Wales Planning Board

Ralph opened the Meeting and the minutes were read and approved.
Dan Dover introduced himself and took the floor and went into the description of AT&T’s Tower Addition Proposal.

Ø They propose to attach up to 6 wireless antennas at the 150 foot mark on the existing Strong Signals Tower at 262 Oak Hill Road.

Ø The antennas will be of the low profile type.

Ø Within the plan there are a number of waivers requested. Dan suggested the board might like to go through the proposal section by section. The board agreed that was a good idea.

Ø The reason for adding these antennas is because there is a large area in the town of Wales that has no adequate coverage for wireless. These antennas would resolve that problem. As he stated earlier the antenna are the 6 panel style that are 4 to 5 feet tall, 4 to 6 inches wide and 3 to 4 inches deep. There is also a prebuilt cabinet that is about the size of a filing cabinet. It’s a simple installation, not a large building structure like some companies install. The cables are 1 5/8 inch diameter and run up the inside of the tower.

Ø Discussion of tab 3 of the proposal (high points): They don’t comply with section 4.1 of the wireless bylaws because the tower isn’t one of the 6 styles of towers mentioned. They are looking to co-locate on an existing structure. They are looking for waivers on the following sections (for more detail see detailed discussion section later in this document): 6.1, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5b, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.1d2. Section 6.10 – they are prepared to put up a surety bond, shouldn’t be more than $10,000 for removal of their equipment. This section response also correlates to Section 9 to the degree that they are required to remove their own equipment and no-one else’s.

Ø All waivers were approved/waived by the board (see detailed notes for more info).

Ø A letter on the estimated amount of removal of the proposed equipment will be provided to the board so that the surety bond amount can be established and written as part of the permit.

Ed motioned that the proposal be approved, Ralph seconded the motion with the understanding that they need to provide us with the letter of amount for surety which will be added as a requirement in the permit. The proposal was approved unanimously. Dan will have materials e-mailed to Lori for review at the next meeting when we will finalize the permit.
After the AT&T folks left, Ralph and Lori brought Ed and Nate up to date on what took place at the last comprehensive plan meeting.
The Meeting was adjourned and members were reminded that the next meeting would be November 11 (Veterans Day) and would be starting at 6:30 instead of 7:00 because we will having a short Comprehensive Plan meeting at the beginning.

Detailed Discussion Notes:

Ralph opened the Meeting and the minutes were read and approved.

AT&T Tower Addition Proposal: Dan Dover introduced himself, took the floor and went into the description of AT&T’s Tower Addition Proposal. They propose to attach up to 6 wireless antennas at the 150 foot mark on the existing Strong Signals Tower at 262 Oak Hill Road. The antennas will be of the low profile type. Within the plan there are a number of waivers requested. Dan suggested the board might like to go through the proposal section by section. The board agreed that was a good idea.

Discussion of sections prior to Section (or Tab) 3: Justification: The reason for adding these antennas is because there is a large area in the town of Wales that has no adequate coverage for wireless. These antennas would resolve that problem. Project Description: As he stated earlier the antenna are the 6 panel style that are 4 to 5 feet tall, 4 to 6 inches wide and 3 to 4 inches deep. There is also a prebuilt cabinet that is about the size of a filing cabinet. It’s a simple installation, not a large building structure like some companies install. The cables are 1 5/8 inch diameter and run up the inside of the tower.

Discussion of Tab 3 and the waivers requested: They don’t comply with section 4.1 of the wireless bylaws because the tower isn’t one of the 6 styles of towers mentioned. They are looking to co-locate on an existing structure. They are asking for a waiver on Section 6.1 and 6.3. They comply with all provisions of the site plan. Dan went over that plan with the committee. AT&T proposes to build a fence enclosing the tower. It will enclose the ? and AT&T’s equipment. This will further secure the site. Dan was asked why they chose the 150 foot level for the antennas. He indicated that: 1) The coax is only good for up to 200 feet. 2) The engineer takes just what he needs and no more. It could allow for others to have space higher if they require it. They are asking for a waiver on the boundary survey because they are attaching to an existing tower. Landscaping: They are doing a fence around the equipment so they are requesting a waiver for the landscaping requirement. Planting anything would also hinder their access. They are requesting a waiver of 8 because they are attaching to and existing structure and the owner is the one who is required to comply. Number 9 also deals with new sites so they are requesting a waiver on that. Number 10 should be no more than $10,000 and AT&T would be happy to post a bond on this. Evidence that it was published in the local newspaper – does not have that with him?? The bond for #10 needs to be posted for the length of the lease with the Town of Wales. The board can put into the agreement that the bond has to be in effect or their permit will be rescinded. The owner would be the first one liable under this section. Section 7: Through section E – since they are adding to an existing site, not applicable to them, owner’s responsibility. They are adding fencing. The tower is already lit. Color and materials – applicant complies. Structural Analysis – Dan provided a structural analysis paper they had done showing compliance. Section 9: They will be posting a bond and Dan suggests that they post a bond in an amount that will cover this provision.

Once Over on the Waivers Requested: Section 6.1 waiver approved by the board. Section 6.3 waiver: This is more for a new structure. They are putting in a small slab. Tab 7 shows a copy of a topo map they got off the internet – the Code Enforcement Officer is fine with this. Board approved waiver. Section 4c: they will be doing no ground development and the tower is an existing structure. Waiver approved. Section 5b – landscaping, they will be putting up a fence. Waived by board. Section 5c was provided. Sections 7, 3d and 8 are waived. Section 9d – waived. Section 10 is the surety bond – this is something we can add as a condition of the permit. Ten thousand dollars is a quite liberal amount for the removal of their equipment. Dan can send a copy of a sample bond document. The board would prefer to have the amount it will actually cost to remove the equipment assessed and the bond amount be based on that. Dan will provide a letter with the actual amount for removal to base the bond requirement on. We will review the items Dan is providing at our next meeting. We can make the decision tonight and finalize things upon receipt of the required documents and bond. Section 7.1 D1 & 2 is waived – it has to do with new not existing. Dan wrapped up his presentation. Ed motioned that the board accept the plan contingent upon posting of the surety bond. Ralph seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously to approve the plan.

Ralph and Lori brought Ed and Nate up to date on the changes made at the last comprehensive plan meeting. The members were advised that the next meeting would be on November 11^th at 6:30 instead of 7:00 because we will be doing both comprehensive plan and planning board. Ralph asked the selectmen present (Paul Burgess and Randy Greenwood) who would be in charge of keeping track of the AT&T bond. They indicated it would be the town treasurer’s responsibility.

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted:

Lori Blier, Secretary

LJHB

See Oak Hill Tower File for referenced plan and background materials