By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green officials want to keep small cellular towers from cluttering up city properties. But Ohio is considering legislation that would allow companies like AT&T to erect mini cell towers on municipal buildings, water towers, even utility poles.
Small cell towers are being erected to fill holes in cell companies’ coverage and ease network congestion.
State legislators passed the cell tower provision as an amendment piggybacked on a completely unrelated bill on pet stores. The bill is now waiting for Gov. John Kasich’s signature. Both Bowling Green Mayor Dick Edwards and Utilities Director Brian O’Connell talked about the issue last week evening during city council meeting.
The mayor had contacted State Senator Randy Gardner and State Rep. Theresa Gavarone, both R-Bowling Green, to voice his concerns about the amendment. Gardner voted “no” on the bill, and was the only Republican in the Senate to do so. Gavarone voted “yes” on the bill.
The cell tower portion of the legislation, pushed primarily by AT&T, would give cellular companies the ability to place mini towers on any structures in municipal right-of-ways.
“We would have very little review,” O’Connell said. “Our ability to deny is very restricted.”
City Attorney Mike Marsh also expressed his concerns about the amendment. Cell companies could place towers on top of telephone poles, city buildings, water towers and other structures with little input by the city. “This would take our ability away” to control outside items placed on city property, he said. And it is unclear if the city may be responsible for maintenance and repair of the mini cell towers, the mayor said.
Edwards said the bill was rushed through the lame duck legislative session. “It didn’t go through any legislative process.”
The mayor said he and other municipal leaders in the state are noticing more and more legislation chipping away at the rights of cities and villages.
“This is another case,” Edwards said. “We want to protect neighborhood and community interests.”
In other business at Monday’s meeting:
- Council approved an ordinance allowing motorists to back into downtown metered parking spaces where kiosks are located, as long as their vehicles’ license plates are visible from the lane of travel. Backing in vehicles is still prohibited in lots with parking meters.
- Council approved plans for electric and sewer improvements that will allow the expansion of Brathaus bar, 115 E. Court St.
- Council heard from a new city resident who uses a wheelchair, who said she has almost been hit by cars a couple times in crosswalks, and said she has difficulty navigating uneven sidewalks in the city.
- Mayor Dick Edwards talked about some tensions on BGSU’s campus after the recent election. He reaffirmed the work of Not In Our Town. “The city is fully committed to making our community as welcoming as we can.”
- Edwards announced the city was holding its 23rd ribbon cutting at a new business this year.
- Parks and Recreation Director Kristin Otley said Wood County Hospital is building a trail that will connect Simpson Garden Park to the Conneaut/Haskins Park. The trail will have some exercise equipment for adults.
- Otley announced a fundraiser will be held Dec. 30 at Campus Quarters to raise money for “Clara’s Creature” at the city pool’s splash pad.
- Public Works Director Brian Craft said the city has 2,000 tons of road salt remaining in the new salt shelter, and will be ordering another 2,200 tons for the winter.
