Noting the need for better cell phone coverage in the area, the Barton County Commission Tuesday morning approved a conditional land-use permit for Vertical Bridge BTS II LLC by Network Connex to construct a communications tower at 673 B N. U.S. 281, just south of the Barton Hills Golf Course.
The request was for a 385-foot guyed tower on a portion of a tract owned by the Patricia K. Haberman Trust, said Environmental Manager Judy Goreham. The Barton County Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on Sept. 14 and it was unanimously recommended that the Barton County Commission approve this request.
Due to the height of the tower, the Planning Commission required that no building permit be issued until the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Aviation Administration approvals have been received. However both have already been submitted, Goreham said.
Part of the FAA and FCC approval requirements is they have to review the flight path for Fort Riley. “It takes a coordinated effort. They have to make sure that the pilots who are running those missions from Fort Riley aren’t interfered with. So when you get those kinds of approvals, that means they’ve done their homework, and they’re not concerned with the location,” she said.
The structure will be west of Barton Hills on the west side of the highway. The tower will stand 375 feet tall with a 10-foot lightning rod. White lights will flash during the day and red ones during the night, and the guy wires and anchors will cover a little over 10 acres.
Landowners within 1,000 feet, including the golf course management, were notified via a written invitation and a copy of the application, she said. She received no calls nor emails, and no one showed up for the hearing.
“Most of us know that communication is generally dropped when you go through that area on 281, so I’m sure they’re as eager to have better cell phone coverage as all of us,” Goreham said.
This will be a T-Mobile tower, she said. However, other carriers can purchase space on it as well.
“Well, I’m excited about it and the better coverage,” said District 5 Commissioner Donna Zimmerman. “And it’s exciting to have some more (phone) competition.”
“I agree,” Goreham said.
Patricia Haberman and her son Patrick were present at the meeting.
“Through this process, the golf course us actually getting upgraded electrical service,” Patrick said. There will also be fiber optic lines that the golf course has the option of accessing.
Barton County Commission meeting at a glance
Here is a quick look at what the Barton County Commission did Tuesday morning:
• Approved a revised memorandum of understanding in regards to a water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer infrastructure project in Ellinwood.
• Approved a conditional land-use permit for VB BTS II LLC by Network Connex for a communications tower at 673 B N. U.S. 281.
• Approved an update to the county employee handbook.
On Oct. 3, the commission adopted changes to county policies dealing with holiday pay. It has since been suggested that the Holiday Premium Pay policy be further updated, County Administrator Matt Patzner said.
Essentially, the change will allow any employee physically working on an established holiday to be paid holiday premium pay for the entire shift, as opposed to the current hours worked only on the holiday.
• Held a 20-minute executive session to seek legal advice from County Counselor Patrick Hoffman. After reconvening in open session, no action was taken.
Following the agenda meeting, the following appointments were scheduled:
• Renewal of voice recording system maintenance contract with Dena Popp, 911 director, and Casey Hubbard, office manager for the County Attorney’s Office.
• A grant opportunity for the County Clerk’s office with Bev Schmeidler, county clerk.
• Regular business discussion with Matt Patzner, county administrator.
