PUBLIC HEARING: Consider Request for Conditional Use Permit for 199 Foot Communications Tower; Case of Connexus Energy

The purpose of this case is to hold a Public Hearing and recommend an action to the City Council regarding a request from Connexus Energy for a Conditional Use Permit to allow at 199 foot communications tower related to their operation.

Connexus Energy is located at 14601 Ramsey Blvd. NW and services several communities within a several mile radius of their headquarters. Connexus Energy desires to locate a monopole communications tower at this location to provide communication to its staff, sub-stations, grid, meters, and other related equipment. Primarily, in order to provide adequate coverage over their entire service area, Connexus Energy has stated that this height of tower is required in order to provide coverage with a single tower. Additionally, the closed landfill does provide some barrier to coverage.

Staff attempted to notify all Property Owners within 350 feet of the Subject Property of the Public Hearing via Standard US Mail. A Notification of Public Hearing was published in the Anoka County UnionHerald.

This review is contingent upon approval of City of Ramsey Ordinance #15-07 amending maximum height requirements for certain types of towers.

Connexus Energy has provided technical analysis as to their findings for the need for this communications tower and the chosen site. Other than the height, the request would meet all other minimum standards for Tower found within City Code Sections 117-428 in conjunction with performance standards established in the attached Conditional Use Permit.

The Planning Commission previously reviewed this concept at the January 8, 2015 Planning Commission Meeting. At that time, the Planning Commission recommended that the request be processed as a Variance due to the perceived unique nature of the request of a utility provider and the associated safety element of its operation. Upon further analysis, Staff would recommend amending City Code Section 117-428 to exempt providers of Stage I and Stage II Improvements required by City Code. These improvements include, but are not limited to gas utility, electric utility, land-line telephones, and streets. By amending the City Code provision instead of processing a Variance, a more uniform process of enforcement is established, eliminating any potential concerns about arbitrary enforcement. Staff believes that the revised ordinance language addresses the concerns and direction of the Planning Commission at the January 8, 2015 meeting.

All costs associated with processing this Application are the responsibility of the Applicant. No City funds are involved in the project.

Staff recommends approval of the request, contingent upon Ordinance #15-07 becoming effective.

Motion to recommend that the City Council 1) adopt Resolution #15-03-067 adopting Findings of Fact #0948; and 2) adopt Resolution #15-03-068 approving the Conditional Use Permit.