Douglas County commissioners hope a new policy concerning the granting of permits for cellular communications towers can be written.

During Wednesday night’s meeting, Commissioner Charles Jones said he wanted to approach the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission about developing a new policy.

“I want to come up with a policy that is clear and consistent and that has broad consensus behind it,” Jones said.

Commissioners Bob Johnson and Jere McElhaney said they supported Jones’ efforts.

Jones’ initiative comes a week after a request for a cell tower permit from Verizon Wireless was rejected despite a 2-1 majority vote in favor of granting it. Johnson and McElhaney voted in favor of the permit but Jones opposed it. Because some neighbors in the area of the proposed tower signed a petition in opposition, a unanimous vote by the commission was required for the tower to be approved.

Commissioners have struggled during the past year with the cell tower issue when previous requests were made by cellular companies. They say it is difficult for them to determine whether a cell tower is really needed when those requests are made. They also have questioned whether the county should be responsible for making sure cell companies are able to provide adequate service.

In other business:

¢ Commissioners approved a five-year plan for federally funded road and bridge projects. The plan is updated each year. About $2.44 million dollars in federal funds are available. At the recommendation of County Engineer Keith Browning, a new bridge project was added to the list. It calls for the replacement of a bridge at North 964 and East 1000 roads.

¢ On the motion of Johnson, commissioners appointed two newcomers to the Planning Commission. Richard “Rick” Hird and Jeff Chaney will replace John Haase and Holly Krebs. They will serve three-year terms. Haase and Krebs are leaving the board after serving their limit of two three-year terms.

¢ Commissioners approved a fireworks display permit for David Blevins for 8:30 p.m. June 30 at 1036 E. 1326 Road.

¢ Commissioners approved a resolution adopting the city of Lawrence’s Neighborhood Revitalization Plan for Eighth and Pennsylvania streets.