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Commission recommends conditional use permit for telecom tower despite wildlife concerns
Summary
Otsego planners voted 6-0 on May 18 to recommend a Conditional Use Permit for The Towers LLC to construct a telecommunications tower, after one resident raised concerns about trumpeter swans and staff said the City must approve antennas that address coverage deficiencies.
The Otsego Planning Commission on May 18 recommended approval, by a 6-0 vote, of a Conditional Use Permit for PID 118-800-141407 to allow construction of a telecommunications tower and antenna for The Towers LLC, subject to eight conditions in the May 14 planning report.
City Planner Daniel Licht presented the staff report and said the City is obligated to approve antenna installations that demonstrably address service coverage deficiencies. Applicant Ryan Streff agreed with the planning report and answered questions from commissioners.
During the public hearing, Stewart Turnquist expressed concern that the proposed tower could affect trumpeter swan flight paths. In response, Planner Licht said the primary alternative would be multiple shorter antennas rather than a single taller antenna, which staff view as inconsistent with the goal of limiting tower locations.
Commissioners asked technical and mitigation questions. Commissioner Aaron Stritesky moved to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit subject to the eight conditions listed in the planning report; Commissioner Laurie Jones seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0.
The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for final action.
