It’s likely no one wants a massive cell tower in a historic district.

But the city Planning Commission heard from a member raising concerns that the draft regulations under discussion could result in worse 5G service downtown.

Randy Gustafson told the rest of the Commission on Wednesday that the ordinance is “still five to 10 years behind” and is “trying to legislate something we agree on” — that tower in the school district.

But, he argued, the regulations “to prevent that” actually put up barriers to improving 5G service.

Gustafson said the ordinance requires a justification of coverage and capacity for placement of 5G services.

“That’s not enough,” he said. “It has to include performance. We’ve just legislated against improving performance,” even if unintentionally. “We need to provide the best alternative. I think we’re really hung up on the tower issue.”

“(It is) important that we get this ordinance put to bed but more importantly that we get this development here,” Commission Chairman Angie Dart said.

She noted, though, that “it’s a catch 22” for the providers, who won’t find the revenue here to invest.

City Manager Mike Holtz noted that these regulations only apply to city-owned land and said there are some towers in the works for non-public lands.

Director of Codes and Planning Randy Rossey asked for any proposed changes to be provided for discussion at the May meeting. The issue could then head back to city council in June.

Comprehensive plan next steps?

The city’s comprehensive plan is officially on the books.

So the work begins.

“It’s our job to oversee it,” Commission chair Angie Dart said, “really not to implement it but we would (have) some direction to that effect.”

She called for an individual to oversee that implementation as well as an oversight committee for the plan.

Rossey recommended the Commission spend time at the May meeting prioritizing next steps.

“I think we should go after some of the lowest hanging fruit to start with,” he said. “Success builds success.”

Rossey said city officials met with representatives in Kane and will be meeting representatives in Corry.

Commission member Randy Gustafson said state involvement will be a key piece of the puzzle, especially from am funding perspective.

“We need to keep underlining when we actually do accomplish something,” he said. “Don’t be shy about it. When we do manage to pull something off that’s in that plan … is really critical here or we’ve got no validity.”