Monday's City Council meeting included a public hearing for a proposed AT&T Mobility cellular tower to be located in Washington, Missouri.  The proposed location for the 104-foot tower is just west of Orscheln Farm and Home in the Washington Corners plaza.

 

Several residents spoke in favor of the proposed tower, including State Senator John Griesheimer (photo, left).  Residents living in nearby neighborhoods noted that cellular coverage was poor in the area and the tower would alleviate that issue.

 

Legal representative for AT&T Mobility, John Ryan of Lathrop & Gage L.C., St. Louis, mentioned that one concern he had heard previously was the potential noise that may come with a flag waving on the cellular tower structure.  Ryan noted that if it were the wish of the community to not have a flag on the tower, then that wish could be accommodated. 

 

Also discussed was the safety of the tower, since it would sit in close proximity to Orscheln's.  It was commented that the tower could have a design that would cause it to fall onto itself rather than onto adjacent property, thereby reducing the risk of injury or damage.

 

An independent consultant, selected by the city, and paid for by AT&T Mobility reviewed the area for alternative locations for the tower.  The top of the water tower on Crestview Drive was the only additional location deemed suitable for its desired purpose.  In a letter signed by Fire Chief Bill Halmich and Communications Director Lisa Hotsenpiller, however, it was expressed that the city should consider the top of the water tower as potential future use for its communication network, and as such should not be utilized for a cellular antennae.