Nehawka trustees approve first reading of communication tower ordinance and waive remaining readings

The Village of Nehawka Board of Trustees on Dec. 11 approved the first reading of a communication tower ordinance and voted to waive the final two readings, moving the ordinance rapidly toward adoption. Trustee Matt Anson made the motion; Pat Neu seconded and all three members present voted in favor. Chairman Chad Krueger and Trustees Matt Anson and Pat Neu were present; Trustees Ian Begemann and Tim Dineen were absent.

The ordinance was provided by the village attorney. The board agreed to consider benefits and setback requirements for a proposed cellular tower on 54th Street near the CO‑OP north of town. Trustee Tim Dineen, via email to the board, said he had spoken with Mike Jenson of Cass County Zoning and urged caution, writing that he believed there were “more unknown negatives than positives” with the project. The Zoning & Planning Commission met Nov. 6 to review a building permit for a communications tower and reported no recommended changes to the draft ordinance; commissioners noted only minor concerns about existing towers in town.

The trustees approved waiving the remaining readings at the Dec. 11 meeting, which shortens the formal adoption timetable. The ordinance authorizes the village to set local standards and procedures for communications towers; the board did not record additional public testimony at the meeting. The board’s action does not itself authorize construction; any permit or building permit for a tower will follow the village’s zoning and permitting processes.