Consultant to sound off on wireless communications

TE Connectivity Networks Inc. will sound off about island-wide wireless communications at the Longboat Key Town Commission’s 2 p.m. Thursday, April 19 regular workshop.

The study concluded that T-Mobile, AT&T and Metro PCS should expand their service on the island, while Sprint needs to improve service to the southern most two miles of the island, according to a Power Point presentation available on the town’s website, longboatkey.org. All operators need to improve their service to the north end of the island, the presentation states.

Service on the south end could improve through the placement of equipment on condominium rooftop sites. However, the presentation states that a solution for the north end cannot utilize rooftop sites because its buildings aren’t tall enough. The study considered the impacts of a cellular tower and small-cell technologies, both of which will be discussed at tomorrow’s workshop.

Also at tomorrow’s workshop the commission will:

Discuss:
• A two-phase development plan for Bayfront Park Recreation Center that would consist of various park site improvements, followed by the construction of a community center facility;
• Staff findings on side-yard hedge heights and possible areas for concern;
• An opening on the Manatee County Tourist Development Council;
• Commission appointments to committees named in town code or as required by outside agencies;
• The current fiscal year’s budget information and preliminary information about the 2012-13 fiscal year budget.

Consider:
• A settlement agreement with resident Jim Armstrong that would allow a third party to inspect Armstrong’s home and report back to the town and pay a $650 fine in addition to administrative costs;
Consider on its consent agenda:
• An 83-cent base rate hike for the collection and disposal of solid waste, recyclable materials and yard trash;
• The continuation of the town’s finance committee.
Honor:
• Planning Zoning & Building Department Office Manager Donna Chipman and Chief Accountant Sandy Moutoux for 25 years of service;
Issue:
• A proclamation declaring April as National Landscape Architecture Month.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].