Latest Updates

10/14> The issue of the cell tower was not addressed at today's meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission, except to put it back on the table for the next meeting. They stated that not being on the agenda this week, they could not address the issue with a recommendation. The issue is now on the agenda of the P&Z for 1: 30, October 28, and the County Commissioners are scheduled to address it the next day at 10:00 AM. It's important to attend the 10/28 meeting, but EXTRA IMPORTANT to be at the meeting at 10:00 the next morning.

10/7> The La Veta Town Board voted to enter into a five-year lease with Commnet Communications, bringing $750 per month and improved cell phone service to the town.

9/25>

At the 9/23 P&Z meeting, the Commnet proposal (0843) was approved by the P&Z. The Subcarrier Communications application (0831) was tabled.

Details on 0831 discussion: The P&Z presented to Mickey Villella that they had received over 200 letters from the public in opposition to the tower that could not be ignored. Villella then asked if any of them contained anything "besides the aesthetic issue". Vizanni's response was (paraphrased) "No, not really... except some debatable language from the Land Use Guide." (He must have missed my letter, and many of the other, carefully thought out and written, letters I have read.) The need to heal the huge rift in the community caused by the 'tactics of the opposition' was the primary reason given for tabling the tower. Villella then responded (later confirmed largely inaccurately) to some questions from the audience. Villella was then told by Andreatta that he had been very patient. The overall slant and tone of the conversation was upsetting to a few of us in the audience. The tower was nevertheless, with regrets and apologies, soflty tabled.

At the 9/24 County Commissioners meeting, the Comment proposal was approved. The Subcarrier Communications application was not voted on, because it was tabled by the P&Z the day before. The decision to table it by the P&Z was explained by John Galusha to the County Commissioners as follows: The decision on the application was tabled until such time as the Commnet contract with the Town of La Veta for antennas on the water tank is solidified AND if the town of La Veta enters into an agreement with Commnet to provide cell service, then the 180 foot tower at the proposed location will NOT be necessary. An estimated 40 or so citizens were in attendance at this 9/24 meeting and witnessed this.

Further discussion at the 9/24 meeting: Galusha informed that on 9/23 the P&Z suggested that the Subcarrier applicant look at another location, such as one on County Road 450, although the applicant may run into some opposition there as well, and that the P&Z seem to have agreed that the Master Plan for the county to be created in 2009 should include a communications plan. A request was made by a citizen for a moratorium on new cell tower applications until the communications plan is done. A forum for community input into the communications plan was also suggested.

Conclusion/Discussion: At this point, the P&Z has stated they will reject the 180' tower application if the Commnet contract is signed with La Veta. This is the first step and must occur. Any new attempt by the same applicant would then require a new application. In order to avoid a cycle of more frustrating mis-guided attempts and exausting oppositions, a moratorium on more towers until the 2009 communications plan is in place should occur. It is not be possible for ANY tower - no matter how high - to cover the entire county. Places like Bear Lake are hard to cover - massive tower or not - certainly no 180' tower at La Veta Cty Rd 360 would reach to Bear Lake above Cuchara. The P&Z should not be mislead into thinking that a tall tower is the answer to all the injuries in the county.

The communications plan planning process should hear from the public and assess:

• Where in the county do we need cell service now?
• Where is our protected view shed where we don't want ugly communications towers?

9/17> Video from 9/10 rally courtesy of Barbara Jabaily and Mary Jo Mauro of DreamTellerVideo.com:



9/13> Timeline:

• On 9/19 - the deadline for public input to the P&Z and County Commissioners. Letters received at the courthouse by this date will be read.
• On 9/23 - the P&Z will meet and receive the advice of John Galusha, County Administrator, on the tower issue. In the same meeting, they will decide on the P&Z recommendation to the County Commissioners.
• On 9/24 - the County Commissioners will meet and will hear the P&Z recommendation and decide whether to vote on the 180 foot cell tower application then, or postpone the vote.
• See "What You Can Do" below for more details.

9/13> Recent developments:

• The Town Board of La Veta has sent a letter to the County in opposition to the proposed tower (letter below).
• Over 40 people spontaneously protested the tower and picketed in downtown La Veta on Saturday 8/6.
• The Town Board of La Veta met with the County Commissioners and discussed the Alltel and Commnet proposals that are now on the table. According to one board member, at this point, the town is 90-99% likely to pass these alternative solutions.
• About 80 people, including some P&Z commissioners, attended the Public Rally at Ricky Tims this Wednesday.
• More than 40 businesses in town have signed as being opposed to this tower. See "What You Can Do", on how you can sign.

9/7> Check out Larry Hill's web site of beautiful photos of La Veta: http://www.pbase.com/fletcher_hill/la_veta
(thank you, Larry, this is why we care...)
His letter to the commissioners is also posted at the bottom of this page, showing how many people around the world pay attention to the beauty and uniqueness of this area.

9/2> Commnet Wireless presented a proposal at the La Veta Town board meeting for 6 flush mount antennas on the sides of the 2nd town water tank. (Alltel is applying for a panel around the 1st). This would provide service for AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile customers, as well as other international carriers. The antennas would be painted to match the tanks. A visual simulation was presented. There would be 2 antennas pointing towards Cuchara, 2 towards La Veta Pass and 2 towards HWY 12 and 160 intersection. They would use the same contract with the town as is established by Alltel. Commnet stated that these will provide coverage for all and will be the best solution. Their goal would be to adjust/remedy Cuchara as needed to make Hwy 12 coverage between La Veta and Cuchara seamless. The motion to enter contract negotiations via the town attorney (like the Alltel contract) was made because it could represent up to $18,000 in revenue to the town. It was passed unanimously.

9/2> At the same town meeting, a request was made by a La Veta citizen for permission to fly a large red balloon to the height of the proposed Subcarrier Communications tower on the town lakes property, which is adjacent to the proposed site, for the purpose of allowing people a visual reference of the tower height. The request was granted for the duration of Sept 3 - Oct 2 unanimously with the stipulation that the balloon be monitored onsite at all times while in flight.

8/26> The P&Z decided in the 8/26 meeting to not hold a Public Hearing on this tower. There will be a rally to oppose the cell tower - "Service, YES! Tower, NO!" - September 10, 7pm at Ricky Tims Quilt Gallery. All are welcome.

• Come see a slide show of visual simulation of the tower!
• Come hear much more about the tower!
• Come eat, drink, and listen to music by Ken Saydak!
• Come help!

8/19> Due to the applicant's failure to notify all adjacent property owners, the Public Hearing 8/19 has been postponed. The P&Z will decide on rescheduling the Public Hearing at their next regular meeting, which is August 26 at 2pm.