TO: Mayor Collins and Town Council Members
FROM: Kevin Burke, Town Manager
DATE: May 17, 2017
DEPARTMENT: Town Manager
Staff Contact Kevin Burke, 480-348-3690
Andrew Miller, Town Attorney
Dawn Marie Buckland, Director of Administration and Government Affairs
End
AGENDA TITLE:
Title
Discussion of problems, solutions and permit processes for cell phone coverage in Paradise Valley
Body
Council Goals or Other Policies / Statutory Requirements:
Quality of Life - Maintain and Improve the Paradise Valley quality of life
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Discuss and provide direction to staff on key questions.
Background
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Poor cell phone coverage has been a continuous issue for the Town of Paradise Valley for several decades. Various solutions have had limited or temporary success. After investigation with carriers and tower companies, the apparent reason remains a lack of infrastructure. Therefore, the purpose of this Quality of Life Initiative, and in turn this special joint meeting, is to explore solutions to increase or improve cell phone infrastructure without sacrificing aesthetics and staying within the confines of the new State law on this topic.
To accomplish this objective, this meeting intends to:
* Share information learned to date
* Provide an update on the State legislation
* Identify possible solutions
* Resolve process questions
* Receive public feedback
* Receive Planning Commission feedback; and,
* Receive direction from Council
Background
Poor Cell Phone Service was identified in January 2016 as a Quality of Life Initiative. The Mayor is the Council Liaison and worked with the Town Manager to obtain information. That started by asking for meetings with the carriers. The Mayor and Manager met with Verizon on March 31, 2017 and AT&T on June 2, 2016. These were preceded and followed with various phone calls with the representatives. Other industry members also approached the Town and had meetings inclu...
Click here for full text