Wyoming council approves 140‑foot Excel Energy monopole despite height concerns

The Wyoming City Council approved a conditional‑use permit and related variances to let Excel Energy install a 140‑foot LTE monopole at its substation near 250th Street and Highway 61, after staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions intended to reduce visual and operational impacts.

Staff presented setbacks and the required height variance for the R1 district and said the proposed monopole would sit inside the substation fence. The staff recommendation included six conditions: use building materials that complement the substation, limit construction hours, obtain required building permits, maintain vegetation, and comply with all applicable federal and state regulations.

Council members questioned the pole’s visual impact and whether the design would require an additional two‑foot lightning rod that would push the structure past 140 feet. George Wiki, representing XL Energy’s siting and land‑rights team, told council the lightning rod was removed from the final design and that the monopole will use galvanized steel and match the substation infrastructure.

XL Energy’s project manager explained the pole height is intended to achieve a 135‑foot antenna centerline necessary for the proposed telemetry coverage; lowering the pole would reduce coverage and likely require additional sites. The company confirmed the closest residence is about 550 feet from the tower base and said the pole will be installed inside the fenced substation.

Council approved the conditional‑use permit and the related setback and height variances with conditions; one council member recorded a 'nay' during roll call but the measures passed.