VILLAGE OF BARRINGTON HILLS

PLAN COMMISSION MEETING

SEPTEMBER 11, 2006

The regular meeting of the Village of Barrington Hills Plan Commission was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Bosworth.

Plan Commission Members Present:  Kenneth Bosworth, Chairman

                                                            Peter Grande

                                                            Patrick Hennelly

                                                            Lou Anne Majewski

                                                            Joseph Messer

                                                            James O’Donnell

                                                            Thomas Roeser

                                                            David M. Stieper

                                             Absent:    Michael Schmechtig

The Attendance Sheet is attached and made part of these Minutes.

PREVIOUS MINUTES:   Commissioner Hennelly made the motion, seconded by Commissioner Grande, to approve the August 14^th Minutes.  Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

The Attendance Sheet is attached and made part of these Minutes.

(There was a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of  9/11.)

CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY – PRESENTATION:  A presentation was given by resident Keith Colosia, who had been recruited by the Communications Committee of Barrington Hills to conduct of study of cellular technology in general and specific cellular capabilities within the Village.

Mr. Colosia discussed basic wireless concepts, cellular networks, the evolution of cellular services, reviewed current cellular performance within the Village and presented a proposed solution with some planning considerations.

Several aerial photographs were reviewed comparing cellular coverage of various providers (T-Mobile, Spring/Nextel and Cingular).  Mr. Colosia also pointed out antennas already located near the Village, the majority of which used more than one carrier. 

Yvonne Liebelt, Manager for RF/Systems Performances, added the results of her research on cellular availability within the Village by reviewing several charts (covering results taken both in April and August) along with her recom-mendations for future antennae sites (“plots”) to service Barrington Hills and provide “seamless handoffs.”  She pointed out that the cost of a new plot is approximately a $1 million investment which understandably requires a lot of research.  She said that Verizon wanted to improve Barrington Hills’ coverage not only for its residents, but also for the 60,000 cars passing through it daily.

Barbara Kemp, Chairman (?) of the Barrington Hills Communications Committee, also confirmed the poor coverage within the Village.  She said a good response was received from all the carriers approached in regard to local cellular improvement.

Mr. Colosia explained that the base of proposed antennae would be approximately 60 feet x 60 feet to enable sufficient space for multiple carriers.  In response to the Commission’s inquiry about considering underground sites, Ms. Kemp along with Ms. Liebelt and Mr. Colosia all agreed it would be too costly and unreliable.

In summation, Mr. Colosia made the recommendation for four future plots within the Village.  The first, located on Riding Club of Barrington Hills property, has already been approved by the Park District and is being considered by the ZBA.

Richard Connor Riley introduced himself as attorney for Crown Castle, Int’l., who may ultimately be constructing the towers.  He pointed out the advantages of multiple carriers already agreeing to share the proposed towers. He said the first step is that everyone has a comfort level with the four proposed sites.  One issue is  where they can be located with the least amount of aesthetic impact.  Chairman Bosworth discussed the possibility of one or more being located on land owned by the Village.  (That could be accomplished either by condemnation or conditional on a new plat review.).    Neither Mr. Riley nor Mr. Colosia thought that would be economically worthwhile (or justified?)

TRUSTEE’S REPORT:  No report.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m. after being so moved and seconded.

Respectfully submitted,

Lou Anne Majewski

Recording Secretary

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