At the October 7 meeting of the county board, one of the applications for conditional use permits for telecommunication towers contributed to a prolonged debate.
The Planning Commission recently approved conditional use applications for four telecommunication towers. Mike Huizenga, project manager for GSS, representing his client Cloud 1 Services was present to answer questions.
During the Citizens Input portion of the meeting, residents were allowed to make their arguments concerning the towers. Only one of the four applications was disputed at the Planning Commission. Only one application was disputed this day.
The proposed tower to be constructed on property owned by Bob and Mary Root and Kurt nd Melissa Langeslag in section 15 of Forestville Township was at the center of the dispute.
Neighboring property owner Randy Grabau said he was not trying to prevent construction of a tower on his neighbor’s property, but he did have issue with it being constructed 600 feet from his home. He conceded that the county’s ordinance requires only 500 feet from a dwelling. Grabau listed many health concerns that could result from constant exposure to radiation during the next 50 years. He cited numerous articles that suggest the radiation can cause sleep disturbances, cancer, cardiovascular problems, and many more health issues. Grabau insisted the tower should be at least one-quarter mile away from his home.
Grabau cited 733.04 Conditional Use Permit Required paragraph (12). It, in part, reads “An alternative analysis, prepared and signed by radio frequency engineer, shall be submitted by the applicant … shall identify, all reasonable, technically feasible, alternative locations …” No alternative sites have been provided. He said the first time they knew about the application was on September 5. However, the project to find locations began in January.
Forestville Township Supervisor Robert Schmidt expressed his concern that the location was only about 230 feet from Forestville Town Hall. It will take away from the aesthetics of the historic town hall. He agreed with Grabau that there were other locations; he said the tower should be required to be 500 feet away from any building including the town hall.
Wenda Grabau argued the tower will reduce property values. Amy Grabau added the farm has been in their family for 169 years, “Can we just consider alternative locations?”
Huizenga disagreed that the tower would reduce property values; he suggested they may even increase in some neighborhoods. He said they work with the property owner and the client to determine a location. This is one of 12 or 13 towers planned for Fillmore County. It is a piece of a larger puzzle to provide coverage for the 911 system in the county. AT&T is the provider for emergency response for the state. AT&T will be the first anchor tenant/carrier.
Huizenga explained federal health and safety regulations are followed. He insisted no reputable source says there is an uptick in health issues with these technologies.
Commissioner Duane Bakke asked if the location was moved 400 feet to the north would there need to be a study. Huizenga said moving the location will require them to refile; they will need to start over. Bakke then said, “We had a public hearing at the Planning Commission; 733.04 is part of the requirements and I believe those requirements were met.” Legally, the location does not have to be moved; denying the permit is not legally defendable.
The CUP was approved unanimously for the tower in Forestville Township.
The CUP for a telecommunications tower on property owned by Johnson Rolling Acres, section 36, Norway Township was approved. There was no comment at the public hearing. The tower will be approximately 635 feet from the nearest dwelling.
The CUP for a telecommunications tower on the property owned by Gary Olson, section 7, Arendahl Township was approved. There was no comment at the public hearing. The tower location will be approximately 1,179 from the nearest dwelling.
The CUP for a telecommunications tower on the property owned by Evan Krahn, section 26, Fillmore Township was approved. There was no comment at the public hearing. The tower location will be approximately 1,690 feet from the nearest dwelling.
Other Business in Brief
- Approval was granted for Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Retailer Registration for Pam’s Corner Convenience in Harmony.
- The final payment in the amount of $13,710 to Bruening Rock Products for the 2025 Rock Contract was approved. The total value of the work for roads CR 105 and CSAHs 12, 16, 18, 19, and 30 was $274,204.
- Approval was granted for an access permit for Mitchell Czapiewski for a new driveway access on CR 1 in Spring Valley Township. The additional access will allow safe loading and unloading of pigs on semis.
- Patrick McGowan was hired as a replacement Highway Maintenance Specialist, effective October 20.
- Justin Johnson was hired as a replacement Highway Maintenance Specialist, effective October 27.
- Payment of Jail Project Paybook #31 in the total amount of $197,559 was approved. The remodel portion of the project is wrapping up and could be completed by the end of November.
Leave a Reply