What happened
KGI Wireless representative Jeremy Kampen said the proposed cell tower would provide additional data capacity and wireless coverage options to address dead spots in Lakeway, Flintrock and Rough Hollow neighborhoods.
After hearing over 20 public comments from residents, the council moved to postpone the decision for 30 days to assess the feasibility of finding alternative locations for the tower.
Safety concerns and property devaluation were among the top issues raised about the proposal.
The reason
Kampen said the specific location for the 220-foot tower was chosen for its aesthetic harmony with other vertical infrastructure in the area, including various Lakeway MUD facilities and Lower Colorado River Authority transmission towers.
Lakeway Police Chief Glen Koen also confirmed poor coverage in the surrounding area has affected communication among first responders.
What residents are saying
Prior to the meeting, an online petition opposing the cell tower garnered over 300 signatures.
Several residents voiced concerns about the proximity of the cell tower to Serene Hills Elementary school, citing the possible adverse health effects of radiofrequency radiation and the risk for electrical fires.
"We can't understand why we would put this tower directly above the children's school. It blows my mind," said Cristin Woodruff, Serene Hills Elementary PTO board president, at the meeting. "All I'm hearing tonight is a lot about the revenue to the city and better cell service, which I don't think outweigh the detriment to our school, our children [and] our teachers."
Kampen clarified that KGI Wireless would conduct a third party RF emission test upon installation to guarantee levels are at or below proven safe levels.
He also pointed to four existing cell towers within close proximity to other public school campuses in the area, including Lake Travis High School and Lake Travis Middle School.
The decision
Council member Matt Sherman led a motion to postpone the decision until further research could be done on alternative tower locations.
City Manager Joseph Molis clarified that if the city hired a third party engineering firm to survey other locations, a budget amendment would be required. A cost estimate for those services was not available as of press time.
