City council approves cell tower

MATTAWA - A draft ordinance approved previously by Mattawa City Council to allow the building of a cell phone tower in the community has not yet been fully approved.

City Clerk Robin Newcomb reported last week that city attorney Katherine Kenison has made changes to the draft ordinance. They address concerns of the cell company in question, US Cellular.

In addition, Kenison has left another of US Cellular's concerns up to the council. As written now, the ordinance does not allow for the tower height US Cellular desires. She told council members it was up to them to approve or not approve the taller height.

"They may decide that at the next meeting (Sept. 6)," Newcomb said.

There is no rush, as far as US Cellular is concerned, according to company spokesman Steve Carlson. He said the company has no timeline for building the tower or bringing it online.

Carlson said the company is "looking into the possibility" of building a tower in Mattawa but has not selected a location or secured any permits.

"Our tower on Saddle Mountain provides coverage for Mattawa, and a new tower would enhance high-speed data access for our customers, making it easier to do things like check email and browse the web on their phones and tablets," Carlson said.

- Staff report