Board grants Verizon continuance for proposed Minden cell tower after residents raise health and siting concerns

The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 1 approved a continuance of Verizon Wireless’s appeal of a Planning Commission denial for DP24‑0169 — an 80‑foot monopole and equipment at 1699 County Road in Minden — to Jan. 21, 2027, to allow the company to pursue alternate locations.

Assistant planner Linda Doherty told the board Verizon had identified an alternative parcel and requested more time so that location could be considered by the Planning Commission. Doherty clarified the continuance date for the public record after staff noted the background material listed an incorrect date.

Representing Verizon, Melissa Ofina asked the board to grant the continuance and said the company planned to have an alternate candidate heard by the Oct. 13 Planning Commission meeting. “Thank you for allowing us to present this item and request a continuance,” she said.

Multiple members of the public urged the board to deny the project or at least ensure any alternate sites are not sited near homes, schools, day cares or recreation centers. Licensed engineering contractor Bill Serito said the proposed area includes a high concentration of children and claimed federal actions and studies have left questions about wireless radiation risks: “The word is out that the radiation from these towers is detrimental to children,” he said. Susan Brolson, another nearby resident, told commissioners the RAND property on Highway 88 was being considered and said, “Do not allow these towers next to our homes.”

Other commenters urged the board to re‑examine whether a coverage gap still exists after recent upgrades to other local towers. Rainey Camper noted Verizon had upgraded facilities and suggested updated analysis might show the proposed tower is unnecessary. Greg Rolson cited elements of county code he said had supported prior denials and asked the board to use local code provisions to protect community character and safety.

Douglas County District Attorney’s Office counsel Cynthia Gregory asked the board to place on the record that any continuance be for good cause and consistent with county code and relevant federal regulations, noting particular procedural requirements for continuances.

After discussion the board moved to grant the continuance. The chair asked staff to record that the hearing would be continued to the Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027 meeting (staff had earlier noted a Jan. 22 date in background materials that was incorrect). The motion passed unanimously on the dais: the board recorded the motion as passing 5 to 0.

The continuance does not decide whether an alternate site will be acceptable; it only extends the schedule so Verizon can pursue and present alternate locations at future hearings.