Webster authorizes independent RF review of two proposed Verizon towers; Verizon to reimburse cost

The Webster Town Board on July 2 authorized the supervisor to sign an agreement with RF engineering consultant William P. Johnson to perform an independent third-party review of two proposed Verizon cell towers, with Verizon to reimburse the town for the consultant's cost.

Town staff said they solicited roughly 10 consulting firms and received one responsive proposal for the scope of work. Josh, the staff presenter, recommended proceeding with the original scope of work and obtaining a preliminary report before deciding whether additional drive-testing or further analysis is warranted. "The recommendation tonight is to move forward with the original scope of work," he told the board.

Members discussed the legal standard in likely court review: propagation-map analyses (statistical modeling of coverage) are typically preferred by courts, while drive-testing (in-vehicle measurements) can supplement but rarely overturn propagation analyses on its own. Board members noted that drive testing has limits, saying it can be done only on roads and may not capture private-property conditions; staff estimated supplemental drive-testing could cost in the $3,000 to $5,000 range if later recommended.

After questions about timing and the proprietary limits of Verizon's reports, a motion was made to authorize the supervisor to sign the consultant agreement; the motion passed unanimously in roll call. The consultant told the board he could deliver a preliminary report within about four weeks if approved.

The agreement directs the consultant to review Verizon's technical submittal and recommend whether additional testing is warranted; if conflicting or ambiguous results appear, the consultant would recommend targeted supplemental testing at the town's expense. The board directed staff to proceed with the contract and to return with findings once the consultant completes a preliminary report.