It was the consensus of the Fountain Hills Town Council to cancel the June 6th Work Session to discuss 5G Services in order to meet in Executive Session to hear the legal opinions from the Town selected outside expert and a yet-to-be-determined expert on the best way to develop pertinent utility ordinances that protect residents’ interests within the limits of the law.
At the Council’s April 18, 2023, regular meeting, Town staff informed the Council that it had, at the Council’s direction, retained an outside expert to review the Town’s ordinances, applications, and design review guidelines as related to wireless facilities. Over the past year, residents have voiced their concerns about the health implications of 5G small cell data services. Considering the residents’ concerns and the revision process, the Council directed staff to draft a “moratorium” on considering and constructing facilities in order to review 5G research and gain technical guidance on the issue.
On a 4-3 vote, Town Council approved a resolution that calls upon all Telecommunications Companies and Public Utilities operating in Fountain Hills to cease the build-out of 5G-enabled small cell antennas until at least December 31, 2023, and further studies on the health impacts on Fountain Hills residents are reviewed.