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Together we are stronger.
Mark Graham
http://www.keepcellantennasawayfromourelkgrovehomes.org/ 

May 26, 2020

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News

How would you like to have a cell antenna right across the street from your home?

How would you like to never be told about it by the City – and to first hear about it from another resident? This is the frightening scenario facing residents of Modena Way in Elk Grove.

Diane Saetern and her family live on Modena Way, across the street from Monterey Trail High School and the proposed AT&T cell antenna. (Read the full Interview with Diane Saetern.)

She found out from a flyer in March about the cell antenna and the permit application for it. She took a petition against the cell antenna and got 33 of her neighbors on Modena Way to sign it in ONE night! She also made an audio recording of her public comments which the City played during the May 13 Council meeting. (You can do that too! Please support the Modena Way residents by sending your public comment to the City Council ASAP, even if it is after the May 27 Council meeting.  Scroll down to the Action Alert.)

During the May 13 Council meeting after hearing Ms. Saetern’s public comments Mayor Steve Ly asked the Director of the City’s department of Public Works, Bob Murdoch, to update the Council on the application (#19-07227). Mr. Murdoch said the City is still reviewing it and has not yet issued a permit but that they consider it a done deal (in my words). Mayor Ly directed Murdoch to reach out to Ms. Saetern and her neighbors. It was not what the petition asked for but it was better than nothing.

The following Monday Ms. Saetern sent a message to the City Council Members and staff describing what she and her neighbors want; for the City to hold a conference call meeting with them to discuss the issue including the law and the City’s options and to answer their questions and for the City to make the permit application and certain documents related to it available on the City’s website. Ms. Saetern also reiterated the requests in the Modena Way residents’ petition. The City has not responded yet.

You can learn more by reading the full interview with Diane Saetern. 

Background

The background is that AT&T has applied for a cell antenna permit for cell antennas in 5 locations (so far, and more will follow). Two of them are the exact addresses of public high schools: Laguna Creek High School and 9050 Vicino Drive and Monterey Trail H.S. at 8661 Power Inn Road.

Action Alert

This is the 11th hour. Please get involved. It only takes a minute!  The Action Alert contains a sample message you can send to the City Council.  Scroll down. 

The bottom line is that Modena Way residents are united in their opposition to this cell antenna and they need your support. If you will send your pubic comments to the City Council supporting the Modena Way residents and their requests that can get their attention. Despite the City’s claims it really does have several options here.

Also, improving the permitting process and changing the zoning code will protect other residents who live near sites of future cell antenna permit applications. It will also protect the City’s interests and enable the City to maintain more control over the permitting process.

Many thanks! 

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Interview with Diane Saetern

Read the full interview with Modena Way resident Diane Saetern.

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Action Alert!

Please help prevent the imminent placement of a dangerous 4G & 5G Small Cell Antenna on a telephone pole near Monterey Trail High School. It only takes a minute.  Then share this newsletter far and wide with other Elk Grove residents.

The best way to make your public comments is to call in during the Council meeting, scheduled to start at 6:00.  Agenda item 5, public comment on items not in the agenda, is pretty close to the start of the meeting.  If you wish to provide oral comments during the meeting, you may provide your phone number to the Clerk (via email) at jlindgren@elkgrovecity.org with a request to speak during General Public Comment or on a particular agendized matter. At the time the item is called, the Clerk will call the number provided and place the call on speaker so comments may be heard by anyone participating in the meeting.

You will get 3 minutes to speak.

You can also make an audio recording of your public comments and send it to the City Clerk, Jason Lindgren, at jlindgren@elkgrovecity.org

Alternatively, comments may be provided by leaving a voicemail with the Clerk at

916-478-2286. Such audio comments must be received by 4:00 p.m. the day of the City Council meeting to ensure that the comments are provided to the City Council.

Or if you prefer just send in your public comments by email.  Mr. Lindgren will forward your public comments to the Council Members and staff.

You can send your written public comment to the City Council Members at
SteveLy@elkgrovecity.org, sdetrick@elkgrovecity.org, phume@elkgrovecity.org, snguyen@elkgrovecity.org, dsuen@elkgrovecity.org

Please cc or bcc me at
Mark@keepcellantennasawayfromourelkgrovehomes.org

A sample letter follows:

May 27, 2020

Dear Mayor Ly, Council Members and staff,

My name is ____________________ and I live in Elk Grove. 

The City has never notified the residents of Modena Way* that AT&T has applied for a permit (19-07227) to install a powerful cell antenna at Monterey Trail High School, 8661 Power Inn Road.  

I support the residents of Modena Way, who have asked the City to:

1. Make certain documents and information related to the AT&T cell antenna application, the law and the City’s options available on the City’s website;
2. Have a conference call meeting with the Modena Way residents and answer their questions;
3. Deny the application for the permit because there is no significant gap in coverage and the proposed antenna is not the least intrusive means; and
4. Put on the agenda of a City Council meeting the specific proposed changes to the municipal code that the Modena Way residents asked for in their petition.

The City should understand and exercise its authority to protect its interests and residents’ interests in the cell antenna permitting process. The City can do all of these things. 

Sincerely,
[Your name and address]

* Or residents living near any of the other 4 sites on 19-07227