Council approves 75‑foot wireless monopole with setback modification to improve northern coverage

The council approved a conditional‑use permit that allows a 75‑foot wireless communications monopole with a west‑side setback reduction to 25 feet, citing staff findings that the proposed location uses a broad railroad right‑of‑way as an effective buffer from residences.

Planning staff (Marcela Benitez) explained that the site meets town code and PUD requirements and that planning and neighborhood outreach occurred (a neighborhood meeting and a planning‑and‑zoning public hearing). The planning commission had forwarded a 5‑0 recommendation for approval; staff recommended adoption with conditions listed in the staff report.

Todd Doust, representing Anthonette Infrastructure and Verizon Wireless, said Verizon will be the anchor tenant and the project is being marketed to other carriers for vertical leasing. Doust said the site location takes advantage of a 200‑foot railroad right‑of‑way and additional transmission‑pole corridors to maximize separation from residences and mitigate visual impacts. "We feel that this location... represents the least intrusive means to address the gap in coverage," Doust said.

Council members asked safety and setback questions; staff explained that the proposed setback plus the 200‑foot easement means a tower collapse would fall only on vacant land. After brief council questions a motion to adopt Resolution 1997‑26 was seconded and passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.