Council approves 165-foot wireless monopole at Rock of Faith Church to improve coverage

The Converse City Council on May 6 approved a special-use permit and a variance to allow a 165-foot wireless telecommunications monopole on property owned by Rock of Faith Missionary Baptist Church at 107 School Street.

Sharon Williams, the city’s director of community development, told council the proposed structure is intended to improve in-building cellular coverage and that the church would lease a portion of its lot to a wireless provider. "The request that we have before us is the construction of a new 165 foot monopole," Williams said. Planning and Zoning recommended approval by a 7–0 vote.

The applicant's representative, Vince Heebinger of Vincent Girard & Associates, presented coverage maps showing notable improvements at the taller height and explained the higher monopole would reduce the need for additional sites. Heebinger said increased height produces broader coverage and allows colocating multiple carriers on one structure.

Williams said the Air Force base was consulted because the site is near military airspace; the base offered no objection but requested ongoing communication during construction and copies of construction plans. Williams also said staff recommended camouflage and asked council to allow staff and the applicant to agree on an aesthetic solution that would "be aesthetically appealing rather than draw attention to the facility." The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended a camouflaged design.

Pastor Daryl Thomas of Rock of Faith told council the lease income would help the church’s finances and support its community work: "this would be a financial blessing to us to continue our benevolence to the community," he said.

Council voted first to approve the special-use permit and then to approve the height variance allowing the monopole to exceed the 90-foot height limit in the city code; both motions passed. Staff reminded the council that, if approved, the site would still need to complete the city’s site-development permit process and obtain required construction permits. Williams said the city would ensure any obstruction lighting be shielded to avoid glare on adjacent properties.

The applicant noted Verizon is the primary carrier seeking the site and that AT&T had expressed interest as well. Applicant materials provided council with photo simulations and coverage maps showing improved in-building signal at 155–165 feet compared with lower heights. Council discussion focused on aesthetics, coverage for Judson High School and coordination with nearby military airspace.