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Council approves Verizon small-cell permit, directs staff to update city policy and code
Summary
The council approved a Verizon small-cell wireless facility permit near College Drive by a 5–2 vote and directed staff to revise the city design guidelines and prepare a code amendment requiring future facilities to comply by reference.
The Brainerd City Council voted 5–2 on May 4 to approve a Verizon request to replace an existing pole-mounted small-cell wireless facility near College Drive (near the high school), while also directing staff to revise the city’s small wireless facility design and review guidelines and to prepare a city-code amendment that would reference the policy.
Council members and staff explained the pole and an earlier facility were installed in 2015–2016 before the city had design guidance in code. The proposal from Verizon would replace the pole and facility in a similar form; Verizon’s design did not meet the city’s current design guidance. Staff recommended approving the current permit request with an exception to the existing policy while moving to codify design standards going forward.
Council discussion emphasized statutory limitations on municipal regulation of facilities in the public right-of-way and the need to ensure any new code language complies with state and federal rules. One councilmember expressed strong opposition to Verizon’s corporate behavior; the motion carried 5–2. Council directed staff to prepare a draft design-and-review policy and an ordinance revising city code section 800 to reference the policy so future permits must comply with adopted design guidance.
