WRENTHAM - Plans for a tower for public safety to resolve long-standing communications problems in the hilly western part of town continue to plod along.

The proposal for the 100-foot pole-type antenna tower, for which the town has set aside $127,000, went before the planning board for the first time last week, and board members and residents aired several concerns and questions.

Police and firefighters have had spotty communication with portable radios in the section of town.

A special permit is needed to install the tower on town land off of Rhodes Drive, where a water tank is located. The land is zoned residential.

Planning board member Bob Cohen, a selectman who lives in the west end, questioned the reliability of tests performed at various locations in the western end to find a suitable spot for the antenna. Committee member Leon Bruner said 13 locations were tested with the use of the fire department's ladder truck. Town Administrator Jack McFeeley said the tower needs to be as high as planned to ensure radio waves make their way over hills back to the public safety building.

The planning board continued the hearing to Nov. 5 at 7:15 p.m.

to get questions answered by town counsel.

STEPHEN PETERSON can be reached at 508-236-0377 or at speterson@thesunchronicle.com.