Sept. 30, 2008 — Several new projects were approved in the Lassen County Planning Commission’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 23. Among the projects approved was a remodel of the Taco Bell fast food restaurant and Jackson’s service center, the installation of a T-mobile cellular service tower, and a new Kirack Construction office building at 2940 Riverside Drive.

The planned remodel and upgrade of the Susanville Taco Bell at 2990 Main St. includes an update for the existing stucco exterior, new signs and awnings, a softer color pallet for the interior, and a new parapet to replace the existing mansard roof.

According to DeClerck Enterprises of Yreka, the agency that represents the restaurant, any new lighting will include full cut-off fixtures to protect the Susanville night sky.

Building signage will be replaced, though specifications for this aspect of the remodel will be submitted separate from this initial review, said City of Susanville Community Development Director Bill Nebeker.

The design of the project appears to be appropriate for the area and will compliment the upgraded look of the Safeway Store located in the same shopping plaza, said Nebeker.

Another approved project to affect the appearance of Main Street is the update of Jackson’s Service Center at 2000 Main St.

The proposed changes stem from the service station’s transition from an independent to a branded station, due to lower costs for fuel prices associated with a branded location, said Nebeker.

Changes include a new canopy over the main gas dispenser island and over the secondary dispensers, as well as an updated 15-foot freestanding sign to replace the current sign.

Current site regulations for the sign require a 12-foot setback and placement in a landscaped area, which would be impractical, said Nebeker, as such a configuration would block the main drive isle.

A use permit was approved to have the sign located on the property line, as long as there are no encroachments onto the sidewalk.

A request submitted by T-mobile USA to erect an 85-foot tall monopole for cellular facilities was also approved at the meeting.

The pole will replace an existing 70-foot wooden field light pole at Memorial Park baseball field with a new weathering steel monopole. The steel pole will accommodate outdoor lights for the field, and antennas for cellular service, said T-mobile representative Tim Miller.

“It is hard to put a cell tower in Susanville to meet the needs of the citizens without it being an eyesore,” said Miller.

“Not only is this a way to provide that tower, but it is also a way for us to give back to local parks and recreation,” said Miller, adding that cellular companies have been utilizing this method for many years in parks across the country because of the ability to make the most of existing structures.

T-mobile has entered into a long-term lease with the city of Susanville for the 12-foot by 35-foot area surrounding the pole, said Nebeker. If T-mobile abides by the terms of the lease, it could be extended for up to 30 years. All lease payments will be dedicated to future park improvements.

According to Miller, the weathering steel pole will go thru a natural rusting process that will make the pole blend in with the surrounding wooden poles and trees. In addition, he said, a weathering pole will require less maintenance in the long term.

Maintenance of the pole will be the responsibility of both the city and T-mobile, said Miller. T-mobile will provide all future maintenance costs, but requested the city assist by contacting T-mobile if a need for maintenance should bypass the company technicians who will inspect the pole every four to six weeks.

All mounting hardware, coax cables and antennas of any kind will be painted a flat dark brown to blend in with the surroundings.

Outdoor radio cabinets will also be placed on a slab inside the fenced area at the base of the pole.

After some board members expressed concern over safety, Miller explained that for every four feet the pole is raised in the air, it is also bored an additional one foot into the ground, which stabilizes the pole and eliminates safety issues of the pole toppling.

In addition, said Miller, the pole will be fenced in to help prevent baseballs from falling near the equipment or pole.

“We are under many state and federal regulations,” said Miller.

“Every cell phone site has to meet specific wind, ice and snow loads to be deemed safe, and you can be assured that all safety precautions have been taken,” he said.

T-mobile looks to complete the project by the end of the year, said Miller.

An architectural and site plan review for a proposed 7,050 square foot office and retail building on Riverside Drive was also approved.

The project, proposed by Kirack Construction Company, will be built in the land parcel between the existing Bureau of Land Management building and the hospice medical office building.

The new construction will help provide more jobs and industry to the area, said Michael Kirack, owner of Kirack Construction.

The resolution was approved, pending conditions outlined by the commission, including consideration for easements that may need to be obtained for joint use or common utilities, and that an existing propane tank is removed, in accordance with California Fire Code.

Several recommendations from the Lahontan Region of the California Regional Water Quality board will need to be met, and the project will be in accordance with the city’s requirement that no new discharges into the Susan River are allowed, said Nebeker.

The next meeting of the Planning Commission is to be announced, said Nebeker, and is subject to take place in accordance with future proposed projects.