City Council Agenda Report
TO: Mayor McCord and Members of the City Council
FROM: Ken Irwin, City Manager
BY: Joel Andrews, City Planner
MEETING DATE: April 5, 2022
ITEM NO: 7.2
SUBJECT: Approve Agreement Between the City of Patterson and New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC.
RECOMMENDATION
Motion to Approve Agreement Between the City of Patterson and New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC.
BACKGROUND
Some time ago, City staff was approached by representatives from New Cingular Wireless PCS, who indicated that they had a gap in wireless coverage in the vicinity of the Aquatic Center and Centennial Park. City property in those areas seemed to be the best location to accommodate such a tower. After some review, it was determined that Centennial Park would be the most agreeable location for such a tower.
The project is an unmanned wireless facility, consisting of an 84.9’ tall decorative bell tower, an 8’ x 8’ pre-cast concrete shelter, and a 30 KW generator, enclosed by a solid wall. The project would be located on the east side of Ward Avenue, approximately 500 feet north of the intersection of West Las Palmas Avenue, APN 048-048-010. The facility would be located near the southwest corner of the noted lot, on a 900 square foot area. An access easement would be extended from Ward Avenue to provide all-weather access to the site.
To conceal antennas and equipment as much as possible, the Municipal Code requires that all equipment shall be obscured from view or disguised, so as not to appear as telecommunication equipment. The City typically pursues towers disguised as palm trees, related to this requirement, however, in this instance, such a “mono-palm” was determined to look out of place at the desired location. The proposed project includes a tower disguised as a decorative bell tower, and a solid wall to screen the ground equipment from view. The bell tower design was selected to blend with the proposed architecture found in the community generally, and with the planned Centennial Park proposal specifically. The bell would be for aesthetic purposes only and would not be used to generate sound.
To further reduce the potential aesthetic impact of cell towers on the skyline, co-location, or the placement of additional equipment on existing towers is encouraged through a staff level approval process. The proposed project includes space allowing for such co-location.
The Planning Commission reviewed the project at the January 13, 2022 meeting and approved the project with a unanimous vote.
Because the project would require the lease of City land, a draft agreement has been prepared.
FISCAL IMPACT
Monthly payment of rent to the City in the amount of $1,500 per month with annual increases.