Commissioners say "no" to taller towers

Radio towers were once again on the agenda for the Cook County Commissioners at their Tuesday morning meeting.

On this occasion, representatives from MNDOT were on hand to answer questions regarding the proposed construction of two 330 ft. towers as part of the ARMER communications network.

Towers of this height would be at odds with the county land use plan, which specifies height not to exceed 200 ft. The additional height would also require the towers be lighted. One of the towers will be located at Devilfish Lake off the Arrowhead Trail and the other southeast of Sawbill Canoe Outfitters. Towers in these locations will likely be visible from within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Three individuals spoke in opposition to the tower height variance during the public comment period. Jim Raml and Ted Young, both long-time residents of the Upper Gunflint Trail, expressed concern over the negative visual impact the taller, illuminated towers will have on the wilderness experience of visitors. Raml also emphasized the danger of allowing deviation from the county land use plan.

The MNDOT representatives provided a map illustrating the difference in signal coverage between the two tower heights. Shane Chatleain, with the Office of Statewide Communications, went on to say either height would satisfy their requirements.

Commissioner Gary Gamble offered the opinion that coverage gained by the additional height would not justify the possible downsides.

After some additional discussion, Commissioner Frank Moe made a motion to approve construction of the towers not to exceed 200 ft. in height consistent with the county land use plan. The motion passed unanimously.

In response to a question from Commissioner Ginny Storlie, Chatleain confirmed that an additional tower is under consideration for the Sea Gull Lake area on property owned by the state.