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Council backs resolution opposing FCC rule that members say would limit local control of cell-tower siting
Summary
By unanimous vote, Kenosha alderpersons endorsed a resolution urging federal reconsideration of an FCC proposal they and residents say would reduce municipal input on wireless facility placement; the item drew multiple co-sponsors and public testimony from neighbors.
The Common Council voted to concur with a resolution, introduced by Alderman Keith W. Rosenberg, urging opposition to the Federal Communications Commission’s proposed rule (described in the meeting as the ‘Build America’ rule) that speakers said would diminish local authority over wireless deployments.
Alderman Keith W. Rosenberg, identified by the clerk as the resolution’s principal sponsor, said the measure grew out of constituent concerns in his district about a proposed cell tower on church property in a neighboring jurisdiction. Patty Hall and other residents spoke during the public hearing, saying the tower was unnecessary where residents already have coverage and arguing for greater local input on siting decisions.
Several alderpersons volunteered to be co-sponsors during the public hearing. Council debate emphasized that the proposed FCC rule, as described by supporters, would limit the city’s ability to influence where towers are placed and how they are screened or designed; one alderperson cited prior negotiations that produced disguised towers and successful local outcomes.
The council voted to concur with the resolution and to forward it to federal representatives; the motion carried 15–0. The resolution and the associated public testimony will be part of the council’s record and will be shared with the city’s federal contacts.
