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Special Planning Commission Meeting Minutes February 4, 1997 Page 2 of the Sherburne County moratorium. Mr. O'Rourke explained the one mile • difference between the AT&T site and the proposed site would require them to construct an additional tower to provide coverage up to Zimmerman. Discussion followed regarding highway and city coverage issues. Mr. O'Rourke indicated APT's goal is to provide continuous highway coverage and the best possible "in town" coverage. He agreed two sites would be better than one but the costs would virtually be double. Constructing one tower in the requested location would provide the continuous highway and the best possible coverage in the city. Mr. O'Rourke added that if there were a demand for better "in building" portable in the city, APT would look at adding sites in the future. In this case, APT would look at using the water tower off west Highway 10. Linda Whitman reviewed criteria used in selecting a site and felt all were met by the Industrial Hardfacing site. Greg Korstad reviewed summarized APT's compliance with the requests of the Planning Commission and asked for a recommendation of approval of APT's requests. Discussion of the County Road No. 33 towers. APT explained none of the existing towers can structurally support their equipment. Steve Ach indicated one of the tower owners has expressed interest in reconstructing his tower in order to provide co-location possibilities. Costs were discussed for new construction build-outs and co-location. Antenna co-location on water towers was discussed. . Commissioner Sullivan questioned whether or not the monopole could be painted to blend in with the surroundings. Jeff Peterson explained they have found the natural weathered color of the galvanized metal blends in best. The Commissioners discussed the possibility of a moratorium on new towers until more information is available from other communities faced with requests for antenna towers. They also discussed Sherburne County's idea for a "master plan" to identify future antenna sites. Steve Ach explained it appears it would be difficult for providers to identify potential sites without knowing what the demand is going to be. Greg Korstad explained it may not be legal for the communication companies to share information. Commissioner Cote expressed concern the city's approval of APT's requests may force other cities such as Zimmerman to feel pressure to approve a specific site, since it would be the only one holding up APT's plans for continuous coverage to the north. Jeff Peterson reviewed maps showing coverage areas using the AT&T site and the proposed site. Ken Warner, owner of Industrial Hardfacing, explained the EDA has contacted him and expressed interest in helping stimulating economic development in the City of Elk River. Mr. Warner stated he has an economic interest in APT's proposal, and requested the Planning Commission recommend approval. Chair Anderson closed the public hearing.