Multiple options of location and appearance for a new cell phone tower were presented at the meeting of the Lookout Mountain, Tn. commission Tuesday evening. The town hired Neel-Schaffer, an engineering firm as independent consultants to advise of the least objectionable and highest functioning choices for improving cell phone coverage on the mountain and to create a request for proposal. Visual renderings of several configurations drawn to scale were shown using the different towers that are available.
Three of its recommendations are located in front of city hall, and would follow the contour of the present driveway. All of these are designed to be placed on a level space below the driveway.
These plans put the equipment in fully-enclosed structures with gabled roofs that are designed to look like the city hall building, using batten siding and natural stone columns. Viewed from the field at the commons, the structure would blend in with the present building.
All plans are designed to accommodate four carriers. The linear arrangements consist of two separate buildings. Each of these would be divided into two separate enclosures that would house equipment for two carriers, and each space would have a locking door. The actual tower would be placed between them. Various arrangements could include turning these little buildings so that doors open toward the driveway or away from it, and having a single roof or separate ones that would make the buildings appear smaller. A similar drawing was done with the same type of building in a square layout, but the linear design would require a smaller footprint. All of these plans could be landscaped to help fit in with the surroundings, and all would have a separate service driveway opening onto Scenic Highway.
One proposal was illustrated for locating the tower behind city hall. It too was drawn in a linear design that contours to the land. This position would require the removal of a covered parking structure, relocating Bobby’s Walk, removal of some mature trees, finding a place for construction equipment and creating a temporary access from Watauga Road, which might become permanent. This location would raise the 120-foot tall tower by 25 feet from the position in front of the building.
A decision is also needed for the type of tower to be used. A “stick tower” with or without a flag needs to have a very large diameter because antennae are placed inside the structure. Use of these were discouraged since all the equipment that carriers want to use may not fit inside. With the limitations, another tower may be needed in the future.
A monopole disguised to look like a tree might fit in if it were surrounded by redwoods, said the consultant, but would likely not fit in with the trees on the mountain. This type of tower has an increased load with the fake branches that would catch wind and ice and so would require a large diameter, up to five feet.
The council was told that a “full array” tower is what is typically seen along highways and is preferred by the carriers, but is visually obtrusive with the capacity to hold 12 antennae at each of four vertical positions on the pole. The antennae are mounted away from the actual tower.
A “close mount” tower is what Neel-Schaffer recommends for a sleek appearance, said the consultant. This construction will hold only six antennae at each position; however a different type of antenna is available that makes up for the larger number used on full array towers. Antennae are placed one and a half feet away from the pole on a close mount tower and there are some limitations that might become an issue in the future, but the consultants said they are adequate, especially since the antennae on the water tower will remain functional.
It is now up to the commissioners to make a decision. The consulting firm will then draw up a RFP that will be given to the two competing companies so their bids will be for the same conditions and reflect exactly what the town wants.
The monthly financial report from Town Consultant Dwight Montague showed sales tax ahead of last year and property tax payments behind at this time. The first of two contributions have been made by the PTA which is sent to Hamilton County to help support the school. The last payment to the engineers and contractors used for building the tennis courts has been made.
Statistics from the fire and police departments were compiled by Chief Randy Bowden and read by Fire and Police Commissioner Jim Bentley. In November police had 80 calls, patrolled 2,545 miles, answered 15 burglar alarms that were all false and responded to seven assist citizen calls and 13 from “911.” There was one auto accident and two arrests made, one for possession of alcohol by a minor and the other for driving on a revoked license. During the month 15 traffic stops were made, there was one report of property damage at one location and no burglaries. Seven medical calls and three fire alarms, all false were handled.
Commissioner Bentley also requested and received approval to amend the budget adding $3,000 to the $15,000 already budgeted for remodeling the kitchen at city hall that is used by the police and fire department and other employees.
Brooke Pippinger, commissioner of parks and playgrounds, announced that during the winter, the school gym will be open and supervised by Scott Shell, assistant director of the department, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. every Saturday until the first week of March. The commissioner also said basketball sign-ups are over but spaces are still available for those that missed the designated time.
Commissioner of Schools, Don Stinnett introduced Principal Ruth White who gave an update of activities at the school. She said the robotics team from Lookout Elementary placed third in a competition with 25 other teams to qualify for a state-wide competition to be held in February. Christmas concerts are scheduled for Dec. 11 and Dec. 12, and winter break is from Dec.19-Jan. 7. She also said that the school received a $7,500 grant from an application made by one of the teachers.
Commissioner Stinnett added that Grandparents Day will be held Feb. 27, and the fundraising event, Night Out for Lookout will be held that night.
The arrival of a second leaf machine was announced by Public Works Commissioner Walker Jones. He said with two machines, all the leaf piles should be removed by Christmas. He also said reflectors will be installed in obvious places and urged residents to notify public works for any areas where they are needed that have been overlooked. He also said the area on Bartram Road that caved in last week will require more than just patching and paving. The cost for this work will come from State Street Aid.
Mayor Carol Mutter presented a resolution from the commission honoring David Fussell who died unexpectedly on Oct. 21. At the time, he was serving on the Lookout Mountain, Ga. city council, and was a model citizen, well known for helping both sides of the mountain. He left his mark and the community a better place, she said.
The mayor also gave a reminder that blue stickers are available for any citizen to place on their mailboxes which indicates that no solicitations will be allowed. She also urged residents to patronize mountain businesses when Christmas shopping.
The next meeting of the Lookout Mountain, Tn. commission will be Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 5 p.m.