Letters

I feel the need to respond to numerous points in last week’s article [“North Haven Retreats From Cell Tower Effort,” 27east.com and sagharborexpress.com, February 23].

First, the statement by an uninformed individual about the propriety of the Cell Service Committee’s selection of Phoenix Towers International as a potential vendor for a cell tower (should there be a recommendation to build one) was untrue and unfair, and I will not allow baseless allegations to go unanswered.

The process and procedure followed by the committee, and their ultimate selection of Phoenix Towers International, was completely proper and conducted with integrity. All three members of the committee supported the selection, including Deputy Mayor Dianne Skilbred.

It should be noted that Tim Culver, North Haven resident and an industry expert on cellular technology, was generously volunteering his knowledge and experience to help the committee understand the landscape of alternative technologies and solutions.

Second, it was reported that Deputy Mayor Skilbred announced her strong opposition to a tower by Village Hall and was removed from the committee, implying that her position on the issue led to her removal.

The facts are that Ms. Skilbred was always opposed to a cell tower at that location. Her feelings were known to me, and I appointed her to the committee precisely because of her feelings. She was, like the other committee members, interested in helping find a solution to the problem of poor cell service in the village.

When the committee began, there were numerous potential locations for a tower, and I wanted to make sure that all potential sites were thoroughly studied. The committee looked at all the possible locations, and Ms. Skilbred made sure that other locations were considered, but after a thorough analysis the location near Village Hall was considered the best site.

When we made the decision to abandon any consideration of a tower, Ms. Skilbred’s participation on the committee was not as important, and she could then focus her efforts on a multitude of other important village initiatives. She will continue to review the recommendations of the committee at our monthly board meetings.

Third, as stated in my letter last week [“Cell Tower Update,” Letters, February 25], the village was completely transparent regarding the efforts to improve cell service over the five months that the project was underway. The village will continue its efforts to improve public cell service by re-launching the committee to focus on non-tower solutions and will add several members from within the community.

The committee will continue to be led by Trustee Terie Diat. Members will include Chris Fiore, Roger Lew and Jessica Von Hagn.

A monthly “North Haven News” communication will be emailed on the second Tuesday of each month. Please be sure Village Hall has your email address by contacting planningclerk@northhavenvillage.org.

Jeff Sander

Mayor

North Haven Village