Nextel-CS 9701158585 N. Stemmons Freeway
South Tower, 10th Floor
Dallas, TX 75247
(214)599-8400 (214)630-1426 Fax
January 15, 1997
City of Coppell
Attention: Mr. Pert Virtanen
P.O. Box 478
Coppell, TX 75019
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Ci7Y GF COPPELL
RE: Wireless Communication Antenna Site
City of Coppell
Dear Pert:
As you are aware Nextel has been searching for a wireless communication antenna site along SH
121 in the City of Coppell. As we have discussed, it appears at this time that the best option
available to Nextel is to pursue a permanent raw land site for construction of a new monopole
tower at a height of approximately 125 feet. We will make every attempt to comply with the
guidelines that were developed by CIVIC.
For the record, the following is a recap of my documentation and recollection of the events that
have led us to the decision to pursue a raw land site:
In mid to late September, 1996, I met with you to propose a location near Coppell Road
and SH 121 (Site "A"). After several meetings and phone conversations it was
determined that if a new monopole tower had to be constructed in the City of Coppell,
then Site "A" would probably be the most suitable location in this immediate vicinity,
from a visual and land use standpoint.
2. On October 23, 1996, an Application for Zoning Change and Special Use Permit was
filed with the City of Coppell for Site "A".
3. Apparently some time between October 23, 199b and November 15, 1996, in response to
Nextel's application, the newly formed "Committee to Improve the Visual Image of
Coppell" met to discuss Nextel's application, and in that meeting a set of guidelines for
locating communication towers was developed.
4. On November 15, 1996, the City of Coppell Planning Department Staff Report was
issued recommending denial of Nextel's application based upon the new set of
guidelines.
5. On November 21, 1996, the Planning and Zoning Commission denied Nextel's
application.
Pert Virtanen
January 15, 1997
Page 2
6. On November 22, 1996, the City of Coppell advised Nextel in writing of P & Z's
decision to deny Nextel's application, however, no reason was given.
7. On November 25, 1996, the City of Coppell was advised that Nextel wanted to appeal the
P & Z decision to the City Council.
8. On November 26, 1996, the City staff provided a fax of a map of Coppell outlining a
number of areas throughout the City that would meet the new set of guidelines for
monopole towers on raw land sites. Nextel determined that at this point they still wanted
their original application to be heard by the City Council.
9. On December 10, 1996, the City Council voted 4 to 3 to approve Nextel's application.
However, the motion failed because P & Z had recommended denial, and therefore an
affirmative 6 to 1 was required. "
10. On December 11, 1996, Nextel was advised in writing by the City of Coppell that the
decision of P & Z had been upheld, and again no reason was given.
11. On December 16, 1996, a meeting was held between myself and Gary Sieb to discuss a
new site (Site "B") that met the new set of guidelines, but was not part of that area that
had been outlined on November 26, 1996. At this meeting I was advised that due to
future road development in the area Mr. Sieb did not think he could support Site "B",
except on a temporary basis. He explained that a new water tower was to be built very
near our proposed site, and when construction was completed he would like to see Nextel
remove their tower and equipment and re-locate their antennas on the new water tower.
12. Between December 16, 1996 and January 13, 1997, Nextel found another site south of
Sandy Lake and east of Royal (Site "C") that met the setback criteria and was also in the
area that had been outlined on November 26, 1996.
13. On or about January 13, 1996, the City of Coppell Planning Department issued a Staff
Report in Sprint Spectrum Case No. S-1120 Communications Antenna referencing our
previously denied Site "A" and stating that "the principal reason for denial was its high
degree of visibility, due to proximity to a highly travelled roadway and its height.".
14. On January 13, 1997, at 10:00 a.m., myself, Glen Conway, Nextel Site Development
Manager, and Dave Petrakovitz, Construction Manager, met with yourself and Gary Sieb
Pert Virtanen
January 15, 1997
Page 3
to discuss Site "C" and other concerns or expectations of the City of Coppell or Nextel.
Mr. Sieb advised that his goal was to ultimately see Nextel's antennas on the new water
tower instead of a new monopole tower and that he was not sure he could support Site
"C", except on a temporary basis until such time as the water tower is built in the next 1.5
to 2 years. We were advised to talk to Kenneth Griffin, Coppell City Engineer, to discuss
the new water tower.
15. On January 13, 1997, at 11:45 a.m. I met with Kenneth Griffin who advised that he really
did not want to accommodate any antennas on the water tower, especially if an equipment
building would be necessary. An equipment building will be necessary on any site by any
carrier.
16. Today, January 15, 1997, I spoke with you concerning the apparent conflict between the
Planning Department and the City Engineer concerning amounting antennas on the new
water tower. I was advised that in lieu of the city's apparent indecision Nextel should
probably pursue a permanent raw land site.
17. Today, January 15, 1997, I spoke with Pete Smith, Coppell City Attorney, and expressed
my concerns about finding an acceptable solution to this situation. I told him that per my
conversation today with you we were proceeding to find a permanent raw land site. He
told me that he would pass my concerns along to the City Manager, and I would be
contacted if any new developments occurred.
I know this is not a simple process but I think Nextel has done, and is doing everything it can to
locate an acceptable site. I very much appreciate your assistance and look forward to bringing
this matter to a mutually agreeable conclusion. Please let me know if you have any further
questions or comments.
Sincerely,
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Alan Haggard
cc: Alan Dorantes, Nextel Legal Review
Ji itt, City Manager
~ ete Smith, Coppell City Attorney
Gary L. Sieb, Director of Planning & Community Services, City of Coppell