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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-08 Kailua Village Design Commission Minutes KAILUA VILLAGE DESIGN COMMISSION MINUTES MEETING DATE: January 8, 2008 TIME: 5:05 p.m. PLACE: The Mayor’s Office Conference Room, Suite 103 Hanama Place Office Building in Kailua Village ROLL CALL 1.Members Present: Theresa Andreae, Fanny Collins Au Hoy, Stephen Herbert, and David Ross, Jr. 2.Absent and Excused: Cynthia Hope and Sally Marone 3.Applicant: Kevin Turner 4.Staff Present: Bennett Mark, Rosalind Newlon and Noriko Sauer 5.Public: None The Vice Chair welcomed those in attendance, and the Commissioners introduced themselves. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS 1.Design review of additional ground equipment and antennas at an existing cellular phone transmission facility. Applicant: Eric Shatz of Coral Wireless, LLC dba Mobi PCS: Luhia Partners and Queen Liliuokalani Trust. TMK: 7-4-015:020. Located at 74-5599 Luhia Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Staff Presentation Ms. Newlon oriented the Commissioners of the subject and surrounding properties on the location map, and stated that the proposed additions include new panel antennas to be installed at the 88-foot level of the existing 100-foot tall monopole between the existing antennas, a 4-foot parabolic reflector microwave dish at the 50-foot level of the monopole and new coaxial cables along the monopole to the new panel antennas; the proposed ground equipment consists of a BTS-base transmitter station unit, a power protection unit and a GPS antenna. She said that a Plan Approval for the existing facility is in place, and the height limit and the required setbacks are complied with. Ms. Newlon mentioned the applicant is proposing to paint the structure to match the building to mitigate visual impacts. She also mentioned that when she brought up to Kevin Turner of Mobi PCS that the Commission had been presented in 2006 with a project where the monopole and antennas were designed to look like a palm tree and the 1 antennas were hidden by palm fronds, he told her that has to be done in the initial design phase; the cell tower cannot be retrofitted to have fronds attached to it and be able to sustain high winds. Applicant Presentation Kevin Turner who is the site development consultant for Mobi PCS introduced himself. He stated that because the applicant understands the location is such that it is important to lessen visual impacts, they are willing to flush-mount their antennas, which would look like the existing antennas above at the 95-foot level, even though that would reduce the capacity to handle calls. Mr. Turner also stated that the subject site has all three factors they look for for their cell facility: 1) co-location on an existing structure, 2) industrial zone, and 3) the landlord who is willing to rent space. Public Testimony There was no one from the public wishing to testify on this agenda item. Commission Discussion Commissioner Herbert pointed out that painting the existing pole might be problematic since paint doesn’t stay on galvanized surface very well. Ms. Newlon noted that the result might not be noticeable color-wise anyway. Mr. Turner agreed with Commissioner Herbert; he mentioned that the existing galvanized surface is non-reflective, and that none of the four towers in the vicinity are painted In response to Commissioner Andreae’s query about the adequacy of space for the additional ground equipment, Ms. Newlon clarified the proposed location on the site plan, and added that the proposed units are fairly small in size. In response to Commissioner Ross’s inquiry, Mr. Turner clarified that Coral Wireless doing business as Mobi PCS is subleasing space from Crown Castle who leases the property from Luhia Partners. He said that Verizon and Nextel are currently transmitting off the monopole, using the higher antennas and the lower antennas respectively, and Mobi PCS will be the third and most likely the last carrier on the facility. He added, referring to Commissioner Andreae’s earlier query, that there is enough ground space to accommodate their small equipment, which is also state-of-the-art from a safety standpoint as well. Commissioner Andreae asked whether Mobi PCS has a plan to build more towers in Kona. Mr. Turner stated that they haven’t built any towers on Oahu, nor have any plans to build any new towers on the neighbor islands at this time; they have strictly co-located on existing structures. He added, however, that they are currently negotiating with Royal Kona Resort to replace the existing facility on property, which would be another important site to tie in their network. In response to Commissioner Ross’s question as to whether the transmitters require a line of sight, Mr. Turner said that a lot of it depends on the topography, and that although it does provide strong signal, there doesn’t have to be a line of sight to have quality 2 coverage; however, he said having too many trees around to hide the structure would interfere with the transmission. Commissioner Andreae noted that the photos in their submittal indicate the existing palm trees somewhat distract from the towers, and mentioned she would like to encourage the whole region be landscaped. In response to Commissioner Ross’s question as to who is responsible to improve the landscape easement along Queen Kaahumanu Highway, Mr. Mark said that it is generally the property owners’ responsibility. Commissioner Andreae mentioned that it would be in keeping with what the Commission has done in the past to approve with a recommendation that those poles be screened with additional palm trees. Commissioner Ross suggested that a letter be sent to the property owner to request improvement of the landscape easement strip in conjunction with the Highway widening work; and thereby the Commission would create a reference point for any future applications that may come before the Commission, involving the subject property. Commissioner Andreae asked Mr. Turner whether the applicant would consider purchasing a palm tree or two and plant them at their expense with the owner’s consent; Mr. Turner responded positively. Commissioner Ross pointed out that planting the trees would be better, easier and less expensive than maintaining the paint on the pole. Mr. Turner noted that there isn’t space for the trees by the equipment; so they would have to be planted along the Highway and the planting would have to be coordinated with the Highway work. Commissioner Ross mentioned that the widening wouldn’t extend beyond the existing retaining wall. In response to Commissioner Au Hoy’s suggestion to approve the proposed additions with a request to the landlord to enhance the landscaping on the site to help in reducing visual impacts, Mr. Turner said that would be a reasonable condition, and that it wouldn’t be the first time they had to put in some landscaping. He mentioned, however, they are dealing with Crown Castle, and not the landlord. There was a discussion as to how the recommendation can be best addressed in the letter to the applicant. It was confirmed that the Commission doesn’t require the applicant to paint the monopole. Commissioner Andreae raised a question about the flush-mount antennas Mr. Turner mentioned earlier. Commissioner Ross said that once the additional palm trees are in, it wouldn’t matter whether the antennas are extended or flush-mounted; he would rather have the palm trees planted than impose the change. In response to Commissioner Andreae’s inquiry, Mr. Turner said that the problem with a flush-mount system is the capacity to handle rush hour because the capacity is reduced by having fewer antennas. Commissioner Herbert said that the applicant shouldn’t have to make the sacrifice of reducing the performance, since the pole is already unsightly and whether or not the antennas are flush-mounted wouldn’t make much difference. He also pointed out that although the palm trees would definitely help, the pole is still much higher than even fully-grown palm trees; he added that you don’t get the same perspective as seen in the photos submitted by the applicant when you are driving down the Highway. Commissioner Ross raised a question whether it is important to have a landscape plan for the easement strip developed by the property owner, so that the Commission can make recommendations on future applications based on that plan.Commissioner Au Hoy 3 thought that would be difficult because of the uncertainly of the direction the road construction and other development in the area is going to. Commissioner Andreae mentioned she is in favor of having something planted at this time without waiting for the plan. Action It was moved by Commissioner Au Hoy and seconded by Commissioner Andreae to recommend to the Planning Director the approval of the proposed additional ground equipment and antennas at an existing cellular phone transmission facility for Mobi PCS, as submitted, with the following request: The landowner or lessee put in additional landscaping along the property edge fronting Queen Kaahumanu Highway to reduce the visual impacts of the monopole, such as palm trees or other planting (not to include canopy trees) that are recommended by a landscape professional. A roll call vote was taken and motion carried with three ayes (Au Hoy, Andreae and Herbert). ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 1.Minutes of the Meeting of November 27, 2007 – It was moved by Commissioner Au Hoy and seconded by Commissioner Andreae that the minutes be approved as circulated. The motion was unanimously carried by a voice vote of all Commissioners in attendance. Minutes of the Meeting of December 11, 2007 – Upon the staff’s request, approval of the minutes was deferred to a future meeting. ANNOUNCEMENT 1.Nominations of individuals to KVDC – Mr. Mark announced that the County Council has confirmed four nominees: Greg Ogin, Ann Kern, Paul Bleck and Cindy Coats. He mentioned that the fifth nominee, Fritz Harris-Glade, will appear before the Council on th January 24. 2.Continuance of current Chair and Vice Chair or election of new officers – All Commissioners in attendance agreed to defer the election until the new Commissioners have gotten to know the other members of the Commission. nd Mr. Mark announced the next meeting is scheduled for January 22 with one item on the agenda, which is a discussion with the Planning Director, followed by the Commission’s annual dinner. Mr. Mark handed out Resolution No. 429 07, adopted by the County Council, relating the sign code. He mentioned that per Chair Marone’s request, Chris Domino of the Department of Public th Works will attend the February 12 meeting to discuss the sign code enforcement issue. 4 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at 6:15 p.m., it was moved by Commissioner Au Hoy that the meeting be adjourned. Motion was unanimously carried by a voice vote of all Commissioners in attendance. Respectfully submitted, Noriko Sauer, Secretary A T T E S T: David M. Ross, Jr., Vice Chair Kailua Village Design Commission 5