CLINTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF APPEALS
REPORT OF SPECIAL MEETING
AUGUST 26, 1998
MINUTES

PRESENT: Robert M. Campbell, Secretary
                        Joann Granata
                        Michael Nickerson
                        Paul D. Woodring
                        Ramon C. Young
                       

ABSENT:        Frances Marella, Chairperson
                        Carole Schwartz, Vice-Chairperson (Excused)

STAFF:        Mark F. Miller, Assistant Director
                DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Campbell appointed Ms. Granata as Acting Chairperson in Mr. Marella’s absence. Ms. Granata called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.

Mr. Campbell indicated that this matter was tabled from the August 19, 1998 meeting. He indicated that there are no new documents to be read into the record.

Lauren Cato, of Richard Connor Riley & Associates, 30150 North Telegraph Road, Bingham Farms, Michigan 48025, representing the petitioner, was present and introduced Mr. McMaddus.

Bob McMaddus, Frequency Engineer for AT&T, noted that at the last meeting, this Board had requested more information with regards to any anticipated future sites for AT&T towers, as well as co-location possibilities. He displayed two drawings, one which depicts their current coverage and the other which depicts their anticipated coverage with the proposed height variance of the subject tower and the addition of two more locations. He explained that one of their proposed locations is at Hall Road (M-59) and Card Road, where they will be co-locating on Nextel’s tower at a height of 115 feet. They are also working on locating a 150-foot tower on the Clinton Township Civic Center property. He added that they would have liked to have a higher height at the Card Road location, but they compromised the height in order to co-locate with Nextel.

Mr. Young inquired as to why the towers are not all being proposed at a height of 150 feet. He felt it is senseless for these companies to keep coming back for additional variances.

Ms. Cato replied that AT&T tries to stay within the ordinance requirements because they are aware there is an intent and a reason for communities to establish these regulations.

Ms. Granata understood their reasoning but felt that when a variance is applied for, that would be an opportune time to request a higher tower in anticipation of future needs.

Mr. Miller commented that when the height requirements were established for towers, it was most likely felt that these heights would be sufficient; however, if conditions change or dictate higher towers are necessary, he felt Mr. Young’s suggestion is good. He admitted that it is a burden for everyone when these petitions come before this Board and it is established that the additional height is a necessity.

Ms. Granata requested that Mr. Woodring, being a member of the Ordinance Update Committee, bring this matter up for discussion at their next committee meeting.

Mr. Campbell commented that in looking at the mathematical formulas and in talking to the engineer, he was concerned that the mathematical calculations were not correct. He felt it is very clear that the increased height is needed in order to provide a workable system for the residents in the Township.

Ms. Cato replied to inquiry that the red-shaded areas on the drawing indicate areas which will receive top-grade coverage, whereas the green-shaded areas are "hand-off" areas with marginal coverage. She emphasized that the green-shaded areas are still covered.

Mr. McMaddus replied to inquiry that on their existing tower, there is only room for two companies to co-locate; however, if another company would also like to co-locate on this tower, that company would only have to replace a portion of the existing tower and it would be possible for them to co-locate as well. He replied to further inquiry that there are generally not more than five co-locators on a tower.

Mr. Campbell inquired as to how many companies are authorized to provide the PCS systems, which operate on a new frequency.

Mr. McMaddus replied to inquiry that there are six PCS-authorized companies in the Detroit Area, as well as two cellular companies.

Motion by Ms. Granata, supported by Mr. Nickerson, with reference to File #5212 and application from AT&T Wireless Services, 26877 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, Michigan 48034, as represented by Richard Connor Riley & Associates, 30150 Telegraph Road, #420, Bingham Farms, Michigan 48025, for variance to Clinton Township Planning and Zoning Code, Chapter 1298.02, concerning Lots 602 to 980, inclusively, Rosecroft Shores Subdivision (Sections 25/26), generally located at the southeast corner of Shook Road and Klix Road, that variance be granted to permit replacing an existing 120-foot tall cellular tower with a new tower having a height of 153 feet, which is 28 feet in excess of the maximum allowed 125 feet; further, this grant of variance is based on claimed hardship that the progress of cellular phone systems and the increased demand for the cellular phones necessitates higher towers; further, this grant of variance is contingent upon compliance with all other requirements of Township ordinances. Roll Call Vote: Aye - Granata, Nickerson, Campbell, Woodring, Young. Nay - None. Absent - Marella, Schwartz. Motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Ms. Granata, supported by Mr. Woodring, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted,

Robert M. Campbell, Secretary
CLINTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF APPEALS