Dorset Zoning Board of Adjustment
P. O. Box 715 Telephone: 802-362-0162
East Dorset, VT 05253-0715 Fax: 802-362-5156
Date: October 15, 2009 – Special Meeting
Hearing: #09-07
Applicants: U. S. Cellular
Location: 1063 Dorset Hill Road, East Dorset
Request: Application for a conditional use permit based upon ZBL Section 11.2.2
Board Members Present: J. LaVecchia (Chairman), M. Connors, R. Stewart, D. Baker, R. Rawls, S. Jones
Board Members Absent: B. Bridges, D. Wilson, K. O’Toole
Also, Present: David Stannard, Erica Feloho, Beth Meachem, Richard A. Rubadeau, Nancy C. Rubadeau, Bob Gashlin (US Cellular)
The hearing was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by J. LaVecchia, Chairman, stating this was a special meeting for an application for a conditional use permit based on ZBL 11.2.2 (Administration ~ Application – development of a wireless communication facility).
B. Gashlin, representative for US Cellular, asked if this was a combined ZBA and PC meeting and J. LaVecchia responded he would address the situation shortly.
B. Gashlin explained that due to FCC regulations eight hours of back up power was required for cellular towers now and he was presenting a proposal to install a generator and propane tank. He is using an updated version of an existing site plan from 2003 which shows the proposal for the generator and propane tank location. It was noted that this proposal was a low impact project and would not impinge any further on the surrounding area. All the equipment would be contained within the existing tree line. Two 5 foot by 8 foot concrete pads for a generator and caged propane tank are proposed – all constructed according to code. The existing SBA fence will be moved twelve feet out, but will still be within the tree line. The generator will have an enclosure over it with enhanced exhaust mufflers for noise abatement. Ice shields will be installed. S. Jones asked what the electric usage was to supply the transmitters and B. Gashlin responded 200 AMPS, 120/240 single phase – 35-50 kilowatts. A specification sheet for the generator was submitted for the files.
It was the consensus of the ZBA Board that there were no further questions or criteria to review. M. Connors moved and R. Stewart seconded to close the Public Hearing at 7:50 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
R. Stewart moved and M. Connors seconded to approve the conditional use permit for U. S. Cellular as presented. Motion carried 5-0.
J. LaVecchia explained that this application needed plan approval from the Planning Commission and that, normally, the ZBA would approve the plan subject to their approval. In order to move this application forward, without speaking for the PC, the ZBA has approved the permit and will rectify the situation with the PC as soon as possible. C. Schmelzenbach and B. Gashlin will contact B. Breed, Chairman of the PC, tomorrow.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Aversano
Zoning Administrator, Town Manager, Planning Commission, Town Clerk, Applicant, File
#09-07 US Cellular Minutes.doc
Page 1, October 15, 2009