The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend the Town Council approve two special use permits that will allow Salt River Project to install “stealth” equipment for its Smart Router system.

Town Senior Planner Bob Rodgers told the commission that the special use permits are needed for these two installations because they are on private property.

One application is for a 20-foot faux saguaro at 14405 Mourning Dove Drive in a residential R1-43 zoning district.

The second permit is also for a 20-foot faux cactus on a tract at Eagle ridge Drive and CopperWynd Drive.

Mariann Warn with SRP told the commission the equipment uses existing cellular networks. She said it provides customers with more data to monitor and manage their power usage, and allows them to switch between price plans.

In most cases the routing equipment is attached to existing SRP power poles, street lights or private security lights. They use the faux saguaros for private property in residential neighborhoods and other locations where existing poles are not available.

There are 14 sites planned for Fountain Hills with seven already in operation, according to Warn.

SRP uses the equipment as part of its smart grid network technology.

Dina Galassini, describing herself as a concerned citizen, urged the commission to withhold its recommendation.

Galassini said the equipment will have a negative impact on property values and she said her greatest concern is health.

She said there is documentation related to the health issues connected with microwaves from cellular transmission.

“When is enough enough?” Galassini said.

The commission voted 6-0 to approve a recommendation for special use permits for both sites. Commission Vice Chairman Mike Archambualt was absent.