria: <br />7. The proposed plan would not have any impact on traffic or parking conditions <br />8. The proposed plan will not produce any permanent noise, glare, odors, vibration, smoke, <br />dust, air pollution, heat, liquid or solid waste, and other nuisance characteristics <br />9. The proposed plan will not impact drainage <br />10. The proposed plan will not impact population density <br /> <br />\lMetro-inet.uslardenhillslPlanninglPlanning Cases\2007\07-024 Sprint-Nextel CUP (ec Tabled) \112607 - CC Report - Sprint CUP <br />Amendment.doc <br /> <br />Page 3 of5 <br />