Plan Commission Minutes 09-21-99PH-Walter GrpOrville Peters tower
PLAN COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING
MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING HELD SEPTEMBER 21, 1999, 6:55 P.M.
Upon the petition of The Walter Group, Inc. for a Conditional Use in accordance with
Section 6.03 of the City of Muskego Zoning Ordinance for the purpose of constructing a
190 foot tall monopole telecommunications tower and equipment shelter on the Orville
Peters property, located in the SW ¼ of Section 33 (Tax Key No. 2291.997 / S107
W18677 Muskego Dam Road).
Present were: Mayor De Angelis, Alderman Salentine, Commissioners Smith, Hulbert,
Plan Director Turk, and Recording Secretary Asti.
Absent: Commissioners Gummer and Schaumberg
Secretary reported that the Public Hearing was properly noticed in accordance with the
Open Meeting Law.
Mayor De Angelis declared the Hearing open at 7:20 P.M.
Plan Director Turk stated that petitioner proposes to construct a 190 foot tall monopole
telecommunications tower on Muskego Dam Road. Property currently abuts WEPCO
towers. No engineering analysis of proposed structure has been provided to indicate if
co-location of multiple users is possible. No analysis has been submitted indicating if
location within WEPCO tower which is located approximately eighty (80) feet to the
east is possible. The necessity for a 190’ telecommunication tower has not been
submitted. No required documentation from approving State and Federal agencies has
been submitted.
Mayor De Angelis asked the petitioner if he wished to speak on this matter.
Mr. Pedar Christenson, Walter Group, explained that the application is for Sprint
Telecommunications and that Sprint is looking for coverage in the south area of
Muskego covering Wind Lake and Highways 45, 36 and 164. The site would be leased
from Mr. Peters. This site would accommodate other carriers. Mr. Christenson stated
that the WEPCO tower, which is only 130 feet tall could not accommodate the
antennas required by Sprint. Mr. Christenson presented coverage maps and explained
that the lower height of the WEPCO tower does not allow the coverage area that Sprint
requires.
Mayor De Angelis explained that the City would prefer to have this application be a
colocator on an existing structure.
Mayor De Angelis asked for members in the audience to address the Commission with
their input of concerns, questions, comments, etc.
Mr. Michael, Kuwitzky, W188 S10793 Kelsey Drive, would like further information on
the health hazards of this tower; will there be pre and post testing for radiation from this
tower, will the City compensate residents for the loss in property value, this area is in
the flight path from Mitchell International Airport and what type of aircraft lights will be
constructed on the tower. Mr. Kuwitzky opposes this proposal.
09-21-99 PC Public Hearing for Walter Grp Orville Peters Page 2
Mayor De Angelis informed the audience that the Federal law does not allow the City to
review this issue based on health hazards. Plan Director Turk noted that aviation
concerns are addressed by the FAA prior to permit issuance. No information has been
received from the petitioner regarding FAA applications.
Mike Corbly, Kelsey Drive, approached Commission with the same issues as stated
previously along with a concern of noise factor should there be a power outage. Mike
is opposed to this application.
Mr. Edward Dahl, W188 S10767 Muskego Dam Road, opposes this proposal for same
reasons as stated above.
Alderman Sanders explained that he has received numerous calls from concerned
residents that oppose this tower. Alderman Sanders suggested that perhaps two
smaller towers could be constructed rather than one huge tower.
Mr. Brian Kramer, W188 S10751 Muskego Dam Road, expressed his concern stating
that this would be an eye sore, health hazard, the strobe lites are a concern and feels
that this tower would be taking away from the aesthetics of the residential area.
Mayor De Angelis stated this matter would be heard through a resolution under New
Business later this evening. There being no further questions or comments, the Public
Hearing was adjourned at 7:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra S. Asti
Recording Secretary