Zoning committee tables decision on proposed 309-foot cell tower after residents raise safety and wildlife concerns

The Furnas County Zoning Committee on May 20 opened public comment on an application for a new cell tower and then voted to table further consideration after several residents raised proximity, safety and wildlife concerns. Committee member Bitt Weaver moved to table the discussion; Nic Brown seconded and the motion passed with “all in favor” recorded in the transcript.

Resident Clark Andrews questioned why a second tower was needed when “there is a tower less than 1 mile away,” and said the location concerned him because his field to the west is used by spray planes, a safety issue for pilots. Committee moderator Roger Powertt noted the proposed structure would be taller than the existing ATC tower, stating the new tower would be “much taller (309') than the existing ATC tower.”

Visitor Nick Martin told the committee he has planned to build less than a mile from the proposed site and already has electric and water service in place and a planted windbreak, though he has not started construction. Visitor Amanda Huxott said the area is home to generational farming families and that a new tower “would interfere with the skyline views of country living,” and she raised concern for a bald eagle population residing in a nearby creek bed. Visitor Dave Wendland stated the parcel is less than one acre and described the planned tower as self-supporting; he said he lives less than one mile from the site.

The transcript records public comment and the motion to table but does not include a roll-call vote tally or a staff recommendation in the segments provided. The committee did not reach a final decision on the application during the meeting; the record shows the item was tabled for later consideration.