Cell phone service within city limits may improve for AT&T customers pending a proposed agreement between the wireless service provider and Poplar Bluff R-1 Schools.
According to Asst. Superintendent of Finance Rod Priest, ground located on district property near the intersection of Westwood and Kanell boulevards has been deemed a desirable location by AT&T for the future home of a cell phone tower.
Priest said the company approached the school district "about three months ago" aiming to lease a portion of property between the Middle School's tennis courts and Central Office.
Priest introduced the proposal during April's open-session school board meeting. No action was taken by board members on the issue. However, general discussion directed Priest to speak with AT&T regarding either the selection of a less visible location elsewhere on the campus or utilization of an existing tower near Central Office.
The proposal was revisited last week during June's board of education meeting.
"Not only is that area valuable to AT&T, but it's also valuable to us," Priest said.
According to Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce President Steve Halter, the intersection of Westwood and Kanell is "the busiest intersection in Butler County and several surrounding counties."
Previous long-term plans for Poplar Bluff R-1 showed the area serving as a road connecting to the Westwood and Kanell intersection granting access to the Middle School.
Priest said the length of the contract with AT&T would essentially be "forever" and would most likely eliminate any future options for the property.
The terms of the contract would be negotiated, Priest said, but it would be a very long-term agreement.
Jake Sprague, project manager for Network Real Estate, LLC, said AT&T has targeted R-1's central location because of its proximity to a largely populated area.
Spraque said during the board meeting AT&T is unable to use R-1's existing tower, which currently relays internet to the Boys & Girls Club of Poplar Bluff, Priest said.
The alternate location proposed is behind the greenhouse near a wooded area connecting the campus to Kiwanis Bacon Park. Priest said he feels it is a more viable location and is less visible to the general public.
Sprague told the board while speaking with city officials, he learned the property near the greenhouse is zoned residential. Sprague said a city official implied the likelihood of its being rezoned is slim, adding that the cell phone tower may only be placed on commercial property.
Spraque proposed installing a temporary tower in AT&T's desired location between the tennis courts and Central Office. A temporary tower could remain for no longer than 12 months, according to the Federal Communications Commission.
Sprague said placement of a temporary cell tower is contingent on a long-term agreement, which the board agreed it was not ready to make.
When contacted for further information, Sprague said he is unable to comment on behalf of AT&T, as he is a liaison between the company and the school. Sprague provided no contact information for an AT&T representative and a message left to be delivered by Sprague to AT&T was not returned.
The school board's reaction to the idea of leasing its property long-term for a cell phone tower is consistently hesitant, though several board members and Priest agree AT&T reception is poor within city limits and in the area.
President John Scott was absent from Thursday's meeting, but said he is aware of the proposition and does not support committing the school to "that long of an obligation, unless it's remarkably good terms."
Priest said he feels placing a cell phone tower at the Westwood and Kanell intersection would "be an eyesore" for the community.
Superintendent Scott Dill said the proposal has several "long-term implications" which are to be considered.
Halter said he supports an additional AT&T cellular tower in Poplar Bluff and trusts the Poplar Bluff R-1 Board of Education to act accordingly.
"I am in favor of anything that is going to improve cell or internet service in our area," Halter said. "I trust Scott (Dill) and his school board will make the right decision."
Priest said he plans to speak with city officials about rezoning the property behind the greenhouse before the school board further discusses the proposition.