7C, Ordinance 2010-002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Enginee�ing Review As noted in the first part of this report, the Reiling Tower has undergone a number of changes to the antenna configuration since it was constructed in 1972. The current configuration is not in conformance with the original approval, and the changes were not reviewed by the City. The CUP amendment addresses the noncompliance with the 1972 CUP; however, the City contracted with Ulteig Engineers to have a complete structural review completed since the previous changes were not reviewed by the City (Attachment C). In summary, the Ulteig report indicates that the tower is in good condition and has been properly maintained. The report indicates that there are 29 antennas on the tower (the diplexers are support equipment used by the antennas). Of those, 18 antennas are used by Verizon Wireless for cellular services, two are used by American Messaging to provide pager services, and one dish is used by Nextera to provide business internet services. Staff is working with the property owner to identify the purpose of the remaining nine antennas. The report notes that Clear Wireless is seeking to add six antennas to the tower, which, if done, would put the tower at 97.4 percent capacity in its current condition. The Clear Wireless antennas have not yet been reviewed by the City. If the CUP amendment is approved, Clear Wireless would be subj ect to the administrative review process but another CUP amendment would not be required. If the nine unidentified antennas can be removed from the tower, additional capacity may be available on the tower in its current condition. According to the supplementary report provided by Ulteig, the tower has the ability to be upgraded in the future to provide additional capacity for antennas. The legs of the tower are only at 62.8 percent capacity and it would be possible provide additional bracing to increase the overall capacity. Other Communication Towers in Arden Hills Besides the Reiling Tower, there are two other freestanding antenna towers located in Arden Hills. The Arden Tower at 1777 Gateway Boulevard is also considered a legal non-conforming use because it is not accessory to another use and exceeds the 75 foot height limit. However, the Arden Tower CUP already includes provisions that allow for additional antennas and antennas at different heights with administrative review and a building permit. The 1972 Reiling Tower CUP does not include such flexible provisions. The other tower is located at 1929 Lake Valentine Road and is owned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT). Because the tower is owned by a State agency, it is not subj ect to local land use regulation. They are not required to obtain local review or approvals for changes to this tower. Cit�y of'Arden Hills City Council Meeting for February 22, 2010 C: IDocuments ancl Settingslbecky.brnzyslLocal Settingsl Temporary Internet FileslOLKI SFI02-22-10 - Regulccr Meeting - Memo - Reiling Tower CUP Amenc�.cloc Page 5 of 8