Minutes · Feb 16, 2012
February 16, 2012
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l the same distance and that no microwave dish could exceed the FCC standards. ‘There were no more questions for this witness. Mr. Lavigne called his second witness. Mr. Anthony Suppa approached the podium and was sworn under oath. Mr, Suppa stated he was a civil engineer licensed in the State of New Jersey and an expert in civil and structural engineering. Chairman Neuer accepted his credentials as an expert in engineering. Chairman Neuer stated that for the record there was no engineering report included with the application package. Mr. Suppa presented an engineering report. He detailed the existing conditions of the site, as described in the report, and noted that the tower had 37 antennas on it at one time. Mr. Buechler asked who removed them. Mr. Suppa replied that he did not know. Mr. Lavigne stated that Mr.
Suppa did not prepare this report and that it was prepared by American Tower. Chairman Neuer asked if the author of this report was present tonight and Mr. Lavigne replied no. Mr. Buechler asked Mr. Suppa if he had performed any independent analysis concerning the structure of the tower. Mr. Suppa replied that he did not but will testify that he will come to the same conclusions as in the reports. Mr. Lavigne asked if there are building codes for the antenna attachments. Mr. Suppa replied yes and said that the tower company’s report is consistent with this. Chairman Neuer asked if detailed construction plans will be submitted to the Township’s Building Department and Mr. Suppa replied yes he will submit them. Chairman Neuer stated that no one is here to authenticate the engineering report. He said that the Board understands the witness is allowed to make his statements even though he never made any tests himself. The Chairman stated that he is not going to admit heresay and that structural integrity is very important to this Board. He said that, not knowing the structural integrity of the tower, adding five large dishes and not knowing how heavy they are, the Board will not enter this report into evidence. Mr, Sussman asked Mr. Suppa how much the dishes weigh. Mr. Suppa stated that the 8’ dishes weigh 400 Ibs. and the 10’ dishes weigh 600 lbs. each. Mr. Buechler asked when the tower was originally constructed and Mr. Suppa replied he would have to look that up. Mr. Lavigne stated that the tower was constructed in 1976. Mr. Bullock stated that he would like an additional update from a 1976 report. Mr. Lavigne stated that there are two reports and the one Mr. Suppa is referring to is new. Chairman Neuer stated that he cannot accept that report. He said that if they are not accurate, they are asking the Board to take it on faith and therefore he has a problem with this testimony. Mr. Suppa described the equipment and detailed where it will be placed. Mr. Lavigne asked Mr. Suppa if the applicant is proposing any lighting or signage and Mr. Suppa replied no. Chairman Neuer recessed the meeting at 9:44 pm The meeting resumed at 9:55 pm Chairman Neuer asked Mr. Suppa if he visited the site and Mr. Suppa replied yes. Chairman Neuer asked if he performed any kind of inspection of the tower noting any loose bolts, cracking or peeling and Mr. Suppa replied that
Suppa if he visited the site and Mr. Suppa replied yes. Chairman Neuer asked if he performed any kind of inspection of the tower noting any loose bolts, cracking or peeling and Mr. Suppa replied that he did not. Mr. Buechler asked how the dishes were brought in and attached to the tower. Mr. Suppa said by crane. Mr. Buechler asked if the witness was just assuming that is how the prior dishes were brought to the site. Mr. Suppa said that he was just guessing. Mr. Buechler asked Mr. Suppa if his testimony is all assumption and Mr. Suppa replied yes. Mr. Grossman stated that Mr. Suppa’s opinions on the structure are based solely on the 1984 engincering report. Mr. Suppa stated that they are based on the 2011 signed and sealed report from American Tower. Mr. Grossman asked if he did a layout of the site when he visited it and Mr. Suppa said yes. Mr. Grossman asked if he evaluated the tower itself and Mr. Suppa replied
no. Mr. Grossman asked if he knew of any structural changes to the tower since 1976 and Mr. Suppa replied no. Mr. Grossman asked Mr. Suppa if he reviewed the aerodynamics and Mr. Suppa said that he reviewed where the dishes will be placed on the tower. Mr, Grossman asked what would happen ifthey became detached from the tower during a storm; would they fly through the air. Mr. Suppa stated that he could not answer that question. Mr. Grossman asked Mr. Suppa what wind velocity they could sustain, Mr. Suppa stated that he did not do an evaluation of the wind velocity; it was not part of his presentation. He said that it is included in the report that the Board is not entering as an exhibit. Chairman Neuer stated that the Board will decide if the report is based on solid foundation. Mr. Quentzel asked Mr. Suppa who has the responsibility if something happens; would it be the owner or the entity performing the installation? Mr. Suppa stated that the tower would be responsible and the next witness will testify to that. Ms. Borg stated that the tower is made of stecl and asked if it would rust. Mr. Suppa stated that it’s galvanized and shouldn’t rust but it can. He said that periodic inspections will be done. Ms. Borg asked if the Board will ask for an inspection report because she wants to know the condition of the tower. Chairman Neuer stated that the Board will take that into consideration. Ms. Gabry asked Mr. Suppa if the dishes are welded on. Mr. Suppa stated that they are not welded but fastened to pipe mounts with sway bars and hurricane clamps. Chairman Neuer asked if any members of the public had questions for this witness; there were no more questions for Mr. Suppa. Mr. Lavigne called his next witness. Mr. James C. Wolfson approached the podium and was sworn under oath, Mr. Wolfson detailed his education and work experience. He stated that he was a radio frequency specialist in routing microwave link systems and design. Mr. Buechler asked what the difference is between a radio frequency engineer and a radio frequency specialist. Mr. Wolfson stated that the engineer is licensed and he is not licensed. Mr. Buechler asked if Mr. Wolfson submitted a report to the Board and Mr. Wolfson replied that he did not. Chairman Neuer accepted his credentials as a radio frequency specialist in routing microwave link systems and design. Mr. Lavigne asked Mr.
port to the Board and Mr. Wolfson replied that he did not. Chairman Neuer accepted his credentials as a radio frequency specialist in routing microwave link systems and design. Mr. Lavigne asked Mr. Wolfson if he took photos of the site and tower and Mr. Wolfson replied yes, He stated that he personally took the photos being presented and they accurately depict what is up there on the site. Chairman Neuer entered the photographs into evidence as Exhibits A2 through F2. Mr. Wolfson described what was in the photos. He stated that there are 37 point to point dishes at different locations between Chicago and West Orange. Ms. Borg asked why they would need five dishes instead of two dishes. Mr. Wolfson stated that there are five locations from this tower; four to the east and one to the west.
Mr. Lavigne asked Mr. Wolfson why they are dish style and not panel style. Mr. Wolfson stated that FCC does not allow panel antennas; they do not meet the requirements. Mr. Lavigne asked Mr. Wolfson how the dishes are installed, Mr. Wolfson stated that there is a pulley on top of the tower and they hoist the dish up. He said that they use anchor men and it is not necessary to use a crane. Mr. Quentzel asked Mr. Wolfson if there was any other location in this area that they looked at and Mr. Wolfson stated that they looked at many. Ms. Borg asked Mr. Wolfson if the dishes could be smaller if they put more towers in other locations. Mr, Wolfson stated that he would have to talk to his customer and see if he wants to change his requirements. Mr. Lavigne asked Mr. Wolfson if he ever used larger dishes then the one’s being proposed. Mr. Wolfson said yes, that they have used 12’ dishes. Ms. Borg asked if all the antennas look the same. Mr. Lavigne stated that he spoke to the applicant and they would match, as close as possible, the dish to the color of the tower. Mr. Bullock asked Mr. Wolfson how much the cover on the dish weighs. Mr. Wolfson stated that he didn’t know. Mr. Bullock asked if the radome covers ever come off and Mr. Wolfson stated that they rarely see one come off. Mr. Wolfson stated that the radomes are attached on and stretched over the lip of each dish.. He said they bolt the clamps and pull the radomes over the antenna. Ms. Borg asked if the radomes can be grey instead of white. Mr. Wolfson stated that they have not developed a paint that stays on the material. Ms. Borg said that she thinks they would look better all one color. Mr. Lavigne said he will put that question to his client. Ms. Borg asked if part of the maintenance is painting it. Mr. Wolfson stated that the maintenance is only for avoidance of interference of the wave. Mr. Lavigne said he will ask his client if painting could be part of the maintenance. Chairman Neuer advised Mr. Lavigne that the meetings end promptly at 11pm. Mr. Lavigne stated that he only has the Planner left as a witness. Chairman Neuer advised him that he can start but he recommended that they come back to the next meeting on March 15", He also said that they will be placed first on the agenda for that meeting. Mr. Lavigne checked with his Planner’s availability and agreed to come back on March
back to the next meeting on March 15", He also said that they will be placed first on the agenda for that meeting. Mr. Lavigne checked with his Planner’s availability and agreed to come back on March 15%, Chairman Neuer asked the Board secretary to send the Township's consulting engineer, Eric Keller, a copy of the applicants engineering report. He also stated that the applicant needs to submit the owner’s authorization by March 5", ten days before the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by Chairman Neuer at 10:51: February 16, 2012 yy YWil2. Rose DeSena Zoning Board Secretary 10
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