Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cell Tower Cup topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves 165‑foot monopole near I‑94 after split planning commission vote; council addresses removal assurances
Summary
After a split planning commission recommendation, the common council approved a conditional use permit for a 165‑foot monopole near Blue Ribbon Circle North to improve coverage around Papp's Farms; staff noted the applicant has bonding and contract language to remove foundations two feet below grade on termination, and council discussed statutory limits on local health/testing conditions.
The Oconomowoc Common Council on March 3 approved a conditional use permit for a 165‑foot monopole cellphone tower at Blue Ribbon Circle North near I‑94, following a divided recommendation from the plan commission.
Planning staff (Mister Gallo) reviewed updated survey materials, fall‑zone engineering, photo simulations and a coverage map showing improved service in the area around Papp's Farms and the I‑94 corridor. Gallo said the applicant’s contract with DC Holdings includes a bond and a removal clause that requires removal of the foundation to two feet below grade upon termination. He also noted that the municipality is limited by statute in imposing environmental testing, sampling or radiation monitoring requirements on mobile service facilities.
Some plan commission members had expressed concerns about proximity to the freeway and wanted more information; commissioners’ votes at the planning commission were split (two in favor, two against, two abstained and one absent). On the council floor, several aldermen said the application meets the city’s conditional‑use standards and federal/state law constrains local regulatory authority on radio‑frequency testing. One alderman voted against the permit on safety‑regulation concerns; the motion passed on a recorded council vote.
What happens next: the applicant may proceed according to the approved conditional use permit subject to the CUP conditions (fencing, landscaping, access, and the applicant’s removal bond). Council also asked staff and the applicant to ensure site restoration language is included in the final permit conditions.
