02/13/2019 ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Minutes

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MASHPEE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 13,2019 Chairman Furbush commented that it looks like there is an area close to the water along Popponesset that's not covered. Mr. Brown said that there's a hill located along Rock Landing Road that shadows the coverage. Mr. Furbush said that area would have topography issues? Mr. Brown said yes; that's correct. In addition to the roadways mentioned, the proposed site will also provide coverage improvement to approximately 1,400 residents in the area. He also provide two more plots depicting the coverage for the networks. Chairman Furbush asked if the coverage will extend to South Cape Beach. Mr. Brown said that the coverage should cover a majority of that area. Mr. Brown explained the plot showing the terrain where the coverage is minimal, but Verizon could possibly provide better coverage by installing new equipment in the future. The also provided a road test plot depicting the data collected while driving. Verizon is planning to install equipment at 146 ft., and the plot showed what the coverage would look like at 121 ft. which represents a 25 ft. reduction. Mr. Rick Karinki, Engineer with T-Mobile provided plots that depicted the significant coverage gaps in yellow that exist in south Mashpee. The second plot showed the increase in coverage with the proposed equipment on the tower at 135 ft. Mr. Karinki also provided other plots depicting the coverage at different heights on the tower. Attorney Thompson commented that in previous hearings with the Planning Board, the Cape Cod Commission, and the general public there have been many comments in favor and in opposition of the tower,but most notably were in favor. The public has commented that this is not a matter of convenience in this area of south Mashpee, it is critical for emergency operations.The police need this operation to receive calls,to communicate with their personnel, and the fire department has expressed the same. It's a critical component of safety for the Town of Mashpee. She explained that there were emergency situations on the golf course, and people were not able to make a phone call. The site is Town owned, and is bringing Town revenue on a site preferred by the Town. It is also allowing the municipality to retain control of this site, and will be maintained and operated properly. It will solve the problem utilizing two wireless service providers. Presumably two more providers will follow, but right now there are two. If the tower height is dropped to 25 ft. at 125 ft., T-Mobile cannot satisfy the gap because there's a 25 ft. reduction. Verizon Wireless cannot solve the capacity problems. A reduction in tower height is not an option, and under the bylaw where it's only 10 ft. over the average tree canopy,that would be a 65 ft. tower which will not work for anyone. She respectfully requested the Board grant a Variance. 5