Officials warn of potential cell‑service gaps as temporary towers and permanent replacements are planned

Commissioners discussed potential short‑term and long‑term fixes for cell coverage while water‑facility tank work proceeds. Officials said temporary ‘cell on wheels’ (COW) units or semi‑permanent structures may be needed while tanks are rebuilt, and that the underlying property owners must grant access for temporary installations.

A commissioner said portable units were discussed as a short‑term fix to avoid service loss when a tank and attached antennas are removed. “If they don’t get a temporary thing up, they’re gonna go dark,” one commissioner said, stressing the urgency for operators and the property association to coordinate.

Staff noted tradeoffs: a temporary structure can be built to look temporary (a COW) or be assembled in a way that resembles a permanent tower, which may concern neighbors. “Todd showed me the plans for the temporary tower, and it is exactly like a permanent tower,” a staff member said, warning that residents told the staff a structure that looks permanent will not read as temporary.

Officials said the city expects that some temporary or semi‑permanent solutions would be subject to planning review. They also noted alternatives are being explored with the utility district and tower operator to minimize visual impacts while maintaining service during construction.

The transcript records discussion and staff updates but does not record a final permit action or vote on a specific temporary tower design.