HomeMy WebLinkAboutJPZ - 11/21/1994 - PROPOSED CELLULAR ANTENNA/AMERITECH JPZ COMMITTEE MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1994
7 : 07 P.M.
PRESENT: Nancy Czarnik, Chairperson
Ron Chernick
Paul Rettberg
ABSENT: None
STAFF: S. Trudan, Engineering & Community Development
G. Riddle, Fire Department
OTHERS: Fred Geinosky - Plan Commission
James Petri - Village Trustee
Bernie Ebstein - Consultant
Kevin Menwialer - United Air Lines
PROPOSED CELLULAR ANTENNA FOR AMERITECH
Chairperson Czarnik called the meeting to order at 7:07
P.M. and introduced Bernie Ebstein of RAM Communications
Consultants, Inc.
Mr. Ebstein explained that there were three basic areas
of concern regarding transmitter equipment and antennas: 1)
aesthetics, 2) exposure to electro-magnetic radiation, and 3)
safety concerns related to the structure, such as, ice accumulating
in winter and falling, collapse of the structure, etc. He further
explained that the signal transmitted for communications of this
type would not present any danger due to radiation unless someone
was standing within three feet of the antenna. It was noted that
Mr. Ebstein provided copies of ordinances from other communities
that deal with this issue. This information was distributed to the
Committee.
Chairperson Czarnik inquired about the feasibility of a
universal antenna used by more than one company. Mr. Kevin
Menwialer of United Airlines, explained that the different "cells"
had different ranges and capacities.
Mr. Richard Riley of Ameritech explained that the first
towers were higher and had adequate range and capacity when they
were constructed. As the need for increased capacity became
apparent, more "cells" were needed to be constructed to meet this
demand. The new antenna structures did not have to be as tall as
the originals since their range was smaller. He explained that the
demand for cellular communications services is growing rapidly.
Page 2
Mr. Riley stated that he felt the best way to regulate
these antennas was to permit them by zoning with appropriate
restrictions, such as height, setback and zoning district rather
than by variation or special use. He also stated that the sharing
of structures by two or more companies was not feasible due to the
tremendous amount of additional engineering and design required.
Mr. Riley explained that the proposed site for the
Ameritech mono-pole structure was the preferred location of the
property owner and that location was discussed at length at the
Plan Commission hearing.
Trustee Chernick voiced his objection to the proposed
location stating that the antenna was too close to a residential
area. He also stated that a more appropriate location would be at
the southeast end of the property.
Mr. Geinosky explained that the Village was concerned
about protecting the use of the land and asked Mr. Riley how the
communications industry was attempting to be sensitive to the
concerns of municipalities in general .
Mr. Riley said that they have engineered antennas and
structures that are as small and as aesthetically pleasing as
possible. He gave an example of the use of the existing free
standing sign at the Exel Inn on Devon to house one of their
antennas.
Further discussion ensued and Mr. Ebstein explained that
the only way to accommodate increased demand and capacity is by
constructing additional cells.
Trustee Chernick brought up the fact that there are
concerns about how calls to 911 are handled with cellular phones.
Mr. Riley explained that the technology exists today that
would enable a cellular system to have the appropriate jurisdiction
notified to a pinpointed location when a 911 call was made.
Trustee Rettberg pointed out that while some Board
members felt that the tower would be obtrusive to the residential
areas, the residents in the area were notified about the Public
Hearing and no one attended the hearing to voice an opinion.
Trustee Chernick suggested that Mr. Riley contact the
property owner and discuss locating the tower on the southeast end
of the property.
Page 3
Trustee Rettberg inquired about co-location of. antennas
for different companies on one structure.
Mr. Riley explained that the practice was generally
frowned upon because the structures would have to be designed
stronger and would thus be aesthetically less desirable than the
mono-poles.
Bud Nelson of GTE asked about the status of talks aimed
at changing the Zoning Ordinance as it pertains to cellular
transmission towers. Chairperson Czarnik explained that part of
the evening's proceedings were to explore possibilities in that
area.
Deputy Fire Chief Riddle expressed a concern that
adequate coverage must be available in all parts of the Village
since the Fire Department paramedics use cellular phones for the
ambulance to contact the hospital .
All Board members expressed concern over a possible
proliferation of cellular antennas in the future.
Kevin Menwialer said there were definitely some "dead"
areas in the Village.
Mr. Riley agreed to contact the owner and try to get him
to agree to the new location.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:55 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted:
Steven J. rudan, Plan Reviewer/BIS
SJT:pcd
C: President & Board of Trustees, Village Manager, Assistant
Village Manager, Administrative Assistant, village Clerk, village
Attorney, Director, E/CD, Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Police
Chief