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Jl/IG REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION DATE: 8~22~94 ITEM NO.: F-4 Department Approval: fi~~/,};f 0 Item Description: Manager Reviewed: ~ Agenda Section: Hearing Conceptual approval for a communications tower at the water tower site at Fairview Avenue North. Background: 1. At their regular meeting of August 10, 1994, the Planning Commission considered an application by OneComm/Buell Consulting to locate a communication tower/antenna facility at 2720 N. Fairview Avenue. This site is the property owned by H& W Motor Express. OneComm was proposing to locate a 240 foot tall structure with additional 15 foot antenna in the northwest corner of that site. In addition to the tower, an unmanned equipment shelter measuring 11 x20 feet was also proposed to be located at the base of the tower. The tower and the shelter were to be secured by cyclone fence enclosure. 2. In trying to deal with coming communication technology and the potential need for additional antenna sites, staff has discussed the possibility of locating antennas in a concentrated area. Because they are typically located on high points of city's water tower sites make ideal locations for antennas. Discussic:ms on this matter have begun with the applicant and there appears to be benefits for both the communications. industry and the City. 3. ESMR Cellular Technology ~ OneConun was recently granted a license by the Federal Communications Commission to operate an enhanced specialized mobile radio system in the Twin Cities market area. ESMR Cellular is one of the newest emerging low power, wireless technologies that will compete with cellular service. ESMR Cellular is digital and can handle more calls per channel than traditional cellular and transmits at lower wattage. Other advantages ofESMR are that, in addition to traditional cellular service, it can also provide paging and data transmission with a portable hand held phone.