HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLAN COMMISSION - 08/17/1994 - NEXTEL ELK GROVE VILLAGE
Plan Commission Minutes
August 17, 1994
8:00 p.m.
Present: F. Geinosky, Chairman
P. Feichter, Secretary
P. Ayers
R. Guzzardi
C. Henrici
J. McAllister
J. Meyers
D. Paliganoff
Absent: J. Glass
Staff: R. Farrell, Administrative Assistant
S. Niehaus, Administrative Intern
Petitioners: A. Miller, Whalen & Co.
D. Daugherty, Nextel Communications
Chairman Geinosky called the meeting to order at 8:03 p.m.
Prior to opening the public hearing Chairman Geinosky entertained
nominations for the Secretary position.
Commissioner Meyers moved and Commissioner McAllister seconded the
motion to nominate Patton Feichter as Secretary of the Plan
Commission. Upon voting (Glass ABSENT) , the motion passed unanimously.
Item A: Nextel Communications Special Use Permit - Public Hearing.
Secretary Feichter swore in the petitioners.
Miller stated that Nextel iscurrently in the process of building
a nation wide communication system with two-way radio, phone, pager,
and data transmittal capability. Nextel currently is looking at 90
sights in the Chicago area including the Village water tower located at
Pratt and Tonne.
Miller stated that Nextel would like to install three(3) whip-type
antennae on top of the water tower. In addition, a 10 ' x 20 ' equipment
shelter would be constructed at the base of the tower. This equipment
would require on site inspection once per month.
Commissioner Meyers questioned the capacity in which Miller served
Nextel. Miller stated that he worked for a firm named Whalen & Co. ,
which is the contractor for Nextel in charge of building and
construction for Nextel,
Commissioner Meyers questioned if Nextel 's activities were legal
and authorized by the FCC. Daugherty stated that Nextel is a legal
corporation and operates under the guidelines of the FCC. Daugherty
added that Nextel is currently operating in other cities nation wide.
Commissioner Meyers asked if there would be a lease agreement
defining the terms of the Special Use Permit. Farrell stated that
negotiations are in progress for such an agreement.
Commissioner Meyers questioned if Nextel would ever use the panel
antennae. Daugherty stated that Nextel planned to start with whip
antennae but may still only install the panel antennae. At full
capacity, Nextel would operate 9 panel antennae, with a maximum of 12
channels at 30 watts per channel.
Commissioner Henrici expressed concerns with painting of the
equipment shelter citing possible maintenance problems. Daugherty
stated that Nextel would comply with the Plan Commission recommendation
regarding the outside surface of the equipment shelter
Commissioner Henrici questioned what would occur in the event of a
power failure. Daugherty stated that emergency batteries would operate
for up to 6 months with an outdoor socket provided for generator use if
necessary.
Commissioner Feichter questioned the effect the antennae would
have on Elk Grove residents in respect to their health, and the
operation of household appliances. Daugherty stated that the proposed
use is within the allowed exposure levels as stated by the American
National Standards Institute and would pose no biological danger to
area residents. Daugherty also stated that the equipment frequency
would not effect the operation of home appliance goods or operations of
nearby businesses. Daugherty stated that Nextel would meet with any
residents experiencing difficulties within 24 hours of their complaint.
Commissioner Guzzardi questioned if there was a need to place a
warning light on top of the antennae due to the proximity to O'Hare
Airport. Daugherty stated that a warning light would not be necessary
due to the low height of the antennae.
Commissioner Ayers requested that Nextel 's commitment to respond
to resident complaints be included in the lease agreement. Daugherty
stated that Nextel would agree to this stipulation.
Commissioner Ayers questioned if the power lines in the area would
interfere with Nextel's operation. Miller stated that the power lines
would cause no interference problems.
Commissioner Paliganoff questioned why Nextel chose the water
tower location. Miller explained that the water tower location was
optimal due to its height and position in their communication grid
system.
Commissioner Paliganoff questioned the FCC's role in Nextel's
operations. Daugherty stated that the FCC must approve licenses for
each antennae location in order to utilize frequencies in any air
space.
Chairman Geinosky questioned if the state was involved in
licensing of frequencies. Daugherty stated that the FCC was the only
agency involved in licensing activity but they will comply with all
state, local, and federal standards.
Chairman Geinosky questioned as to how many of their antennae were
actually installed on top of water towers. Daugherty stated that
roughly 5 percent were installed on top of water towers with the
majority of antennae installed or. top of buildings.
Chairman Geinosky asked if there were any comments from the
audience. There were no comments .
Chairman Geinosky closed thepublic hearing at 9: 00 p.m.
Upon further discussion the Plan Commission took the following
action:
Commissioner Henrici moved and Commissioner Meyers seconded the
motion to recommend the Village Board approve Nextel 's request for
Special Use Permit to install communication equipment as proposed at
the Pratt water tower site, subject to the equipment shelter not being
painted. Upon voting (Glass ABSENT) , the motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment:
Commissioner Feichter moved and Commissioner Ayers seconded the
motion to adjourn the meeting.
Chairman Geinosky adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott R. Niehaus
Administrative Intern
SRN/el
C: Chairman and Members of Plan commission, President and Board of
Trustees, Village Clerk, Village Manager, Assistant Village
Manager, Administrative Assistant, Administrative Intern, Director
of Engineering/community Development, Director of Public works,
Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief (2) , Assistant Fire Chief, Village
Attorney, Chairman and Members of Zoning Board of Appeals