Special meeting on controversial cell antennas, 5G transmitters being held in Elk Grove

November 27, 2018 | 

Although the Elk Grove City Council typically has a recess for the second monthly meeting in November, a special meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 28.

The meeting, which will be held in the city council chambers at city hall will cover an issue that has been pushed by several Elk Grove residents. That issue is the placement of cell phone antennas and transmitters throughout the city to accommodate the next phase in wireless communication, the so-call 5G technology.

One critic of the plan has been Elk Grove resident Mark Graham. During his frequent appearances before the city council, Graham has expressed concern about the possible placement of the new technology based on health, aesthetics and diminished property value concerns (see video below of Graham's comment to the city council on March 14, 2018).

In recent months, several residents have also appeared before the council expressing concern. The main focus from residents is the unknown health effects of the additional radio waves, particularly when they are placed near schools.

The meeting will include presentations federal telecommunications regulations, small cell telecommunications technologies, city staff’s summary of telecommunication service providers’ small cell telecommunications technology and proposals, and presentations in support of and opposed to the new technology. 

The meeting is intended to be informational only, and no decisions will be made by the city council. The meeting starts at 6 p.m.