Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Telecommunications topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council debates inviting industry speaker as telecom code changes near adoption
Summary
Council reviewed ordinance 1088 to update municipal telecommunications code, weighing whether to invite a representative from Virta to public comment and confirming that macro towers still require a Type 3 hearing examiner review while small-cell installations follow an administrative process.
Council members reviewed proposed ordinance 1088, which updates Normandy Parkmunicipal code related to telecommunications franchises and small-cell deployment. Staff said the city attorney has circulated a draft franchise agreement and industry representatives such as AT&T, Verizon and a company referred to as Virta have engaged with staff as part of the drafting process.
"They have our application for a franchise agreement now," staff said, adding that providers will still need to negotiate with major carriers before a formal franchise could be executed. Council members debated whether to invite a Virta representative to the council meeting during public comment to restate support for the code changes and to answer residents' questions, or to wait until franchise negotiations are further along.
A council member warned that approving code changes could leave residents with limited recourse when siting equipment on easements, and asked staff to clarify what review path governs macrotowers versus small wireless facilities. Staff confirmed the decision pathways remain unchanged: macro towers are Type 3 (hearing examiner) reviews, while administrative reviews will continue for smaller wireless support equipment.
Staff and several councilmembers urged maintaining momentum from a recent town hall that showed substantial community interest while also ensuring public outreach continues as franchise conversations proceed. If the council approves the ordinance at second reading, affected projects will still be subject to the existing hearing and administrative review processes; council members said they expect to see public comment and industry voices at the meeting.
No formal action was taken at the workshop; staff will return the ordinance for the June meeting and continue franchise outreach and clarification to council.
