VILLAGE OF SLEEPY HOLLOW SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 5, 2007
A special meeting of the Sleepy Hollow Corporate Authorities was called to order at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were President Pickett, Trustees Finney, Fudala, Getz, Prigge, Wind, and Ziemba, Police Chief Montalbano, Finance Director Volkening, Village Attorney Schuster, Village Engineer Weiss, and Clerk Olson.
President Pickett explained that the purpose of the special meeting was to consider a lease proposal for a communications tower on Village property and to take public comments and questions. He stated that the Village was first approached about six months ago by the telecommunications company.
Attorneys Wanchy Chanthadouangsy and Laura Lora, site acquisition agents for T-Mobile, made a presentation to the audience of the proposed tower using display boards, and distributed pamphlets and answered questions. They noted the tower has the appearance of a pole as the antennas are inside the tower, rather than hanging on the outside. They also stated there will be a compound at the base of the tower. The T-Mobile engineers have determined that the lower Sleepy Hollow area lacks adequate coverage for T-Mobile users and that the Village Hall area is the best site for a tower to address this problem. There were then numerous questions from the audience. The representatives were unable to answer the diameter of the 125′ tower but noted it will be larger than the standard tower, since it will house the antennas within the tower, rather than on the outside. Another question was why this particular location was necessary and it was explained that the engineering analysis had determined this was the best location. They had checked other existing towers, including those on Boncosky Road, and determined the location was not the best for optimum T-Mobile coverage. They noted that the towers on Boncosky Road are approximately 150′ tall, and noted that tower height is determined by how many carriers will use the tower. They said the proposed tower could co-locate additional carriers in the future, but those carriers would need to enter into separate agreements with the Village to do so. In response to another question, they have proposed a monthly lease fee of $1800, with annual increases, and potential lease extensions of 25-30 years. The representatives did not have information on the number of residents who have cancelled service due to poor reception and other problems, but said they could obtain that information. A resident with T-Mobile said he has had no problems. Other residents expressed concern with studies showing cancer and other health risks associated with the radio waves emitted from cell towers. The representatives said the waves are minimal and are not a risk and said they follow all FCC rules and regulations. Another resident asked if T-Mobile would assist with any health issues that may arise from the tower, or if they would guarantee no health problems would result from the tower. Another resident asked about land use for towers and if it had to be non-residential; the reps responded that they look for the best area. In answer to how this would benefit the Village, the representatives noted the annual lease income and improved T-Mobile service for residents. They noted a flag on the pole would be the Village’s decision. The Village Board could not answer if the property would require re-zoning for a cell tower as this process has just started. When asked if this tower could be placed on industrial property about a mile away, the representatives again stated that the engineering studies have determined that the Village location is necessary to provide the best coverage for the lower Sleepy Hollow area that is lacking sufficient coverage. The representatives noted that the improved coverage would be for residents as well as visitors to the area and people passing through. The Village Board members acknowledged that no residents had contacted them about problems with T-Mobile service. It was noted that certain parts of the country have enacted restrictions on where cell towers may be erected. Another resident said he appreciated the Village holding this forum and allowing this discussion. On questions concerning the fence around the ground compound, the representatives said the fence is usually 6′ tall, and landscaping can be planted around the fence. The fencing restrictions of the Village have not been addressed at this early stage in the process. T-Mobile has used wood fences in some instances which are more difficult for children to climb. They also noted that although the FAA will make a final determination, a 125′ tower does not normally require lighting for their purposes. An access road will be required to get to the site, which will be constructed by T-Mobile and is usually gravel. They noted that T-Mobile does have insurance and that the Village would be listed as an additional insured. T-Mobile is backed by a large German company. Another resident commented about how this will also displace the wildlife in the area and could have negative health effects on the animals. On questioning, they acknowledged that they have looked at other area towers already in place and determined that Sleepy Hollow is the best location for T-Mobile’s purposes. It covers an area of approximately 1/4 mile. The reps explained a map showing the extent of coverage for the entire area around Sleepy Hollow, indicating the deficiency in the Village Hall area. They also said this tower would include updated technology for 911 calls on cell phones. Residents suggested the tower could be placed on nearby commercial property and be effective for coverage, even if not quite as good as the Sleepy Hollow location. They expressed disappointment that an engineer was not present to also answer questions. Trustee Finney suggested the Village receive the engineering data to review the coverage issues and attempt to find an alternative site to the Village Hall area. The reps did not know how many residents have T-Mobile service. On questioning, the attorneys said they have a local law office and were contracted by T-Mobile as site acquisition agents. A resident said she is concerned about the Village employees who would be exposed to the health risks from a tower on a daily basis. In response to a resident question, the reps said that studies have shown that a tower does not lower property values in the area. A resident asked if T-Mobile had determined how many residents this tower would benefit. The reps also displayed “before” and “after” boards showing the coverage improvements in the area. The reps then left the meeting and residents who had signed in to speak were permitted to do so.
Mona Auer of Sleepy Hollow Road read a statement about the beauty and tranquility of the Village and urged the Board to vote no to the tower.
Tom Merkel of Thorobred said the Board did not given sufficient notice of this meeting to the residents and reminded the Board of how they fought the Carrington Reserve development and noted the many restrictions in the Village and that the tower would be an eyesore for the area and the monthly rent is not worth it.
Sal Eraci of Thorobred also asked that the Board not consider this tower and said the rent offered was very low.
Janet Osberg of Crane said that the representatives should give the Board the answers to questions that they could not answer tonight. She suggested the residents vote on this issue if necessary. She was concerned about the Village staff exposure to a tower.
Mike Ander of Sharon did not feel the engineering was well presented or clear and felt the Village should carefully review issues of liability to itself with a tower.
Warren Jordan of Beau Brummel felt if the residents must follow the many rules in Sleepy Hollow, the Village should also follow the rules by not allowing the tower or the fence around the compound area. He does not feel the service concerns warrant the tower and questioned how the tower would affect the annual fireworks display.
Matt Ellett of Sleepy Hollow Road recalled the Village vision of Floyd Falese as noted on the sales video and felt this tower would hurt property values. He urged the Board to maintain Floyd’s vision for the Village and vote no for a tower.
Jennifer Ellett of Sleepy Hollow Road noted several studies that show serious health issues with cell towers and noted the close location to the elementary school and park.
Brent Lareau Van Tasssel felt the Village has no legal obligation to proceed with this tower and suggested T-Mobile take their proposal elsewhere.
Joel Hale of Glen Oak questioned the integrity of anyone who proceeds with this proposal.
President Pickett noted that this meeting was held to obtain resident input and it had been advertised in the October newsletter, on the front page of the Village website, in several newspaper articles, and was posted on the sign at the fire station. He said no vote would be taken on this issue tonight. Trustee Wind noted that residents can add their e-mail address on the Village website to receive e-mail alerts.
The meeting ended at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Norine Olson
Village Clerk
