Story by Rodger Nichols for Gorge Country Media
Last night’s Goldendale City Council was introduced to a new form of consultant services. Michael Flores of Spectrum Cellular Management said 5G services are being rolled out nationwide. That involves replacing elements in cell towers and adding new towers. And those involve permit applications. If cities haven’t enacted 5G ordinances before they receive applications, they lose control of the process and the opportunity to charge appropriate fees. Flores noted 5G was more than just a small step up from 4G.
“5G, 3.7 gigahertz band, is now capable of radiated output power, that is 35 times more powerful than 4G.”
And that increased bandwidth allows providers room to sell more profitable data streams. So his firm, for a fee, can provide the language for ordinances to keep the city in control and getting appropriate fees.
Councilors did follow through on an ordinance to change the speed limit on a certain street. Mayor Dave Jones explained:
“Ordinance number 1552. The Ordinance Committee gave a recommendation to the council to change the speed limit, from the bridge overpass on the Little Klickitat River to the north city limits.”
The new lower limit won’t go in effect until the signs are up.
And the council approved a new jail contract with the county. Police Chief Mike Smith explained:
“It is the same contract we had, just doubled in price. We’re actually getting a discount because we do agency assist with the jail. We’re the first responders that go in the jail when something happens because it’s in our city. So they did give us a 10 percent discount on that. I hate to pay more on anything, but we’ve been getting a break for the last 10 years. We’ve been paying well under what it costs to house an inmate.”