The public meeting for the residents of the Village of Colfax and the Village Board of Colfax was held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday evening, October 18, 2010 at the Village Hall for the discussion of erecting a cellular tower in the Village of Colfax.  The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ricardo Onken.

     Also present were Village Attorney Tom Shields, Superintendent/Zoning Officer Damon Getty, U S Cellular representative Mike Doran.

     There were no members of the public present for this meeting.

     The purpose of the public meeting was to hear any objections regarding the erection of a cellular tower in the Village of Colfax.  Mike Doran the representative from U S Cellular was present to answer questions and concerns anyone might have regarding this issue. 

     Mayor Ric Onken asked if anyone had any questions or concerns at this time.  Trustee Rick Wagoner asked if it was going up the same place as before.  Ric stated it will be going up where the old water tower was.

     The height of the tower will be two hundred thirty (230) feet and will have two (2) amber lights on at night.  The first ninety (90) days as required by the FCC there will be strobe lights on contiuously.  Lights will be encased and pointed up.

     Ric had Mike Doran explain why they did not use the previous sight that was chosen.  The previous would not have give a good signal because of the elevator.  Signals would bounce off of the elevator.

    The area where the old water tower was is fifty x fifty (50 x 50).  There are two water lines that will need to be rerun one for the ambulance shed and one for the building next door.

     Trustee David Rathke asked if there were any other small towns that have these in town.  Dave asked about the electro magnetic radiation that comes off of the tower.  Mike Doran stated there is more that comes off of your microwave than off of here.  Dave stated that to much of anything is not good for anyone.  Mike stated that he needs to caution that he's not suppose to talk about radiation in open forum.

     Mike reported that in 1996 Telecommunications Ace the Federal Government put in there that specifically says that although you cannot discuss and base a decision on radio waves.  They say this because prior to issuing the license they did advanced studies and there is no study that they haven't already done.

     Trustee Rick Wagoner asked if the Village will be leasing the ground to U S Cellular or what is the process.  The land will be leased for thirty (30) years at five (5) year increments.  Payment will be $650.00 per month.  Mike reported that they should be starting construction around May, 2011.  Mayor Ric Onken asked after you get to the point that you don't renew the contract what happens.  U S Cellular will come and take the tower down.  They maintain the property inside the fence.

     If other cellular companies want they can rent space on this tower.

     Village Attorney Tom Shields asked if there would be any interference with residential televisions and communications.  Mike stated that they run on different frequencies so there should be no interference with anything.  Tom asked if there would be any problem with police frequency.  Mike stated they will plan on doing a study on the "911" frequencies for police, fire, and ambulance.  He will just need the frequencies.

     Village Attorney Tom Shields asked how they will deal with the taxes for this property.  This will have to be switched from tax exempt - the land value will be the Village's reponsibility.  Mike Doran stated he will call and confirm that.  Mike stated their surveyors will do the whole property.  The footings will be twenty four (24) feet deep.  One of the gentlemen brought up utilizing the footings where the old water tank was.

     Village Attorney Tom Shields asked Superintendent Damon Getty if there were any underground tanks or environmental hazards.  Damon stated he knows that there weren't  because the water tower was there and the EPA wouldn't allow that.  Rent will be paid thirty (30) days after commenment of construction.

     Mayor Ric Onken asked how soon this needs to be approved.  The Board has a regular monthly meeting in two weeks and will approve that night.  Mike Doran stated he will be back for the regular meeting in case anyone has anymore questions.

     Trustee Rick Wagoner made a motion to adjourn the public meeting.  Trustee Lonnie Meiner seconded the motion.  Vote:  Donna Poppe - Absent; David Rathke - Aye; Bruce Green - Absent; Carol Stephenson - Absent; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Rick Wagoner - Aye; Motion carried.

 

     The special meeting of the Village Board of Colfax was called to order at 7:30 p.m. on Monday evening, October 18, 2010 by Mayor Ricardo Onken.

     Trustees present were:  David Rathke - Aye; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Rick Wagoner - Aye;

     Trustee Rick Wagoner made a motion to adjourn the special meeting.  Trustee Lonnie Meiner seconded the motion.  Vote:  Donna Poppe - Absent; David Rathke- Aye; Bruce Green - Absent; Carol Stephenson - Absent; Lonnie Meiner - Aye; Rick Wagoner - Aye; Motion carried.

     Respectfully submitted, Nancy Kiper, Village Clerk