Commission recommends 150-foot monopole at Primrose Park with wood fence to match park aesthetic

Planning staff presented Diamond Communications LLC’s application to place a 150‑foot monopole (154 feet including lightning rod) within Primrose Park on a 75‑by‑75 foot leased area. Staff said the site meeting is largely a formality under the coordinated development ordinance because the lease and notice requirements had been met and the tower has been designed for potential colocation.

Tom Baneski, Diamond Communications senior vice president for site acquisition and development, told the commission the fenced compound would be 60 by 60 feet with a landscaped perimeter and that the company can use vinyl‑coated or privacy slats in chain link or install a board‑on‑board fence to better match park aesthetics. Mr. Baneski said timing depends on permitting and construction coordination with ongoing park and road work; building permits would be sought if council approval is obtained and construction could begin later this year, with an expected operational date in early 2025/2026 for carrier activation.

Several commissioners said a hard chain‑link fence with barbed wire would not suit the new park. The commission recommended a board‑on‑board wood fence around the compound with a chain‑link gate on the Dixon Road side to preserve security visibility for emergency responders. Commissioner Amen moved to recommend approval with that fence recommendation; Commissioner Dowdall seconded and the motion passed.

Staff noted the applicant would continue to coordinate specific fencing materials and final landscaping with staff and public‑safety agencies and would proceed to building permits and carrier work only after final approvals.