LAKEPORT >> As floodwaters began to force road closures, one announcement brought some impromptu — and perhaps unexpected — applause.
“When I was in a meeting and they mentioned the temporary tower everyone clapped,” District 4 Supervisor Tina Scott said. “I found this odd because the people in the city have been so against it.”
The tower in question was a temporary device to support cellular phone and wireless service. Verizon installs Cells on Wheels — COW, or temporary cell sites )— in areas that are not currently served by a permanent tower to allow users to stay connected along with supplying wireless devices and equipment to support response efforts.
Scott pointed out that when Lakeport was placed in a local state of emergency due to recent flooding, the temporary cell tower was set up behind the County Courthouse downtown.
Verizon public relations officer Heidi Flato said that during emergencies the company coordinates with first responders and can mobilize charging stations, special equipment and emergency vehicles.
“A simple call or text message can make the difference between life and death,” Flato said. “Reliability starts when we choose the safest most secure locations available for our wireless equipment.”
Scott noted the irony of public applause for the temporary structure. After all, the location of additional permanent cell towers in both Lakeport and Kelseyville stirred both concern and acrimony during public comment on the county level.
Residents voiced opposition to proposed locations because of noise, possible effects on health, the cost of visual appeal and the potential damage to property values. In Lakeport plans for a tower near the High Street Village shopping center were sent back for revisions — and then back to the drawing board — by public pressure.
More recently the Board of Supervisors heard complaints from both sides after the Planning Commission denied as use permit for a tower location in Kelseyville.
Ron Chips the past president of the Kelseyville Business Association and resident in the town said he was against the placement of the tower, but not against having better cell service.
“Everybody in our town has worked very hard to maintain the friendly, country town. Right when you come into Kelseyville and the first thing you see is a cell tower out of place. Well everybody agrees that we need cell service all over the county, we feel this is an inappropriate location,” Chips said.
Rick White from Konocti Realty also said the cell tower location on Staheli Drive in Kelseyville would be a bad idea and would rather see the tower closer to the highway.
“This location would probably have less resistance from the locals,” White said.
Verizon had selected locations based upon coverage need and cost effectiveness. Other areas recommended were problematical, Verizon Representative Andrew Lesa said. Also due to zoning restrictions, some wireless towers are not allowed in specific areas and the company must work around that.
“We have environmental studies we have to run, we have to clear title reports, but most importantly we need a willing landlord,” Lesa said.
District 5 Supervisor Rob Brown said if the people do not want it in their community, then he is not going to force them to have it. Yet he also recognizes the need to eliminate spotty coverage.
“It seems to me there are a lot of mountain tops away from neighborhoods, away from people, huge acreage where it won’t be a problem or along the highway is where the location should occur if we’re going to have this much aggravation and concern with folks who live in particular neighborhoods,” Brown said.
His concern, as well as the concern of law enforcement officials, is for dropped emergency calls.
With the COW in Lakeport, Flato said they have seen a lot of usage both voice and data traffic.
“A permanent Verizon cell site in downtown Lakeport would significantly reduce the need for temporary network equipment during a crisis, and would provide improved year-round voice and data services for residents and first responders,” Flato said.
