Planning commission chairman blasts Eagle

Letter to the editor
Published: June 19, 2008

Editor:

Cell tower controversy?

What is the controversy regarding cell towers? After reading the articles in this publication last week, I was left wondering how you could report our meeting so poorly. After considering the many inaccuracies you presented, and discussing the issue with several residents that took your articles at face value, I decided it required a response describing the actual events.

On Wednesday night, June 4, the planning commission acted on numerous requests. Our meeting continued for three hours and the board of supervisors continued until 1 a.m. We had several requests for new cellular towers and several requests for cellular collocation permits. Some of these applications have been on our agenda for eight months.

During these eight months, I have established a committee that has studied cell towers and has researched the matter. This committee has discussed issues with the entire commission and has made a recommendation to the county administrator for the base of a new draft ordinance.

During these eight months, no one has approached the planning commission regarding cell tower height or appearance. The majority of the discussion centered on getting adequate coverage to the majority of the county in an acceptable manner as quickly as possible.

When the tower applications were presented on June 4, there was no public opposition from adjoining landowners or neighbors. On each case, there was only one person at the public comment portion of the process to speak in opposition.

How can a journalist reduce a five-hour meeting with multiple controversies and issues to a single issue that had no public controversy? We took numerous comments and concerns regarding the firearms range at the landfill. We acted on a case that involved litigation with the county. The board of supervisors took comment regarding changes for a Christian school that has become controversial. How can it be reduced to an issue that only had one opponent after being advertised on the agenda for eight months?

This publication was once an objective source of reporting the news. I encourage the current staff to examine the information they print and consider its accuracy and objectivity.

Rodney A. Lillard
Madison County
Chairman