Verizon to upgrade service in downtown

Verizon Wireless customers will see an improvement in service over the coming weeks as the company plans to increase its 4G LTE service in downtown Hartselle.

David Andrews with the Center for Municipal Solutions said the company is planning to add three additional antennas and a coaxial line on its cell phone tower located at 400 Hammitt St. SE near downtown Hartselle.

Currently, Verizon has nine antennas on the tower and serves 3G service throughout downtown Hartselle.

“This will allow for more and better 4G LTE service,” Andrews told the Hartselle City Council on June 12.

The Hartselle City Council approved a resolution allowing Verizon to make the modifications.

The council also approved the final audit billing for worker’s compensation. The total amount approved was $6,060 with the largest segments of the bill coming from the police department, public works and the fire department, which accounts for 79 percent of the bill.

The council also heard from resident Gregory Foldes who discussed barking dogs that have been a nuisance.

Councilman Kenny Thompson also informed the council of a complaint about smoking on the sidewalks in downtown Hartselle.

City Attorney Larry Madison said the city currently only has smoking restrictions in place for city buildings.