Cell towers rules reviewed

GARFIELD -- Preparing for the future, Garfield Mayor Gary Blackburn presented an ordinance legislating the placement, construction and maintenance of cell towers on the City Council agenda. The ordinance will be on its second reading at the February City Council meeting. An ordinance can be adopted after its third reading.

"This is a big deal," Blackburn told council members at the January meeting, when the ordinance was read by title only.

"One day somebody is going to come to town, buy land and put a tower there. This document will provide protection for everybody. Let's get the word out and let people know what's going on."

Blackburn said he got the ordinance from the Arkansas Municipal League and said the council members may "fine tune" it at their discretion.

One item in the ordinance governs "fall zones" stating that the minimum distance from the base of any tower to any residential dwelling unit or commercial building shall be the height of the tower unless all persons owning said residences or commercial buildings shall consent in a signed writing..."

Blackburn said he welcomes input from Garfield residents.

A copy of the ordinance is available at Garfield City Hall.