Creighton Remus, a NextTech Wireless representative, told the commission on Sept. 2 that NextTech plans a 250-foot self-supporting tower at 868 Southwest 40 Eighth Street to improve coverage and data speeds in that area. The leased site will be roughly 100-by-100 feet. Remus said the project passed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) review; commissioners noted anything over 198 feet requires lighting, and Remus confirmed the tower will be lit.

Karen Rothe, Harvey County planning and zoning staff, said the application met the county's conditional use permit standards and that the applicant is aware of required road impact fees and environmental reviews. She noted the county's statutory limits on denying cell towers when applications meet safety and regulatory requirements. The commission approved the conditional use permit (CUP25-09) and resolution 2025-26 by voice vote.

Remus said the tower would fill a coverage gap, improve data speeds, and that the project completed necessary FAA, FCC and endangered-species checks. Commissioners discussed colocation and statutory constraints; staff noted state statute limits the county's ability to force colocation on other towers.

Ending: The approved CUP includes the planning commission's six conditions; staff will process permit paperwork and the applicant will complete any required site improvements and road-impact obligations before final construction.