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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 18, 2010 0 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW,CI.ANDOVER.MN.US Regular Park & Recreation Commission Meeting February 18, 2010 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes (1/21/10) 4. Consider Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities/North Metro Soccer Association 5. Review Request for CUP/Clear Wireless/Shadowbrook East Park 6. Review Request for CUP/Clear Wireless/Andover Lions Park 7. Outstanding Items 0 8. 9. Chair's Report 10. Adjournment j 0 0 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER,MN.US PARKAND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - FEBRUARY 18,2010 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Butler on February 18, 2010, 7:00 p.m" at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chair Ted Butler, Bill Hupp, Tony Kowalewski, Vice Chair Jim Lindahl, Mark Miskowiec, Shan Ramnath and Shaun Van Vark. Commissioners Absent: None, Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas, 0 RESIDENT FORUM There were no comments at this time. Motion by Hupp, seconded by Kowalewski, to close the resident forum. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. APPROVAL OFMINUTES There were no changes. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Ramnath, to approve the January 21, 2010 Park Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-present (Hupp), O-absent vote. CONSIDER APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULED USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES/NORTH METRO SOCCER ASSOCIATION Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to consider a request by the North Metro Soccer Association (NMSA) to hold a soccer camp at Sunshine Park. Chair Butler asked if they would utilize the facility during the week. Mr. Haas indicated . that was correct. 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-February 18,2010 0 Page 2 Commissioner Hupp asked if there were any conflicts with the other associations at this time. Mr. Haas stated there was not. Commissioner Kowalewski asked if this was different than MN Thunder representing their camps from previous years. Mr. Haas stated it was because that was a for profit organization so a fee was collected whereas the camps are pretty much the same but this is a non-profit organization so it is recommended to not collect a fee. Motion by Ramnath, seconded by Lindahl, to approve the Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities as requested by the North Metro Soccer Association. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. REVIEW REQUEST FOR CUP/CLEAR WIRELESS/SHADOWBROOK EAST PARK Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to reviewing a request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from Clear Wireless, LLC to place a telecommunications antenna facility at Shadowbrook East Park. Mr, Dave Hagen, Clear Wireless representative, reviewed the information with the Park Commission. 0 Commissioner Hupp stated he was not crazy about placing utilities in parks but he wondered what kind of pole they would use and what kind of agreements they would have. Mr. Hagen indicated there would be co-location availability. The pole would be designed to accommodate four carriers. Commissioner Hupp stated if this is adopted would the pole be the City's and what kind of agreement would be made between the City and Clear Wireless. Mr. Hagen stated they do not have all the details ofthe agreement worked out. Chair Butler stated this is a conditional use permit upon a lease agreement between City staff and Clear Wireless and would be approved by the City Council. Mr, Hagen stated they were anticipating this to be a long-term lease, possibly twenty years or more. The Commission discussed the type of pole to be used, agreements with the City and other possible locations with the applicant. Mr. Jason Kunze, 13881 Sycamore Street, stated his concern dealt with parks in general. He stated in regards to Shadowbrook East when Mr. Hagen described possibly four carriers being on the pole, would the lowest provider be an inferior position to be in therefore render that placement undesirable, He thought this would set a precedent where other carriers may want their own pole creating an array of towers. He stated another 0 concern was the small airplane traffic coming from Blaine and he wondered if small warning lights were required for the top of this pole. He also wondered if consideration Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 18, 2010 0 Page 3 has been made for light pollution of this. He thought there was a lack of questioning by the Planning Commission and he wondered what the technology was and what benefit would Andover get from it. He thought this was the same technology they already have in a different package. He stated people in their homes do not need the mobility that this will provide. He wondered why they needed this in Andover. He thought they were taking the open space they already have and pimping it out to someone who will the pay the City money in lean economic times. Chair Butler stated the parks they are talking about are not parks paid with the money from the open space referendum. Mr. Chuck Rowley, 996 140th Lane, stated the pole that is proposed to be placed in this location will give him a view of the pole from his window and he did not buy the lot for the pole, he bought the lot for the features it has and amenities around it. He stated he was not in favor of this pole being placed in this park. He stated he preferred if these were not in any ofthe parks in Andover, Mr. Matt Larson, 987 139th Avenue, asked what would be the benefits to Andover residents if this were brought into the City. He thought it was concerning to have two towers that need to cover a small space in the City. He wondered what the range was for the towers and what the actual coverage will be provided to Andover. He wondered how many towers would be needed to create the coverage throughout Andover. He also 0 wondered what the risk will be if Clear Wireless goes out of business. He wondered what would happen ifthis fails in the City. He wondered if this is a service Andover wants and needs and will it be utilized. Ms. Cathy Piela, 13890 Sycamore Street, stated she did not understand why they would have a referendum for open space and then back track and place these towers in City parks. She asked the Commission to look at this because she did not think it made sense for the City to give up land for these towers, Mr. Dave Hagen explained how the different carriers could utilize the towers with co- location. The Commission discussed with Mr. Hagen the height and location of different carriers on the tower. Mr. Hagen explained this tower would not require warning lights because it is not tall enough and Clear Wireless would not propose to install them on the tower. Mr. Hagen explained the wireless would be faster than what is currently available out there. Chair Butler asked what the economics are for Clear Wireless of different kinds of locations, industrial/commercial versus public spaces. He wondered if there were 0 different rates dependent on the type of entity. Mr, Hagen stated there was not. They are paying about the same whether it is commercial or public, He thought public lands Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 18, 2010 0 Page 4 tended to be higher than commercial or industrial because when dealing with the City on a piece ofland they not only own the land but have zoning control and have more leverage for negotiations. Mr, Hagen explained the range of the towers and how they work. Chair Butler asked if the towers proposed would cover the entire City. Mr. Hagen explained there would be a total of five sites in Andover and they will provide coverage to the southern part of the City, The rural area will not be covered, Mr, Hagen explained that if Clear Wireless system does not continue to exist in the future the City would have the option to require removal of the towers. Commissioner Van Vark asked if there has been a citywide survey to determine demand for this type of service. Mr. Haas did not know. Commissioner Hupp asked what kind of transfer rate this would provide to the community. He also wondered what kind of price range this would be. Mr, Hagen stated the spacing of the antenna sites is about a mile and a quarter apart for the system and varies with factors such as tree cover. He stated this is intended primarily for in building 0 strength so they need the strength to reach inside a building. Commissioner Hupp asked how this would play into outdoor use. Mr. Hagen stated a person would get better coverage outside than inside. This would provide seamless coverage but not intended to be for in-vehicle use, it is more for in building use, Commissioner Ramnath asked if public emergency services have been contacted for possible use of this product. He understood this would be a 4G network. He did not think this would be comparable to fiber optics. Mr. Hagen stated as they are looking for sites they have had conversations with cities about their possible use of the systems but they are not out marketing their service. Commissioner Miskowiec stated in regards to the location in the park, they may want to reconstruct the park in the future and he wondered if this could be moved closer to the edge of the park or closer to Bunker Lake Boulevard. Mr. Hagen stated the proposed location would be the area most undisturbed in the park but they would yield to the park planners for the best location. Chair Butler asked how long ago Shadowbrook East Park was reconstructed. Mr. Haas stated it was approximately redone ten years ago. He showed a map of the park and explained the area with the tower is low land and would be no use for park activities and he felt this was the best place in the park for this. 0 Commissioner Van Vark asked when the City ordinance that drives this was last updated, Mr. Haas stated it has been very recent. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-February 18,2010 0 Page 5 Chair Butler explained his reasons for voting in favor of this including budget cuts and there being no revenue for park maintenance, Commissioner Kowalewski stated he has been involved with the park system in one way or another over the years and felt this was a very difficult decision to make. He indicated he would be in favor of this but wanted to emphasis when they should draw the line in order to bring in funding for the parks. Commissioner Van Vark stated it seems the City has made an overall direction on how they want to proceed on these already. Commission Lindahl stated he would be in favor of this as long as the towers can provide additional services. Commissioner Hupp stated he did not like utilities in parks. He thought they have to rethink their planning practices when it comes to utilities and he needs to think about how is going to vote on this item. Commissioner Ramnath stated this was a hard decision to make. There are no aesthetic issues here and he was always agreeing for technology. 0 Commissioner Miskowiec stated Minneapolis has the luxury of being able to place the antenna on telephone poles but it is not a pretty picture. Andover does not have the above ground utilities and they need to be placed someplace in the City and he would be in favor of this type of tower in the City rather than telephone poles all over the city, Mr. Hagen noted their proposal is to install a six-foot chain link fence in this park. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Miskowiec, to recommend to the City Council approval to install a wireless internet service antenna in Shadowbrook East Park. Further Discussion There was none. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, 2-nays (Hupp, Van Vark), O-absent vote. REVIEW REQUEST FOR CUP/CLEAR WIRELESS/ANDOVER LIONS PARK Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to reviewing a request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from Clear Wireless, LLC to place a telecommunications antenna facility at Andover Lions Park. e Mr. Dave Hagen, Clear Wireless representative, reviewed the information with the Park Commission. - Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 18, 2010 0 Page 6 Commissioner Miskowiec asked if they had explored putting the antenna on the new Sheriffs Station. Mr. Hagen stated they have and the tower is outside ofthe search area they need to be and they will have an antenna on the Coon Rapids water tower which would put the two sites too close together which is the real problem. Mr. Hagen reviewed with the Commission the reason why Clear Wireless has picked this park to place their tower in, Ms. Kim Halberg, 997-1391h Avenue NW, stated she lives by the park along the walking path and is against having the tower placed in her backyard. She felt the City was taking a step backwards by placing the tower where it is proposed. Mr. Chuck Rowley stated if they are going to put a pole because they have a network they have to deal with, his strong urge would be for the City to place it in the southwest comer of the park. It will at least contain it in one area and he did not think it would interfere with kids playing. Ms. Kim Savaria, 13820 Sycamore Street, stated her house backs up to Lions Park where the ball field is. She stated she has lived with the park in her back yard and when they moved in the area fifteen years ago the park was not developed. She worked with the 0 City in developing the park and where everything is located. She stated they have learned to tolerate the noise from the park and the parking is horrendous, She stated she would prefer this be kept up further away from the parks central location, She wondered if the purpose and intent of placing the antenna's along Bunker Lake Boulevard to accommodate Coon Rapids and Blaine. She wondered how that was helping them and she thought if the towers were located further north it would benefit Andover more and less of Blaine and Coon Rapids. Mr. Jason Kunze showed the Commission some aerial photos and explained his viewpoint on 4G and its placement in Andover, He stated it is technology but does not have a place in their parks. He stated this will be a twenty inch steel pole that will be placed in the ground and energize the surrounding ground with a pipeline in the area. He thought this will endanger the surrounding residents and did not find this acceptable. He thought this was marginal technology and they did not need technology like this in their parks. Mr. Matt Larson, 987 1391h Avenue, stated they live next to the Savaria's and are also concerned about the tower going up in their backyard. His biggest concern was that the city has been painted into a comer and he did not want the tower in this park at all. He thought the City should step back and think about the Comprehensive Plan. Mr, Sheldon Halberg, 997 139th Avenue, stated he was against this tower being placed in 0 the park along the trail. He stated there is no really good way to access the tower for maintenance where it is proposed to be placed except by driving on the trail. ----- --- Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 18, 2010 0 Page 7 Chair Butler asked Mr. Hagen if the tower will affect the value of homes in the area. Mr. Hagen stated he had a study that was done ten years ago indicating that home values did not decrease because of utilities in the area, Chair Butler asked if the towers were being located in a place where they are strategically located to service Coon Rapids, Blaine, Ham Lake and other communities, Mr. Hagen stated the signal does not respect boundaries of cities so some of the signal will spill over into Coon Rapids, Blaine, and neighboring cities and likewise the coverage from other cities will spill over into Andover so it will go both ways, Chair Butler asked if Clear Wireless will be using all the usable space on the tower, Mr. Hagen stated the plans they submitted for the Shadowbrook East Park site show a little . more clearly where the various positions are on the tower for carriers, He stated the top forty-eight feet, consisting oftwelve feet each for four carriers is where they could locate. These are stealth towers where antennas can be placed inside of them. The top twelve feet would be Clear Wireless towers and then after that the other carriers will be located going down the tower. Chair Butler asked Mr. Hagen ifhe could address the safety issues with the gas pipeline 0 being nearby. Mr. Hagen stated he cannot and is a valid concem that he will raise with his people right away, They did note and notice the gas line going through there and definitely something not to be taken lightly. Chair Butler asked if tree coverage was taken into consideration in terms of the distance . that the towers are spaced apart, Mr. Hagen stated they were. Chair Butler asked if there was a coverage map or something that can be shown in terms of coverage for the City. Mr. Hagen showed a map of the City where coverage will be spread out to, Mr. Haas reviewed with the Commission the process the City will take with the gas company. He assumed Staff will follow up on' this and get an answer for the City Council for their next meeting, Commission Hupp asked what the City was getting for allowing the tower in the park. He stated he was not in favor of locating the tower in a City park. He wondered what the capacity would be. Mr. Hagen stated his understanding the capacity was in excess of what is currently out there now. Chair Butler stated he was sensitive to the concerns that people have about the pole being in different areas of the park and he was not sure there was a perfect solution. He has 0 been in the park and walked the trail many times and his concern with moving the proposed pole to the southwest comer ofthe park is that it is an area of the park that might likely be redeveloped in the future. The area in the north is less useable from a , Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 18, 2010 0 Page 8 park use perspective. He thought what they would try to do is ifthey were to put it in the northern part given the proximity to people's property is to try to offer as much screening as possible and to have that negotiated with the City and Clear Wireless. He would favor the northern location in the park over the southwest corner of the park. Commissioner Ranmath asked if the extreme northern part of the park on the west side of the tracks have been considered, Mr. Haas indicated that area is all low land and pretty much flood plain and wetland. He thought this was a big tower and would not like it in the southwest corner ofthe park. He did not even know if he liked it in the northern part ofthe park. Commission Miskowiec stated he would like to see Clear Wireless come back with another engineering report stating that there is no way it will work on County property with the other antenna arrays, He thought this was a tough park and did not like it. Commissioner Van Vark stated he could use a better understanding for the funding. He did not understand how this will help the overall revenue structure for the parks. Mr. Haas explained how the revenue would be used in the park. Commissioner Hupp felt there were better ways to generate revenue for park maintenance 0 and improvements. Chair Butler stated he would be in favor of placing the tower in the park and would prefer the northem location in the park rather than the southwest corner. He would also like to see fencing with diagonal slats along with extensive screening with evergreen shrubs and trees around the fencing. Commissioner LindaW stated he would like to see more information from Clear Wireless regarding possible placement on the County land. Motion by Miskowiec, seconded by Kowalewski, to recommend to the City Council denial to install a wireless internet service antenna in Andover Lions Park. Further Discussion There was none. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, I-nays (Butler), O-absent vote. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas reviewed outstanding items. 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 18, 2010 0 Page 9 CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Hupp congratulated the high school girl's hockey team for a great season. He stated the high school boy's hockey team is doing very well. Commissioner Kowalewski stated national signing day was a few weeks ago and Andover had a total of seven athletes. ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR MEETING Motion by Commissioner Ramnath, seconded by Commissioner Lindahl, to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:33 p.m. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Respectfully Submitted, Susan Osbeck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Q 0