Variance approved for communications tower in Chatfield Township

During a public hearing at the Fillmore County Board of Adjustment’s June 8 meeting, several residents spoke against the variance application for a communication tower in Chatfield Township.

Alex Trueman, North Tower, described the need for this tower to be located in Section 22 of Chatfield Township (property owned by John and Ruth Wendt) to best improve coverage and capacity in the area both north to the city of Chatfield and south of the proposed tower. He insisted there is no danger to Highway 52 or other property, If the tower were to fail it is designed to fall in on itself. The site proposed is 197 feet from the highway right of way and another 30 feet from the center of the road.

The county’s ordinance (733.07) requires the communications tower to be located less than one times the approved height of the tower from a property boundary. The proposed tower is to be 250 feet tall (254 feet with lightning rod).

Both Robert and Carol Huntington who own land across the fence from the location strongly opposed its construction. Robert said the land is highly erodible and close to a dangerous stretch of highway, increasing traffic dangers. Carol expressed concerns about health risks that may be associated with a cell tower. She added that this section of Highway 52 has been the location of numerous serious vehicle accidents. She insisted a better location for the tower should be found.

Trueman explained North Tower will work with MnDOT and follow their guidelines for the construction of an access to the tower. Once the tower is constructed a technician will come about once a month to check the tower. The wireless carrier Verizon will put their antennas on the tower and there will be room for other carriers’ antennas. Trueman added the intention is to get the best coverage with the fewest possible towers. Shifting the location of this tower in either direction will result in a loss of coverage.

Another neighbor that lives adjacent to the proposed location complained that the tower would be visible from his home. A letter was read from Gail Lembke, whose home is close to the proposed location, expressing her concerns of possible health risks, noise, light, and safety of the structure. Another man in a letter said it should be located somewhere else because of the close proximity to the highway and its blinking light.

Chatfield Township supervisor Tom Starken opposed this location for the tower; the tower could be just another distraction for drivers in that dangerous stretch of highway.

Trueman concluded that there was not a safety concern as the tower collapses on itself if it fails. The terrain in the area makes this the only feasible location. He added they will work with MnDOT to get a safe driveway access.

Gary Ruskell moved to deny the variance because he agreed the tower could be another distraction for drivers. His motion died for lack of a second. A motion was made to approve the variance which passed 4-1. Ruskell voted no.

North Tower will need to get a permit from MnDOT for a driveway access. If an access permit is provided, they will then need to apply for a conditional use permit which will need to be approved by the Planning Commission and the County Board.

Grebin Properties, LLC variance application

Jerry Rutgers speaking for Grebin Properties asked for a six-foot variance from a 40-foot setback requirement from the road right of way (Highway 52) detailed in Section 604.05(2)(a). The property is located in Section 4 of Preston Township. Rutgers is renovating the building which is located across from Preston Equipment Company.

Rutgers said the variance will allow construction to continue on an addition to the existing building. There was no comment from the public or township officers. A motion to approve the variance was approved unanimously.

Planning Commission

The commission held a public hearing for a conditional use permit application submitted by Buell Consulting, Inc. which was representing Verizon Wireless. The 259-foot-high telecommunications tower is to be located on property owned by the Daniel B. Miller Revocable Living Trust in Section 20 of Bloomfield Township.

The self-supporting lattice tower will be accessed off CSAH 1 north of Ostrander. Verizon will also install a shelter and back-up generator on concrete slabs. The tower is designed for multiple carriers and is well within the required setbacks.   

There were no public comments or comments from township officers. The CUP was approved unanimously and will be considered by the county board at their June 27 meeting.

The commission discussed suggested deletions and language changes to Section 7 General Regulations and Performance Standards. Due to the fact that cities within the county now have their own zoning ordinances much of the language in this section is no longer needed or appropriate.

The Planning Commission expects to meet next on July 13.