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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJul 15, 1974July 15, 1974 Official Proceedings Special Meeting July 15, 1974 Meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. Roll Call - Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Land, Nawrockl present Motion by Heintz, Second by Norberg to appoint Margo Emerson Secretary Pro-rem Roll Call - All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that this special meeting was called as a continued hearing on the antenna tower proposal. He s'i-ated that the concerns brought forth, in particular, at the last meeting were the genera] aesthetics of the area, as well as consideration of the agreement with General Television. Mr. Watson discussed the proposal. He informed the Council that Genera] Television had prepared a ]ease agreement for their consideration. The Engineering Department had checked out the site and determined where the antenna tower could be located. It could be on the west edge of the existing water storage tank. He further pointed out that in the proposed lease agreement, it was proposed to eliminate the metal buildings by building a completely new building instead of the second floor on the pump house. It would be a long ]ow building. Mr. Watson informed those present that the City Council had been up to the site prior to this special meeting. A discussion had been held on possibilities of cleaning up the area. Mayor Nawrocki asked what could be done for the genera] aesthetics of the area. Mr. Gustafson, Public Works Director, discussed the fact that there is a poor grade at this location which made it hard to cut weeds. It is also Minneapo] is property. It was suggested that the City Manager write a letter to Minneapolis to ask them to maintain the slope. Mr. Hazel, 4623 Ivanhoe Place, discussed his view of the situation. Mr. Hill, 4624 Ivanhoe Place, stated that he thought the poor conditions happened when Anoka County put in the county road. Mayor Nawrocki wanted to know who had cut the weeds around the area following the last council meeting. Mr. Gustafson indicated that he thought the City crew had done it. The discussion turned to the antenna tower proposal itself. Attorney Kal ina reported on some of the provisions of the lease agreement. A discussion came up on who would pay for the electricity in the new building at the site. Determinations were not certain. Councilman Logacz urged the Council to discuss those items about which the people present were most concerned. July 15, 1974 One lady was concerned about the safety. She was concerned that a child might get to the antenna tower and begin climbing it. She further asked about the value of homes when the antenna tower is built. Also, she stated her concern if the tower should happen to topple over, and wanted to know of the insurance rates if the tower goes in. A lengthy discussion was held with many of those present contributing their ideas. The concern expressed by many was if this tower could ~egally be located so near a residential area, and if it could be legally located there according to the zoning. Attorney Kalina answered these questions. He stated that as long as the City had a real need for the tower, then it could be legally located there. It is serving a "public purpose". Mr. Watson explained the City need for the tower. He explained the taking of bids in the past on the possibility of the City erecting an antenna tower and the rejection of those bids because of the hic~h cost. He discussed the fact that the City needs a tower because the antennas on the top of the City Hall are not sufficient for the needs of the City. Mr. Gustafson related this location proposed to other locations in the area to stress the fact that this is the most desirable location since it has such a high elevation. Mr. Gustafson further discussed the design of the proposed new water tower. He stated the impossibility of putting antennas on the top of it. The only way to get up to the top of the tower is through the tower itself. The people wanted to know about the need for a new water tower. Mayor Nawrocki explained that major maintenance on the tower would be very costly so it was decided that it would be best to build a new one. Mr. Gustafson further described the conditions of the present tower. Mr. Hill was concerned in finding alternatives other than erecting the antenna tower in thatlocation. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that economically this is the best proposal. If the City were to build a tower anywhere else, they would have to pay for it. Councilman Logacz again urged the Council to make some committment so the people would know the intent of the Council. A discussion was held on the wind load on the tower related to other familiar items. Mr. Gustafson stated that the tower could stand up to 120 m.p.h, winds which would be roughly equal to a tornado. A discussion and further explanations followed. The residents expressed other concerns related to the area in general. Mr. Hill was concerned over that he thought was poor plowing in the area. Mayor Nawrocki indicated that it was hoped that a better job would be done this winter. Discussion was also held on the alley in that area. The residents felt it was broken up particularly due to trucks traveling on it. It was pointed out that the biggest contributor to this problem was the usual spring thaw. July 15, 1974 The discussion again turned back to the proposal. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he would want an escalator clause on the amount of rent that Genera] Television would pay to the City. The representative from General Television discussed this. He stated that he could not promise this. He felt that the Company had given all they could. He further pointed out that in addition, the company must pay taxes on this tower. Concern was further expressed by the people about television and radio interference that might be caused by the tower. Councilman Horberg discussed this and assured them that it would have no impact on this. Another gentleraan in the audience also discussed the possibilities of interference. It was his contention that it possibly could. Councilman Norberg pointed out that Northwestern Bell are presently using our water tower for their antenna. He stated that if they were to rent space on an antenna tower, they would be more concerned about interference than anyone. They have already indicated that they would want to rent space on a new tower. At this point the people expressed further concern about this tower being in a residential area. Some indicated that they would like another opinion from a different attorney to compare opinions and further indicated that they would seek one. The Council members discussed whether to authorize the proposal. Each expressed their views on the lease agreement. Except for some particulars which need working out, the Council was in agreement that the City should proceed with the proposal. Motion by Logacz, Second by Heintz that the Mayor and City Manager proceed with negotiations on an agreement with General Television Company for the erection of an antenna tower near our water tower on Stinson Boulevard. Roll Ca]] All Ayes Prior to the recess, Mayor Nawrocki asked that the water pressure at Mr. Hazel's house as we]] as Mr. Hill ~s house be checked. They had indicated that they had poor water pressure. Recess was called at 10:OO p.m. Meeting reconvened at 10:15 p.m. ORDINANCE #823 ADOPTING LEASE FOR THE ANTENNA TOWER A first reading was held on the adoption of the ]ease agreement with General Television Company. ORDINA,'~CE #818 NEW ZONING ORDINANCE A continued hearing on this ordinance had also been scheduled for this evening. Motion by Norberg, Second by Heintz that the hearing on the new Zoning Ordinance #8]8 be continued to the next regular meeting on Monday, July 22 Roll Call - All Ayes Motion by Logacz, Second Sec re ta ry P to- t em by Heintz to adjourn at 10:40 p.~,. R~ll Call-All B~'ruce G. ,qaw~-ocki, May~)r Ayes