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Residents ask Pleasant Prairie to hear national expert before vote on proposed cell tower; administrator says state law limits local authority
Summary
A neighborhood coalition requested a 45-minute presentation by Dr. Kent Chamberlain on potential community and biological impacts of a proposed cell phone tower; Village Administrator Eric Renflesh responded that state statute generally limits municipalities' authority to deny tower siting but local staff can regulate screening and setbacks.
During public comments, Patty Hall said a resident coalition working near 89th Street and 34th Avenue opposes a proposed cell tower and requested that Dr. Kent Chamberlain, an expert who served on a New Hampshire state commission, present findings to the board by Zoom before any binding vote. Hall said the coalition has retained national experts and planned repeated appearances at meetings to share findings and recommendations.
Village Administrator Eric Renflesh responded to the coalitions request, telling the board that state law constrains municipal authority over wireless facility siting. He said staff can address ground-level screening and setbacks like any construction permit, but "there is no guidance that we would have that allows us to deny the state tower," and cautioned that the issue is largely controlled at the state legislative level.
