031119 P&Z Minutes

Mountain Iron Planning and Zoning Commission

March 11, 2019

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman Steve Skogman.

Those Present: Jim Techar, Steve Erickson, Tim Johnston, Steve Skogman, Margaret Soyring, and Jerry Kujala, Planning and Zoning Administrator. Barb Fivecoate absent.

There were no minutes from the February 25, 2019 meeting as it was an ordinance review informal meeting.

Kujala reported that he checked on the shipping containers at Walmart and found that they are temporary as they receive merchandise. There were three at one time and there is only one now.

Moved by Soyring, supported by Erickson to recess the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing at 6:35 p.m. Motion Carried. Fivecoate Absent.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Planning and Zoning Commission of the city of Mountain Iron will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 11, 2019 at 6:35 p.m. in the Mountain Iron Room of the Mountain Iron Community Center.

The purpose of the public hearing is to consider a request made by AT&T Wireless, for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to construct a 130’ cell pole and related ground equipment, which exceeds the 900 sq. ft. as permitted by the Zoning Ordinance. The property is legally described as follows:

            Section 13, Township 58, Range 18

            Address: 8325 Jasmine St., Virginia (Mountain Iron), MN 55792

            Parcel Code: 175-0071+01215/01226

The public can present its opinions at the public hearing or by letter addressed to the Zoning Administrator, City of Mountain Iron, City Hall, 8586 Enterprise Drive South, Mountain Iron, MN 55768-8260.

Ed Roskoski asked questions about who received notices of the public hearing, if there would be a light on the top of the tower. Roskoski feels towers should not be allowed close to residential areas. He stated that as long as there was no blinky, blinky light it would not be so noticeable.

A letter was received from Jim Zerban, the owner of the property where the tower is to be built in support of the proposed cell tower.

An AT&T representative informed the commission that a light is not required on a 130’ tower and that it collapses within itself to 70’ if there is a problem. The tower will improve emergency and AT&T services. Other carriers could be added in the future but none are planned at this time. A site analysis was done and this is the best site for the area coverage map. He also stated it will not interfere with CN Railroad radios.

At 7:50 p.m. a motion was made by Techar and supported by Johnston to close the Public Hearing and resume the Planning and Zoning. Motion Carried. Fivecoate absent.

Moved by Techar, supported by Soyring to recommend to the City Council to approve the Conditional Use Permit to AT&T for a 130’ Cell Tower. Motion Carried. Fivecoate absent.

Motion to adjourn at 7:15 p.m. by Johnston, supported by Erickson. Motion Carried. Fivecoate Absent.

Respectfully Submitted by:

Margaret Soyring, Secretary