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IJ\J • -' (s-\c <br /> ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES <br /> 16 _ <br /> 322 King Avenue <br /> I V '• Elk River, Minnesota 55330 <br /> Phone (612) 441-2020 <br /> : Fax (612)441-8099 <br /> IMarch 291i, 2000 <br /> ITo John Deitz <br /> 1 From Bryan Adams PA, <br /> ISubject Telecommunication Antennas on Water Towers <br /> I As you are aware, Sprint desires to place a telecommunications antenna on one of our <br /> water towers The issue was discussed at our July 9th, 1997 and March l4`h, 2000 Elk <br /> River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) Commission meetings. I have been dealing with Philip <br /> I Carlson, Sight Acquisition Specialist, with the Everest Group Also attached is a letter <br /> dated March 17`h, 2000 from David Huihui of the Everest Group addressing the same <br /> issue <br /> 1111/ <br /> There is no question that good cell phone communication is an attribute to Elk River <br /> Current cell phone reception in this area is marginal. The question is how can we <br /> Iaccommodate these companies while preserving our interests. I have taken a strong <br /> stance to deny placing an aerial on our three active water towers for the following <br /> reasons <br /> I <br /> 1) The parties who have antennas on the tower need access to their equipment, <br /> which mean_ they need keys to the tower ERMU will then loose control of who <br /> has access to the tower and loose the security of the water system. Access to the <br /> Iwater system is obtained by roof hatches in the same area as the antennas They <br /> also require a 15' by 15' space inside or outside the tower. We do not have <br /> I adequate room for this. Both city and utility equipment are stored under the <br /> towers <br /> 2) If we let one company use the tower for antennas, we must then allow access to <br /> I all other telecommunication companies (AT&T, US West, Aerial, etc ). <br /> 3) The presence of antennas increase costs of maintenance on water towers. Cables <br /> running up the dry well make it more difficult to blast and paint around The dry' <br /> I well is already a difficult area for painting systems Also, water tight roof <br /> penetration must be added. Another source of maintenance and painting failure. <br /> 4) The City and Utilities are considering a GIS system for Elk River A GIS base <br /> III station would be requiied and the water towers provide an ideal location <br /> Interference with an existing telecommunication signal may preclude this option <br /> I <br /> I <br /> I <br />