We would like to share the details of the process required by Verizon to obtain a Special Use Permit to install a large communications tower at Fire Station #1 at 320 W. Walnut. This process included a public hearing during a Rawlins Planning and Zoning Commission on June 13th, 2017 and an opportunity to speak during the agenda item on Rawlins City Council Meeting on July 5th, 2017.
The City of Rawlins and the Planning and Zoning Commission are currently reviewing the Special Use Permit Process to ensure clarity and accuracy is provided to residents within the 300 foot radius and to increase public participation during these processes.
February 23rd, 2017:
- City of Rawlins receives an application for Special Use Permit 17-02-01 from Verizon to construct a communication tower on the grounds of Fire Station #1 at 320 W. Walnut St.
March 1st, 2017:
- As required for all Special Use Permits applicant must obtain 50%+ signatures of residents within 300 feet as per code 19.56.020 Verizon opts to mail. Door-to-door is typically used.
March 1st -June 13th, 2020:
- City of Rawlins compiles all feedback either in support or objecting to the special use permit. Fourteen of twenty-four specific proprieties responded to the request for feedback, with one objecting to the special use permit and thirteen in support of the special use permit. For a complete review of all feedback submitted please review: https://go.boarddocs.com/wy/rawlins/Board.nsf/files/ANHUHE7C0656/$file/SUP%2017-02-01%20Returned%20Letters.PDF. The single objection was submitted by Dr. Johnson and specifically stated “I do not agree or want this massive tower essentially in my backyard (i.e. behind my garage). Not only would I be concerned regarding the aesthetic impact, but would also be concerned regarding the possible noise associated with the wind.”
May 1st, 2017:
- City of Rawlins drafted and sent letters via USPS to all non-responding residents and the opposed resident, notifying them of the application and the Special Use Permit’s Public Hearing time and place. This procedure is undertaken for all Special Use Permits.
June 3rd, 2017:
- City of Rawlins Planning & Zoning Commission’s Public Notice is published in Rawlins Daily Times.
June 13th, 2017:
- City of Rawlins Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting includes both a Public Hearing and Action Item under New Business for Verizon’s Special Use Permit. No public comment was received. The one objection was read aloud to the Planning Commission and became part of the official record. The City of Rawlins Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Special Use Permit to City Council contingent upon approval of the Historic District Federal Communication Commission 106 Filing.
July 5th, 2017:
- City of Rawlins Council reviews Verizon’s Special Use Permit with the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation under New Business. No public comment was received. Staff did inform city council that both negative and positive responses were received from the citizens. City Council approves Special Use Permit, contingent upon approval of the Historic District Federal Communication Commission 106 Filing. To view all documents presented to the City Council, please review: http://go.boarddocs.com/wy/rawlins/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=ANHUD67B8208.
- Clarification on City Council Public Hearing: Under Title 19.56 in 2017, the process was “If approval of the Special Use Permit is granted, the Planning Commission shall submit a certified recommendation to the City Council pursuant to Section 2.20.130 of the Rawlins City Code.” An additional Public Hearing at City Council was not required until Title 19 was amended on April 7, 2020. View those amendments here: http://go.boarddocs.com/wy/rawlins/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BMTUAZ7B3175
July 20, 2017:
- Special Use Permit Approval Letter Mailed to Verizon.
August 10, 2017:
- Verizon provides proof for Historic District Federal Communication Commission 106 Filing.
July 21, 2020:
- City of Rawlins Council approves a lease agreement with Verizon Wireless to construct cell site and tower behind Fire Station #2.
July 27, 2020:
- Lease agreement with breach of contract provisions, is executed by Mayor Nicholson per City Council approval on July 21st.
August 4, 2020:
- Dr. Johnson appears in person for first time at a City Council meeting regarding Verizon Tower, as he failed to appear during or after the Special Use Permit process in 2017 or prior to the lease being signed in 2020. He shares concern about general health risks and property values with city council for the first time, for minutes please see: http://go.boarddocs.com/wy/rawlins/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BKMUYJ7A3330
October 6, 2020:
- Dr. Johnson and City Staff present details to City Council during a Council Work Session regarding the Verizon Tower and Special Use Permit.
For more information, please contact Mira Miller, City of Rawlins Community Relations Coordinator, at 307-328-4500 ext. 1022.
