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Council reviews draft small‑node wireless ordinance; asks for technical briefing
Summary
Staff presented a draft small‑node (small‑cell) wireless ordinance and design manual for placing nodes in public rights‑of‑way; council asked for a technical expert, clarification on differences from private Wi‑Fi, and confirmation that existing nodes would be grandfathered.
City staff presented a draft ordinance and design manual intended to regulate small‑node wireless installations in public rights‑of‑way, responding to provider inquiries and 2019 state changes that limited municipalities' ability to ban small‑node deployments outright.
Staff said the draft provides a starting point for permitting and fee structures and recommended customization for Windcrest. Councilmembers asked whether the draft would modernize connectivity for residents and schools and whether it would help address dead spots for public‑safety and cellular coverage. "Will it help modernize the connectivity and accessibility of Wi Fi to residents in the community?" one councilmember asked; staff replied that the draft would assist but that further technical detail and examples from peer cities would be provided.
Council members requested a technical expert or vendor representative at a future meeting to explain the practical differences between small nodes and existing wireless infrastructure, asked which nodes currently exist in town, and sought to ensure any existing installations would be grandfathered if new rules are adopted. Staff said they can provide examples from other cities and will tailor the draft ordinance and design manual in follow up; no action was taken at this meeting.
