City council discusses implementation of 5G technology
Mike Ray, City of Moscow planning manager, explained the details and varying restrictions a new ordinance would lay out for facilities providing 5G services.
As of now Moscow has no regulations for the implementation of small cell wireless facilities, which are necessary for 5G service. There are no prospects for implementing regulations right now. The proposed ordinance is merely a preventative measure.
After nearly an hour and twenty minutes of discussion, the council voted to consider the draft.
The ordinance was inspired by potential aesthetic, structural and functional complications in the installation of small cell wireless facilities. Among those concerns includes visual clutter and impediment of sidewalks or roadways.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 states local jurisdiction must allow reasonable access to providers for installing public services. Moscow residents have emailed the city with concerns about the health impacts of installing 5G technology, Mayor Bill Lambert said. However, the city cannot deny the implementation of the facilities based only on these concerns.
The motion will return to council for a second reading on Nov. 2, where it may be voted to pass or to considered for a third reading.
Month of October proclaimed to be Domestic Violence Action Month
Lambert proclaimed October 2020 to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Moscow citizens are encouraged to act against domestic violence on the Palouse and honor victims of violence. The proclamation was presented to a representative from Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse (ATVP).
Domestic violence impacts over 10 million people annually, Alyda Jaegerman, ATVP Idaho Direct Service Advocate, said. ATVP, a non-profit providing support to victims and survivors, serves approximately 600 people impacted by domestic violence on the Palouse every year.
“ATVP is four years strong and in those years, we have been a consistent resource for survivors in the Palouse community,” Jaegerman said. “On behalf of our agency, we sincerely thank the city for acknowledging the prevalence and helping to raise awareness and to take action against domestic violence.”
Carter Kolpitcke can be reached at [email protected].