Wireless Internet will be available for free in an increased number of Santa Fe city buildings following a unanimous decision by the City Council on Wednesday night.

The plan calls for the city to install the service to public libraries, the airport, Genoveva Chavez and Fort Marcy recreation centers, municipal court and other buildings. Its implementation was stalled this spring by a small army of area residents who said the city shouldn't use the technology because it had adverse effects on public health. Some said they are disabled by electromagnetic sensitivity, and the city is required to accommodate access under federal law.

Opponents, many whom have inundated the media and elected officials with documentation of their concerns, expressed disappointment. "The City Council should consult the Wizard of Oz," said Ann McCampbell, who left the hearing holding a mask to her face. "They made this decision without heart, without a brain and without courage."

Councilor Rosemary Romero said the decision was "very challenging" and noted governments are increasingly being asked to consider precautions about public health. "This is going to be a discussion for another time and another day ... There is more work that needs to be done in the future," she said.

City Library Director Patricia Hodapp said she was proud of the council for studying the issue carefully. "They had the vision to move forward for the city of Santa Fe. We believe in service, and this will provide more service to the city," she said.

The council discussed an opinion issued last week by City Attorney Frank Katz, who said case law did not demonstrate the city would be required to eliminate electricity from its buildings. "We cannot question the reality of the symptoms these people experience," Katz wrote. "But crucially the cause of these symptoms has not been proven."

During the hearing, he added, "Cell phones are much more likely to be the culprit rather than Wi-Fi, but this is science, and I don't have a clue."

Councilors Patti Bushee and Miguel Chavez supported an effort to install the wireless Internet service in some buildings, but to remove it from City Hall. In the end, both voted in favor of its installation.

Bushee said, however, she would soon introduce changes to the city's rules of operation that made plans to turn off the service for City Council meetings at the request of residents who want to address the board, a practice the city has employed during recent debates.

The head of the city Information Technology Division, Thomas Williams, told councilors he will make an effort to stay abreast of new research about wireless Internet and its potential health effects.

Contact Julie Ann Grimm at 986-3017 or jgrimm@sfnewmexican.com.