N.Y. Attorney Is Panel's Choice to Review New Cell Tower Ordinance

The Calabasas Communications & Technology Commission recommended Wednesday that the city hire a New York-based attorney to conduct a peer review of the new wireless telecommunications ordinance.

Andrew Campanelli, the commission's recommended candidate, would act as an independent third party contracted by the to read and provide feedback on the updated ordinance that governs the placement of cellphone towers in the community.

The city is scheduled to vote on who to hire at its Sept. 14 meeting.

Earlier in the summer, the council enacted a moratorium on all new cellphone tower applications while a stricter ordinance was drafted.

The council requested that language in the updated document should include prohibiting the placement of cellphone towers in residential areas, unless wireless providers demonstrate a significant gap in coverage; and require a minimum distance between the towers and schools and parks.

The city also solicited lawyers and consulting firms to review a draft of the ordinance prior to its adoption to ensure residents are protected from "unnecessary proliferations, and to ensure proper installation and the proper maintenance of wireless antenna facilities."

The candidate should preferably be able to "provide consultant services with respect to the California and federal laws applicable to permitting telecommunications facilities in and out of the rights-of-way," according to the city.

Several attorneys and firms have applied for the job, but commissioners said Campanelli was the right choice because of his lengthy experience with federal law pertaining to wireless regulations.

Campanelli flew in from New York and attended the May 25 council meeting. He told council members that the city is protected by the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 if it wants wireless service providers to demonstrate a significant gap in coverage as a requirement for being granted a permit to build a cellphone tower.

According to Campanelli's website, he has handled more than 3,000 civil cases and more than 1,000 cases to conclusion.

"I would concur that he is what I think the community has asked for and is what the city needs," said commission Vice Chair Jamie Daugherty.

Campanelli was the first choice for four out of five commissioners.

Commissioners also recommended, as second choices, the offices of Best, Best & Krieger or the Center for Municipal Solutions.

City officials are hoping to have the new wireless telecommunications ordinance adopted by January 2012, said city Public Information Officer Michael Hafken. The moratorium on cellphone tower permits expires on Jan. 7, 2012.