11-26-1996 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes November 26, 1996 Page 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Whitman, 1701 E. 79th street, Suite 19, Bloomington, MN, was present representing American Portable Telecom (APT). Ms. Whitman provided background information regarding the company. APT provides PCS (personal communication system) wireless communication, different from cellular. which allows video interfacing and two-way messaging. Their FCC license is in what is called the "B" block and Sprint is in the "A" block. The difference between cellular and PCS is that PCS requires a lower antenna height because of the lower power output and the antennas must be closer together. PCS towers can also accommodate more users. This location is needed in order to fulfill their coverage needs in Elk River, for both in-building penetration and on the highways. Factors were taken into consideration in picking the site which cause interference such as trees, buildings and topography. Ms. Whitman responded to staff's concerns as follows: The oak tree on site will not need to be removed The existing access to the site is adequate Industrial zoning is ideal for antenna location, no traffic will be generated, no noise, no use nuisance associated with the antenna A mono-pole is not available at this time. APT would like to use lattice tower and can guarantee a co-locator at this time. The tower is design to topple on itself APT has a license from the FCC and they will send a copy with the building permit application All the necessary information will be supplied which complies with the Uniform Building Code An 8 ft. high fence will be provided as requested There will be no lighting unless the city requires security lighting APT's FCC license restricts any electrical interference There are no health or safety issues associated with the tower steve Ramberg, RF (radio frequency) engineer, indicated the design and tower location site was chosen due to the proximity of downtown Elk River and the curving of Highway 169 and Highway 10. Ramberg explained the "link budget" restricts the height of the tower. Losses occur in the cable that runs up the tower, and the higher the frequency the lower the tower requirement. PCS operates at a frequency band of 1950 - 1960 MHz. Cellular companies construct higher towers because they operate at 800 MHz and do not have the loss which the PCS would have. Mr. Ramberg explained that tower location is also more critical for the PCS than for cellular, and the one mile difference between the proposed site and the AT&T site would greatly affect their coverage. Mr. Ramberg noted there are terrain issues associated with location of the tower, such as the hill to the north. The antenna site in Dayton is already under construction. Cellular can construct a very tall tower and add an omni tower which gives a circular pattern of wide range coverage. PCS must be very directional and is limited to choice of sites due to the highway locations. Mr. Ramberg stated he has run the coordinates and done analysis which shows they will not be able to connect up with Zimmerman, provide continuous coverage, cover Elk River and connect with the site in Dayton, using the AT&T tower. When asked about the green area to the south shown on the coverage maps, Ramberg stated they plan to locate on an existing tower in Monticello. Scott Harlicker stated it appears there is still a large gap in coverage. Ramberg