A heartfelt thank you to those that attended the Clinton Township Zoning Board of Appeals meeting yesterday! It was especially rewarding that some people were given the opportunity to speak on behalf of Amateur Radio. That together with our show of support of the people who attended did a lot for the cause of all amateurs.
Our case was called at about 6:50 PM, we were second on the agenda. Mary and I were called to the podium, and stated our names and addresses for the record. We were read two letters of complaint sent in on the amateur radio antennas. It was pretty clear from the letters that the complainants had other agendas, and the amateur antennas were a convenient vehicle to make a problem for us. In one letter, RFI was stated as a problem. (I was glad to hear that, FCC has the unquestionable authority, granted by Congress, in matters concerning RFI) Also the complaint letter mentioned how unsightly some of the antennas were that I was experimenting with to accommodate the height restriction. The complaints also stated that I had "too many" antennas for which there is no ordinance restricting how many antennas could be placed on a homeowners roof. The complaints stated it was a dis-service to the community to have such unsightly property. A collector car I have in my driveway was cited as a junk car that does not run. (it does run LOL)
I responded to the letters, saying that I had tried some other antenna options, (which were cited in the complaint as unsightly) and a ground mounted vertical, but concluded that my lot was too small, and the RF safety factor, in my mind would be too great, as children often play in the yard next door. I went on to explain that lowering the antennas from the current height of 54' feet would increase the RF safety risk in my own home, the antennas must be mounted 10' about my roof line. Also it would increase the likelihood of RFI to others who currently do not have these problems.
Mary also responded to the complaint letters stating that the vehicle was cited in a previous complaint before, we seem to have an ongoing problem with these complaints, to satisfy the complaint, we had to purchase plates and insurance for the car, and present that proof to Clinton Township.
I continued my statement saying that the RFI problems that a neighbor had complained about could only be addressed or regulated by the FCC, it was their "exclusive" domain in matters of RFI, the Township is completely pre empted in enforcement of these matters.
And I rebuked the statement that we were a "dis-service" to the community, I stated amateurs were valuable and recognized members of the community. I cited examples of 9/11, the recent Midwest power grid failure, and Hurricane watch nets where amateurs had been the critical lines of communications, when all other normal means of communication fail.
I also cited Public Law 100-594 "Government agencies shall take into account the valuable contributions made by amateur radio operators when considering actions affecting the Amateur Radio Service", and stated, "the Law calls on ALL government agencies, including this body, to take this into account.
I cited Public Law 103-408 "To recognize the achievements of radio amateurs, and to establish support for such amateurs as national policy" and again stated, "the Law calls on ALL government agencies, including this body, to take this into account.
Finally, I cited PRB-1, which states that local Government's may not restrict amateurs to the point that it would preclude amateur radio operation, my antennas were not placed by accident, they were carefully placed considering many factors, and called on the Board to make a "reasonable accommodation" and accept my variance request. I closed my remarks.
Other people present were invited to speak.
Ken Barnes N8CQA, President of a homeowners association in Rochester Hills gave his comments supporting amateur radio, stating some of his experience dealing with these matters within the homeowners association, and that he had several antennas on his property and was able to peacefully co exist with his neighbors.
Bill Chesney, N8SA spoke on the behalf of amateur radio, an amateur of 27 years spoke of his role in CAP and the two EOC's in Clinton Township. He stated the relationship of CAP to amateur radio and stated the value of the amateur service and his intention was to "change" the ordinance to accommodate amateurs.
Dave Rangoon, WD8IFL spoke on behalf on amateur radio, how amateurs provided communications for him in the military, and his desire to be an amateur because of the valuable service they had provided him during his military tenure.
Phil Ode AA8KR, president of the Hazel Park Amateur Radio Club, spoke about his work with the Troy City Counsel, and their recent approval of amateur antennas to a height of 75' in Troy. He reinforced some of my earlier statements, and agreed that the ordinance should really be changed, and restrictions be changed to the commonly accepted general height of 75'. He cited our participation in the power black out, and how we were able to assist Macomb County with their communications needs.
Jack Young, my next-door neighbor spoke on my behalf, stating that he had NO interference problems, and he often relied on my computer expertise when he had problems! (Good neighbors helping each other) which drew smiles from everybody on the board, and many in the room.
I was then asked some questions, like why do I need 6 antennas? I stated that there were only 4 amateur antennas that were in question of their height. I stated that I needed the VHF and UHF antennas at their current height to monitor USECA's receive sites (as control operator) and pinpoint anomalies or other transmissions to triangulate with other members of the tech committee. I also stated that I used my UHF and VHF for SSTV contacts at great distances, and that I experimented with different efficient methods to do this, and these stations would be too distant to contact at 35'. I explained that I had no mounting options for my HF vertical other than my roof, and it needed to be placed a minimum of 10' above my home.
Council discussion resumed, one member stating his appreciation of amateurs and their deeds as a former Detroit Police officer.
Another Council member spoke, reflecting the changing times and the need to have such a valuable service in the "new world" we live in these days, obviously strongly supporting amateurs.
One of the Council members stated he was on the committee that recommends updates of the ordinances and zoning of Clinton Township, and he would be interested in using some of the technical experts we have present to work on a common reasonable accommodation for amateur antennas.
Upon hearing this revelation, one Board member moved that this issue be tabled, for 6 months and re-visited as necessary, to extend if needed the time to accomplish working toward the goal of creating a "reasonable accommodation" in the Clinton Township ordinance, which would address all amateurs.
We all agreed to submit names to the Township for "Expert Testimony" and gathering more information, to assist Clinton Township with adjusting the ordinance to accommodate all amateurs!
An Excellent Result was achieved!
Dave, KC8IAQ