Furnas County zoning committee recommends approval of Verizon wireless tower permit

The Furnas County Zoning Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend that the County Commissioners approve a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed Verizon wireless tower after a KGI Wireless representative addressed committee questions on siting, wildlife and safety.

Chris Munson, a KGI Wireless representative who appeared to respond to follow-up items from a May 20 meeting, told the committee the proposed tower would be "approximately 2 miles from the existing tower," addressing an earlier concern that the new structure might be much closer. He said the planned compound would occupy a 100-by-100-foot area and that site placement was determined by radio-frequency engineering to meet local capacity needs. "We look at the capacity and need in the area and choose based off of the need for that area of coverage," Munson said, estimating a 4G service radius of about 6–10 miles.

Munson addressed health concerns raised by the committee and visitors, saying "the risks are very minimal" and that expected exposures conform with EPA standards. He also said Verizon representatives had assessed impacts to local wildlife and that "this tower should not disrupt or endanger the eagles in the area." On lighting, Munson noted the top light would be white by day and red at night and that FAA rules call for flashing strobe lighting for structures over 200 feet.

Committee members moved formal recommendations after the presentation. Amy Warner moved to recommend the County Commissioners approve the Conditional Use Permit; Kim Cramer seconded. The committee voted in favor of the recommendation. The committee’s recommendation does not grant final approval; the County Commissioners will consider the Conditional Use Permit at a later meeting.

The meeting also elected committee officers: Phil Mclnturf nominated Bill Weaver as Vice Chair (seconded by Amy Warner) and Amy Warner nominated Kim Cramer as Secretary (seconded by Phil Mclnturf); both motions passed unanimously.

Next steps: the committee’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Furnas County Commissioners for a decision on the Conditional Use Permit application.