Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge council oversight on EMR and wireless deployments, cite ADA and FCC concerns
Summary
Two public commenters urged Shakopee officials to exercise oversight on electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and smart‑meter policies, raised ADA concerns about analog‑meter fees as accommodations, and warned about federal preemption under the Telecommunications Act and FCC standards.
During public comment, two residents urged the council to take a more active role examining health and accessibility impacts of wireless and utility technologies. Andrea (speaker 13) asked the city to require any government agency considering technology with EMR implications to consult an independent health council composed of physicians, biomedical researchers and affected residents, citing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and 28 CFR §35.105 and §35.130 on accommodations. She said an analog meter option with a $75 monthly fee is a prohibited surcharge when used as an accommodation and urged the council to exercise oversight.
Another resident (speaker 9) warned councilors about federal limits on local authority under the Telecommunications Act (section 704) and the FCC's role in setting RF standards; the speaker cited a 2020 DC Circuit order that found the FCC's guidance arbitrary in some respects and urged local leaders to "protect the constitutional rights of the citizens of Shakopee." Council did not act on policy changes that night but accepted written materials and invited commenters to share documentation with staff.
Council staff requested that commenters provide their materials to the clerk for distribution to staff and the council for follow up.
