Put cellphone antennas on top of city hall

As a citizen of Thousand Oaks, a homeowners' association manager and a former planning commissioner, I've been quite involved with the cellphone antenna issue which has come before us once again.

Let me begin by saying I am not against technological advances nor am I against improving cellphone reception quality.

What I am against is anybody using our health, safety and welfare to profit. Bottom line: these cell sites should not be placed next to homes, schools or religious sanctuaries.

As the result of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, we are prohibited from arguing the health effects of these sites, even though there are numerous studies that show these antennas are a real danger. Obviously we should be fighting to change this law at a federal level, but for now I am concentrating on our local community and our city's position on this matter.

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 does allow local government the right to control where these antennas are actually placed. We must allow "satisfactory" service. It is the "provision of the service" that must be allowed not the (specific site) of the facility. The city has the authority to control siting, construction and modification of wireless telecommunications facilities.

Our city council must stand up and not retreat when they are threatened by these companies. The council has the fiduciary duty to protect the citizens of this great city!

When I was sitting on the planning commission I suggested several ideas which would be prudent for the city and the council to enact:

1. As a city we can require or encourage companies to lay out their expected needs for multiple towers over a reasonable time into the future.

2. The city can identify and "map" appropriate sites for the antennas in the community.

3. (Give incentives to) companies to cooperatively locate their antennas. Offer public structures and property.

4. Require the companies, in writing, to prove that they have conducted a complete site analysis. This should be checked by the planning department thoroughly.

Our citizens should not be subjected to potential health hazards, loss of property value or aesthetically displeasing equipment that these antenna sites bring with them. There are places for them.

The freeway, industrial/commercial areas and open space are some suggestions. Actually--better yet--why don't we just put them all on top of city hall? Amy Walker-Davis Thousand Oaks