Planning Commission Agenda and Packet 2010 10 14

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BACKGROUND: The applicant, City of Louisville Police Department, has applied for a Special Review Use (SRU) to allow for and ratify the placement of Alternative Tower Structure (ATS) for the use of an omni - directional siren based emergency mass notification warning system for the City of Louisville and the Boulder County Emergency Management Office on the City of Louisville's North Water Treatment Plant, located at 1955 Washington Avenue. The property is currently zoned Agricultural (A). The existing water treatment plant has been in operation since 1976 and is surrounded by Boulder County and City of Louisville Open Space on the north, east and west; and residential low density (RL), residential medium density (RM) and office (0) to the south. The property is located at the northern end of the Davidson Mesa with the public reservoir and access road located on high ground with the site generally falling off to the north and east. The site is bordered to the south by a public trail. According to the Louisville Municipal Code, Section Sec. 17.42.020, the placement and use of an alternative Towner Structure in Agricultural Zoned land requires a Special Review Use (SRU). Project History: In the summer of 2008, after the Windsor tornado, the Louisville City Council directed City staff to evaluate and develop a city -wide mass emergency notification system. Staff returned to City Council in April 2009 to present its initial evaluation and recommendation to purchase three pole mounted solar powered omni - directional sirens that are activated through the Boulder Sheriff's Department Communications Center as part of the County -wide emergency alert and response system. Staff recommended the City purchase Whelen WPS2910 with the following considerations: • Immediate notification capabilities • Activated through Boulder County's Sheriff Departments' Communication Center Omni - directional system (360 degrees) • Theoretical output of 129dB at 100' • Theoretical 70dB audible range of 6,100' • Cost effectiveness • Proven record with neighboring communities The City purchased three sirens in the fall 2009. Specific capabilities of the Whelen WPS2910 are included as an attachment to this report.