PC 092210 Special Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

the applicant to determine the viability of other locations because while the particular location might look fairly viable, the neighbors did not think so and found it to be too prominent. Ms. Stern stated that staff, noting that another wireless facility was already operating from another site close by, then suggested that the applicant look more systematically at the viability of co-location and submit a definitive and technical report justifying why the new site would or would not work, comparing the percentages of coverage and signal between the proposed site and the new site. Commissioner Narum requested staff to confirm that if the applicants are in a viable location and meet the distance required, the City deems the application complete, and as part of the process, the applicant in not required to submit other locations. Ms. Stern replied that staff does not generally require the applicant to submit such technical details. Commissioner Narum continued that this is except if there are concerns with the neighbors. Ms. Stern said yes. Chair Olson inquired who owns the co-location site. Ms. Stern replied that she was not sure who owned the property but that it was not owned by the City. She added that wireless facility on the site is owned by T-Mobile. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Mark Lobaugh, Complete Wireless Consulting, Inc., representing Verizon, stated that while he was not part of the original search, the search for a suitable site to serve the residential area farther north of the proposed site was begun two years ago. He added that a lot of time was spent looking at various locations, and when they came upon the current City-owned site, they thought it was an ideal fit for a telecommunications facility. Mr. Lobaugh stated that the facility is completely rimmed by trees and not visible to the neighbors; it is well fenced and works well for their purposes. He then presented site photographs to the Commissioners, showing the current pump station and noting that the proposed site is in the back corner facing north along I-680, which runs just west behind the site. He indicated that they designed a mono-pine with the intent of shooting the signal northward along I-680 and serving the residential group of homes farther north. He then displayed a picture aimed toward Corte Madera showing the tower that he believes is well-screened and well insulated with trees, with a cyclone fence around the entire perimeter and additional space in the yard. He indicated that the City had signed a letter of intent and a lease signed by the City Manager, contingent upon Planning Commission approval. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 22, 2010 Page 3 of 23