present - Paradise Valley, AZ

TOWN OF PARADISE VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION
MAY 18,2010
MINUTES
PRESENT:
Thomas Campbell, Chairman
Michael Collins, Commissioner
Richard Mahrle, Commissioner
Dolf Strom, Commissioner
Louis Werner, Commissioner
ABSENT:
Jim Baker, Commissioner
Maria Syms, Commissioner
STAFF:
Eva Cutro, Community Development Director
George Burton, Planner
Bill Mead, Town Engineer
Andrew Miller, Town Attorney
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of the Town of Paradise Valley Planning Commission was called to order by
Chairman Campbell at 6:00 p.m.
WORK STUDY SESSION WORK/STUDY DISCUSSION
Discussion of SUP-I0-4, a Special Use Permit to allow a Distributed Antenna System
consisting of 42 antenna node and a fiber optic backbone in the Town of Paradise
Valley right-of-way. The project is Town-wide.
Ms. Cutro presented this case as per the action report. The applicant recently submitted a
Special Use Permit application to allow the installation of a Distributed Antenna System
(DAS) in the Town of Paradise Valley right-of-way. A Distributed Antenna System
consists of a fiber-optic backbone that connects a series of antenna nodes that wireless
carriers may use to improve system capacity, coverage, voice quality, high speed data,
and Internet access. The fiber connects to a "hub" which contains the carrier's base
station equipment.
Ms. Cutro explained NewPath's proposal consists of the fiber optic cable and 42 signal
antenna nodes located above ground on vertical structures such as street light poles,
traffic signals, and faux cactus.
Planning Commission
May 18,2010
Page 2
The Commission discussed proposed antenna node location, proposed design node,
topography, surrounding landscaping, proximity to existing residents, speed limits and
recommended changes for the following antenna nodes:
H218
H220
H225
H226
H227
H229
H231
H236
H237
H238
H240
H241
H242
H318
H323
H324
H325
H326
H327
H328
H329
H330
H331
H332
H678
H682
H683
H685
East Side ofN. Mockingbird Ln & N of Cheney Dr.
South side ofE. Joshua Tree Ln. Ease ofN 60th St.
SEC of Median of E McDonald Dr & 41 5t PI
South ofE McDonald Dr & Eastside ofN 54 th St
South side of E McDonald Dr at N 59 th Place
N 40 th St and E. Stanford Dr.
North Side ofE Stanford, E ofN 32nd Street
S of E Calle Bruvira & Eastside ofN Invergordon
E Cheney Dr & West ofN Invergordon Rd
N. Mockingbird Ln & E Norrthern Ave
N 58 th St & E Donna Ln
E. Doubletree Ranch Rd & N 67 th St.
West Side ofN 68 th St at E. Vista Dr
North ofE. Bethany Home Rd & W ofN. Palo Cristi Rd.
East Side of n 32nd St North of EI Camino Sin Nombre
South Side ofE Valley Vista & W ofN 34th PI
West Side ofN. Morning Glory Rd at E Bar Z Ln
E. Double Tree Ranch Rd & N 52nd St
E. McDonald Dr & Nauni Valley Dr
N 60 th St and E Lincoln Dr
E. San Miguel Ave. East ofN 38 th PI
West Side ofN Tatum Blvd, North of Road Runner
Y Intersection ofN Mohave Rd & E Foothill Rd
East Side of Coconino Rd S ofE Mockingbird Ln
East Desert Jewel Dr & East ofN Arroyo Dr
East Solano Dr & N Casa Blanca Dr.
East Montebello & N 70 th St. (Quail Run)
N Golf Dr between E Oak Mont Dr & Merion Wy
E. Side
S. Side
SEC
SEC
S. Side
NWC
N. Side
E. Side
N. Side
E. Side
NEC
SEC
W Side
NWC
E. Side
S. Side
W. Side
NEC
NEC
S. Side
W. Side
E. Side
W. Side
E. Side
N. Side
NEC
NWC
S. Side
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
Cactus
The Commission recommended the following changes to the antenna nodes:
H220 H225 H226 H229 H231 H232 H237 H238 H240 H241 -
relocate away from pavement, as close to the property line as possible.
relocate further north to help screen the node. Place at center of median.
needs additional landscaping.
move as far north as possible and add landscaping. Keep out of the flood plain.
move to south side.
needs some landscaping.
relocated to the comer and provide additional landscaping.
needs full landscaping.
relocate further north, outside of site triangle and further back 4' off curb.
relocate to north side of Doubletree behind the sidewalk.
Planning Commission
May 18, 2010
Page 3
H242 - relocated to south just north ofthe large electrical box.
H318 - Relocate as far north as possible with full landscaping.
H323 - needs shrubs at bottom and vegetation at block wall.
H324 - relocate several feet to the west and add landscaping.
H325 - needs full landscaping.
H326 - needs low landscaping.
H327 - location must be changed. Commissioner Werner will visit and update with
preferred location.
H328 - Chairman Campbell will visit site and update staff regarding location.
H329 - needs some shrubs.
H330 - needs full landscaping.
H331 - needs landscaping.
H332 - needs trees to screen.
H678 - relocate father north and east. Needs full landscaping.
H682 - location must be changed. Commissioner Werner will visit and update with
preferred location.
H683 - Commission Strom will visit site and suggest location change.
H685 - Commissioner Collins will visit site and suggest location change. NewPath will
research flood plain. Needs addition landscaping.
Commissioner Werner stated that he felt the applicant should hire a landscape architect.
He further stated that they need additional information on the types of plants they are
proposing. Mr. Garcia reported that they will adopt a master landscape plan that will
apply to all of the sites. Commissioner Werner requested that the applicant work with
staff and explore different landscape options.
Discussion was held regarding who will take care of the landscaping. It was determined
that there needs to be an additional stipulation that staff will inspect the landscaping in
the field and determine if it is adequate.
Adam Prawzinski expressed his concern regarding site H678 regarding safety and
radiation exposure regarding the proximity to the Cherokee wash. He stated that he felt it
should be moved as far as possible from the property line. Chairman Campbell stated
that they will look at moving it further north and east.
Kim Macchiaroli expressed her concerns regarding the location of site H683. It was
recommended to move the antenna north along 70th Street.
Commissioner Mahrle stated that he felt the color of the faux saguaro outside of Town
Hall is too light. Discussion ensued regarding the aesthetics of the faux cactus. It was
determined that more information on proposed button arms on the cactus was needed.
NewPath will place button arm on Town Hall faux saguaro.
Commissioner Strom stated that he felt the Town should have detail design requirements
for structure and appearance that become stipulations to NewPath. Discussion ensued
Planning Commission
May 18, 2010
Page 4
regarding saguaro cactus standards. It determined that the bolts on the access panel
should be flush and painted. The faux rock will match surrounding conditions. The
disconnect will be painted and located as low to the ground as possible.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strom, a representative from NewPath
explained that there could be up to twelve carriers with one amplifier per carrier. Each
node can hold six dual antennas. He provided information on RF emissions when the
system is at full capacity. Discussion ensued regarding having a stipulation limiting the
system to five carriers.
Adam Prawzinski requested data on health safety issues as it relates to the 12 amplifies
and 5 carriers. Mr. Miller stated information can be provided that this request complies
with the FCC guidelines.
In response to a question from Commissioner Strom, Ms. Malone provided information
on what will be contained in the RF Report.
Commissioner Strom stated from a safety perspective, we should have a NewPath writeup describing the sequence of events if a cell tower is knocked over on the ground, still
operating and when power is turned off. He further stated that 30 minutes is the
maximum exposure for a child next to an operating antenna.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Planning Commission may convene in executive session at one or more times
during the meeting as needed to confer with the Town Attorney for legal advice
regarding the requests described under Regular Business as authorized by § A.R.S.
38-431.A.3.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Campbell adjourned the meeting at 9:30 PM.
Eva Cutro, Secretary