Third time a charm for cellular company

Viaero Wireless's third attempt to install a cell phone tower on West Fourth finally met with approval by the McCook City Council Monday night.

The Council approved the special exception requested by Viaero Wireless to install a 100-foot tall microwave tower on a vacant land north of West Fourth and west of Washington Street, zoned medium residential. Viaero needs this third tower to triangulate with two other towers installed in the city, said Chris Riha, Viaero Wireless site acquisition manager.

Both he and City Manager Kurt Fritsch have spoken to residents in the area who successfully fought against two towers Viaero previously proposed for that area.

This time, residents were not as concerned, Riha said, as "It's not in anyone's picture window." City Manager Kurt Fritsch added, "Viaero has worked really hard to work with the city."

The special exception would be good for ten years.

The Council also approved the subdivision of this property, required by state law before Viaero can install the tower. The half acre of property is used as pasture land and will be purchased by Viaero from Ted and Dixie Bethell of McCook.

In other business, the council unanimously approved these consent agenda items:

* the request from the McCook Chamber of Commerce to have their Heritage Days parade Sept. 29;the use of Norris Park Sept. 29-30 for the arts and crafts show and Barnett Park for the car show.

* the request from the Quasquicentennial Committee for the use of Norris Park and the bandshell Sept. 27 for McCook's 125th birthday celebration.

* a special designated liquor license submitted by the McCook Chamber of Commerce for a mixer at McCook National Bank Sept. 26

* the request from the McCook Balloon Club LLC to use McCook Airport Sept. 7-9 for the McCook Balloon Fest

* the bid from Myers Construction Inc. for the re-negotiated bid of $41,800 to furnish and install pumps at the Karrer Lift Station. This station helps move sewage to the sewer plant.