SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
November 7, 2003
The Board of Selectmen met in Regular Session at 2:00 P.M. with Acting Chair Walter Joe Roach, Selectman David I. Grasfield and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz.
Others present: Richard A. Gelerman, Town Counsel and Bill Mendelson, Town Counsel
On behalf of Sentinel Companies: William A. Orlandi, Patrick Farretta, Bernard O’Shaynesy, John Furrier, Chris Anderson and Joanne Orlandi.
The meeting was called to order at 2:10 P.M.
Wireless Communication
Mr. John Furrier gave a presentation to the Board that included:
new approach to Community Telecom Development;
new unlicenced spectrum development of technology, including wi fi (such as Starbucks cafes);
need for community to set standards; and,
need for community Master Plan to turn the telecom evolution into a community asset.
Mr. Furrier seemed to emphasize internet access or data access rather than voice access. He spoke about the Town using its assets already in place for a telecommunications network, and visioned a community-based network that could be run by the high school.
Real estate issues were raised as to who owns the utility poles and the land thereon.
It was stated that the Distribution Antenna System (DAS) works for data transmission and is much more limited for voice or cellular transmission (with the implication that this may not be an alternative technology for the Sprint gap).
Richard A. Gelerman, Town Counsel, asked if there is technology available today to fill the “coverage gap” as an alternative to the proposed Cell Tower as part of the settlement with Sprint.
He asked if the Town could put up a system within 3 - 4 months with no charge to the community.
Mr. Orlandi said that it is feasible from a financial point of view. He spoke about a public/partnership with the debt having some impact on our bond issue. Mr. Orlandi further stated that they have never done a public/private partnership in Massachusetts.
Attorney Gelerman stated that we want to avoid the placement of that tower on the Sharon County Club if there is another way to fill the coverage gap for Sprint and similar companies and
that we do not have to provide the same technology to fill the coverage gap. Attorney Gelerman asked directly if there is another system available, how it is going to be paid for and how quickly it can be installed.
Mr. Furrier stated that providing for this coverage may be difficult to engineer. Mr. Orlandi stated that financing “is a phone call away.” Ben Puritz stated that he would investigate as to who owns the land that the utility poles are on. Attorney Gelerman stated that we own the right-of-way, the air in between and above the poles. Selectman Roach suggested that we just use the top of public buildings.
Attorney Gelerman’s Office will furnish necessary maps to Furrier & Anderson so that they could analyze the current coverage gap in Sharon re feasibility to seeking an alternative solution to “the coverage gap.” It was stated that the installation of antennas on top of buildings may not work because of the number of high trees in the Town - the antennas would require “a line of sight.”
Mr. Anderson stated that Sprint Telecommunications uses a different means of carrying signals (analog) and would need a cell tower. A discussion of how a tall tower could provide services to neighboring towns was held. Mr. Anderson recommended that a tower be located on town-owned land.
In answer to the question re health issues, Mr. Anderson stated that cell towers have “low powered transmission.” Mr. Furrier recommended starting a planning process with engineering and legal analysis involved. Mr. Anderson stated that the alternative technology for Sprint telecommunications coverage would need to be in compliance with the FCC and that, “its not going to happen.”
Adjourn Meeting
VOTED: (Roach/Grasfield) Voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 3:55 P.M.
Grasfield, aye; Roach, aye.
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