AGENDA #5h
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Roger L. Stancil, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Response to Petition from WCOM for Rent Relief
DATE: September 11, 2006
This memorandum provides a response to a petition of June 6, 2006 (Attachment 1) from Mr. David Beck on behalf of Mr. Chris Frank requesting that the Town eliminate or reduce WCOM’s current $100 a month rent for use of a Town light post for the station’s transmitter. We recommend no Council action on this petition.
BACKGROUND
WCOM and the Town agreed by contract in May 2005 to a two-year agreement to allow WCOM to use a Town light post in Southern Village for the station’s transmitter, with WCOM paying the Town $100 per month. WCOM in a petition dated June 6, 2006 requested that the Mayor and Council eliminate or reduce the charge paid for using the Town’s light post for their transmitter. The station is a low power station located in Carrboro and provides “a variety of music, talk shows and alternative news”.
DISCUSSION
The Town provides its cell towers and other facilities for a variety of communication firms. In all cases, the Town charges for the use of Town facilities. While WCOM is smaller than the other communication firms, the fee charged is smaller than the fee for other, larger communications providers. We believe that it is appropriate to continue to charge the $100 per month fee. The current contract with WCOM is in effect until May 2007.
RECOMMENDATION
We recommend no Council action at this time. If the Council wishes to take action a resolution is attached.
ATTACHMENTS