Gage County Newsletter

By Don Schuller 11/27/24 Regular meeting:Chairman Tiemann informed the board he spoke with the chairman of the Washington County, KS, board about the proposed agreement with one shared bridge on the state line. Washington County doesn’t want to share inspection and maintenance 50/50 due to managing that arrangement. They proposed to pay 100 percent of the required biannual inspection, giving us the cost of maintenance up to $5,000 at any one time. Anything exceeding $5,000 would be split evenly. Our board is not in favor of that high of an amount. Supervisor Haxby made the motion to use the same terms and lower the limit to $1,500. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Lytle and approved unanimously.The board debated whether to approve or disapprove the special use permit for the placement of a telecommunications tower to be located in the Southeast quarter of section 34 of Island Grove Township. This tower is presently planned to provide high speed internet by Nextlink in a 5-mile radius. Representative Aaron Clark added that as new technology is developed, the range will be increased. Haxby moved to approve and I seconded it. There was no opposition expressed during the public hearings. The board also debated whether to approve or disapprove the special use permit for the placement of a telecommunications tower in section 19 of Filley Township. The permit was requested by Industrial Towers West. This tower will offer 5G cell phone service. Supervisor Jurgens reiterated the objections that were raised at the public hearings: A petition with 300 plus signatures of neighboring home and landowners, objecting to the tower location; the impact on neighboring residents and businesses; Viaero equipment connected to Chinese supplier (Viaero, a cell phone company, is the planned company to lease the tower); the tower location; and the company’s refusal to meet with the residents. Jurgens made motion to deny approval of the permit, seconded by Supervisor Haxby.I told the board and the crowd in attendance that this is a tough decision for me. Logan township is in my district and many of those in it oppose the tower. But I am here to serve the entire county, and I feel denying this permit is not in the best interest of the entire county. I understand the concerns of the neighboring residents and businesses over land values and economic impacts, although the concerns are speculation and ignore the positives the project could bring. It’s felt that it is not needed because service is good there now, but the service of this tower will extend beyond the present proposed area in the future. It is limited presently, the same as the Island Grove tower, by current technology. New technology will be developed to expand the area. I believe we need to be consistent in approving and disapproving like businesses. Gage County needs the infrastructure, but I'm concerned that future businesses will not look at us, due to the demonstrated risk that they'll be turned down. We have Planning and Zoning, we've got regulations, but then we tweak it for each situation: "we move the goalposts, and they get turned down." Haxby said it was fair for the county to examine each proposal as it comes in. She said there is a lot of opposition to this tower. She believes in listening to the constituents. I do as well, but I also believe we are there to represent those who are not vocal. All constituents rely on us to look out for what is best for the entire county and its future.The county attorney reminded us at the public hearing to follow the guidelines provided for zoning regulations. I read from the list as follows: 1. Be compatible and similar to uses permitted in the district. It is. 2. Not to be a matter which should require rezoning of the property. It doesn’t. 3. Not to be detrimental to adjacent property. This is a matter of opinion. 4. Not tend to depreciate the value of the surrounding structures or property. This is a matter of opinion. 5. Not change the character of the district. It doesn’t. 6. Be in accordance with the comprehensive plan. You can read the plan and make what you want out of it.Haxby said that is the beauty of a board. We all have different opinions, and in the end, we vote for what is best for the people that we represent.We represent nearly 22,000 people in this county. Whether it is 300 people or 1 objecting I give them all consideration. My conscience tells me to do what is best for the majority, vocal or silent. Today we approved the Island Grove tower which has the same negatives as the Filley tower. Island Grove’s tower is presently intended for internet only. Filley’s tower is primarily for cell phone but the permit application includes the internet. I believe it is best for the county to be consistent. Companies will discontinue investing in Gage County if they cannot rely on us to be consistent with our regulations. These companies spend a lot of money to prepare to do business in our county believing they are complying with our regulations, only to be turned down. Cell phone and internet capabilities are critical infrastructure needs for farmers and others who do their jobs or run their business from home. COVID taught us it is critical for the education of our children to have quality internet at home. This type of infrastructure is crucial to Gage County’s future. I believe it is not the county board’s business to determine the need or the best location of telecommunication projects. We should not try to micro manage the communications industry.The motion to deny approval passed with a 5 to 2 vote with Supervisor Swavely and I voting no.I learned since the meeting that Mr. Riha, Industrial Tower West’s representative, said the company did not meet with area people because the request came after the company had completed site studies and spent thousands of dollars on an environmental report. He added, once the application is submitted, the money spent on two years of getting a survey done and a bunch of state and federal applications completed, you just don’t drop a site. This proves my concern that companies will be less likely to invest in Gage County due to the risk of denial, even when they meet our regulation requirements. This highlights the portions of the county meetings I feel are most relevant to my constituents. Use the link below to view the actual minutes and hear audio of the board meeting, when posted. https://gagecountynebraska.us/board_meetings/enhanced_minutes.aspx Facebook: Don Schuller – Public Servant https://www.facebook.com/DCSchuller

Lonnie Dale Meyer

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