HUBBARD Council gives Alltel OK to erect tower

The communications tower was a dead issue late last year.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- City council gave approval for construction of a communications tower along Creed Avenue said to benefit police and firefighters. The approval came despite opposition from some residents.
The legislation was unanimously approved Tuesday by lawmakers. Councilwoman Bonnie Viele, D-1st, was absent. It authorizes the city board of control to enter into an agreement with Alltel to build the tower on city-owned property.
Under the contract, the city and Hubbard Township police and fire departments will receive $74,000 in communications equipment. The city would also receive $500 monthly that would increase during the life of the 25-year agreement.
The tower was a dead issue late last year after 178 Creed-area residents signed a petition in protest, citing health issues from radio waves.
But Mayor Arthur U. Magee convinced lawmakers the tower was in the best interest of all residents.
How discussion went
William Dobosh, a Creed resident, called on council to defeat the measure, arguing the Alltel was "dangling a carrot" to pit the safety forces against residents.
He asserted that the tower is not worth gambling with the health of residents.
Richard Keenan, former 4th Ward councilman, called on lawmakers to support the "very strong safety issue" for police and firefighters.
He pointed out that police and firefighters can't communicate with one another in some areas of the city and township. The tower will include a repeater mounted on it that is supposed to resolve the problem.
Lt. William Johnston, a 12-year member of the Hubbard Volunteer Fire Department, argued for the legislation because it would benefit the entire community.
"You can't make everybody happy all of the time," he said of those opposed.
After the legislation was approved as an emergency rather than given two more readings, Dobosh asked for council to reconsider because he believes the issue is not an emergency.
He asserted that police and firefighters have been using the current communications system for some time, thus no emergency exists. He also said the city charter prohibits issues dealing with franchises to be treated as emergencies.
Law Director Gary Gilmartin countered that the city doesn't have a charter and the city can act to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents.
Other business
On another matter, council President John Darko called for a work session for 7 p.m. Tuesday, to discuss storm sewers in the Saul Drive area.
The estimated cost is about $120,000, Darko said, and the work session is to seek ways to fund the project.
yovich@vindy.com