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14 FEB 18 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 18, 2014 7:00 P.M. – 7:09 P.M. OPENING REMARKS: The Planning Commission of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in regular session on February 18, 2014. Chairman Ott opened the meeting at approximately 7:00 p.m. expressing appreciation to those in attendance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Jim Peacock, Scott Scholl, Jim Moore, Rick White, and Alderman Bill Howard answered ROLL CALL. Chairman Ott also answered roll call and declared a quorum. PRESENT (6), ABSENT (3). Others present for the meeting were City Attorney Bamburg, City Engineer Jay Whisker, interested citizens, petitioners, and press. CORRECTION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Alderman Howard moved, seconded by Commissioner White to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting of 13 January 2014 as presented. MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC HEARING(S): REQUEST TO APPROVE PLAT(S): BUILDING PERMIT(S): Tower Use Permit/Hwy. 107 and Old Tom Box Road Ms. Lee Ann Fager representing AT&T Wireless through their contractor Wes Tower of North Little Rock. She explained that their request is to erect a 150’ monopole at the aforementioned location. She stated that the service in this area is very spotty and AT&T has determined that they need an additional site here to cover both capacity and coverage needs. She related that the location is just north of the Little Rock Air Force Base, adding that in preparation for the Tower Use Permit they have gotten approval from the FAA. She continued pointing out that they have a Section 106 Neiber Review that has been approved, saying that they have received all other approvals regarding applications for this project. She related that the tower would be enclosed in a 75’ X 75’ fenced compound that is surrounded by dense brush, most of which would remain for landscaping purposes. She stated that they would clear out the interior, adding that the monopole would be co-locatable for three carriers. She went on to explain that the tower could probably co-locate four carriers, noting that if AT&T hands this over to American Tower, which is their build a suit partner, American Tower would build it to accommodate four carriers including AT&T at the top. She informed the Commission that they have been working on this site for about one year, noting that there were a couple of other options in the area but they did not offer the height or was financially feasible. She related an option to co-locate on a tower that was about one mile from this site but the estimate was $175,000 to modify the tower to accommodate AT&T, adding that a new site can be constructed for the same amount. She then addressed the Verizon tower that is nearby, explaining that it is co- 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 18, 2014 7:00 P.M. – 7:09 P.M. locatable for two carriers and Verizon is at the 150’ and 130’ spots. She stated that it would leave AT&T at the 110’ spot, which does not meet their coverage needs. She then answered that the FAA approval includes approval from the Little Rock Air Force Base. She stated that the FAA did an extended study because of the proximity to the air strip. She stated that if they had wanted to locate on the air base it would have required a spectrum study out of Washington. She then answered Chairman Ott that while 30’ difference regarding the Verizon tower may not seem like a lot it makes a big difference especially in the summer time when the trees have leaves and the topography is hilly. She explained that they are trying diligently to cover that area and the highway. City Engineer Whisker reiterated that while there are two towers in the area, they do not meet AT&T’s needs. He stated that they have requested a 150’ marker and the City ordinance only allows for 120’. He stated that the City has granted Tower Use Permits (TUPs) which is what AT&T is requesting, a variance to provide signal for the area. In response to a question from Commissioner Moore, City Engineer Whisker stated that the location of request is within the City’s one mile extra territorial jurisdiction. He added that because it is just outside the Little Rock Air Force Base the City has a valid reason for having this in its jurisdiction. Ms. Fager then answered that the SBA tower is south down the Highway, approximately 1/8 mile and slightly to the west. She then explained that the Verizon tower is just north and east approximately 100’ from the proposed location. Commissioner Moore clarified that the proposed location would be in- between the other two area towers. Ms. Fager noted that that area has tall trees and the landowner owns all the surrounding land and has a business located to the south of the proposed tower location. She stated that the landowner would be the only one able to see the tower in close proximity. Commissioner White moved, seconded by Commissioner Scholl to approve the Tower Use Permit as requested. MOTION CARRIED. GENERAL: ANNOUNCEMENT: 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 18, 2014 7:00 P.M. – 7:09 P.M. ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Ott without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:09 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ Susan L. Davitt 3