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Goldendale council asks staff to review local 5G ordinances after technical briefing
Summary
Following a presentation by Michael Flores of Spectrum Cellular Management on 5G deployment, safety compliance and municipal revenue opportunities, Goldendale's council voted to direct staff to review existing wireless ordinances and report back on application frequency and the consultant proposal.
Michael Flores of Spectrum Cellular Management briefed the Goldendale City Council on March 16 about 5G deployment, municipal oversight, liability and potential revenue from light-pole and small‑cell siting.
Flores, a long-time cellular developer who described his firm as an RF engineering adviser, told the council that as networks densify for 5G and future technologies cities must modernize permitting processes, require structural and RF reviews, and secure indemnities and fee schedules so carriers cannot “guard the hen house.” He argued that an updated application and review process would protect aesthetics, public safety and city liability while creating modest recurring revenue for the city.
"They're stacking liability on you, you know, right now," Flores said, urging Goldendale to adopt modern wireless ordinances and a consistent application process that includes structural and FCC compliance reviews.
Councilmembers asked technical and policy questions about safety setbacks, pole spacing and whether a franchise framework or other agreement would be required under state law. Several members noted model ordinances from other Washington cities and asked staff to determine how many small-cell or related applications the city has received.
A councilmember moved, and the council seconded, a motion directing staff to investigate current city ordinances related to wireless deployments, to review the proposal from Spectrum Cellular Management, and to report back with how many applications the city has received for such infrastructure within city limits. The motion passed by voice vote.
The council asked staff to coordinate the review with public works, planning and legal counsel and to bring back recommended next steps in a future meeting.
