Hold that call.
Multiple target dates for construction of Anna Maria’s long-awaited cell tower have passed with no groundbreaking.
Several delays have pushed the start of construction back to March 2015 with a new completion date projected around April 17.
But Mayor Dan Murphy says those dates are unacceptable. He and building official Bob Welch met Jan. 2 with Kevin Barile of Florida Tower Partners, the city’s tower partner, in an effort to move forward.
Barile said the holidays set back resolution of several issues, such as the foundation design and approval from the Federal Communications Commission, but Murphy called it more excuses.
Murphy and Welch agreed the city could issue a building permit to show the FCC that FTC has city approval. That would help get construction started in February with completion in March, Barile said.
“Let’s do it,” Murphy said.
The mayor also asked when the city would receive the one-time $350,000 payment from FTP for allowing the tower to be built on the southeast corner of city hall property.
“As soon as construction is finished and the carriers bring in their equipment,” Barile responded.
He added that communication carriers also are asking about the tower’s status.
“They are ready to install their equipment the day the tower is completed,” Barile said.
FTP built a cell tower in Bradenton Beach. Completion of that project is expected this winter, Barile said.
The push for a tower in Anna Maria began in earnest in 2011 when then-Commissioner Gene Aubry said a rise in cellphone usage and the inability of cellphone users in the city to dial 911 for emergency services could affect residents’ welfare.