AGENDA #4c
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Proposal to Place Radio Receiving and Transmitting Antenna on a Town-Owned Light Pole at Scroggs Athletic Field
DATE: June 14, 2004
The attached resolution would authorize the Manager to execute a lease agreement with Public Gallery of Carrboro, Inc. (WCOM Community Radio) for the installation of radio receiving and transmission antennas on a Town-owned light pole at Scroggs Athletic Field.
On May 24, 2004, the Council authorized the Manager to work with WCOM Community Radio to provide a site for a mast with receiving and transmitting antennas at Scroggs Athletic Field.
As communication technology develops, the demand for communication antennas is growing. In the Triangle area, which lacks high mountains and ridges, communication antennas are being installed on tall buildings, water towers, electric transmission towers, and light poles.
WCOM Community Radio has requested that the Town allow the installation of a mast with two antennas on top of an existing light pole at the Scroggs Athletic Field. The agreement would allow WCOM Community Radio to bring underground utilities onto the site if required.
The proposed mast would be located on top of an existing 73-foot light pole and would not extend more than 20 feet above the top of the existing tower. Two antennas would extend horizontally from the mast. One antenna would extend about 3 feet from the mast and the other about 4 feet. Please see the attached elevation showing the pole, mast, and corresponding antennas.
Proposed Site Lease: WCOM Community Radio has agreed to a site lease that would contain the following key points:
· WCOM Community Radio would place the receiving and transmission equipment on a mast at the top of an existing 73-foot high light pole owned by the Town. The mast would extend the height of the tower by no more than 20 feet.
· The term would be for eleven months with the possibility for extensions at the discretion of the Council. We are proposing an eleven-month lease because State law requires adequate public notice for leases of 12 months or longer. Because of the time constraints WCOM Community Radio requires a Council decision no later than June 14. We could not provide adequate public notice for a longer term lease and meet the needs of WCOM. With more time the Council could in the future provide the required notice and extend the lease if desired.
· The Town would receive $100 per month.
· Any utilities serving the tower would be underground.
· WCOM Community Radio would maintain insurance limits acceptable to the Town.
· WCOM Community Radio would pay for any damage to Town property that occurs due to the installation or presence of the mast and antenna.
Manager’s Recommendation: That the Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the Manager to execute an eleven-month lease agreement with Public Gallery of Carrboro, Inc. (WCOM Community Radio) for the installation of a mast and radio receiving and transmission antennas on a Town-owned light pole at Scroggs Athletic Field and attachment of required utilities.
ATTACHMENT
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LEASE AGREEMENT FOR USE OF A TOWN-OWNED LIGHT POLE AT SCROGGS ATHLETIC FIELD FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING PUBLIC GALLERY OF CARRBORO, INC. (WCOM COMMUNITY RADIO) TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN A MAST WITH RADIO RECEIVING AND TRANSMISSION ANTENNA (2004-06-14/R-6)
WHEREAS, Public Gallery of Carrboro, Inc. desires to start a community-based radio station to be known as WCOM Community Radio; and
WHEREAS, WCOM Community Radio requires receiving and transmitting antenna; and
WHEREAS, Public Gallery of Carrboro, Inc. has requested permission from the Council to attach a mast and corresponding antennas to an existing light pole at Scroggs Athletic Field in a manner that is acceptable to the Council; and
WHEREAS, the mast and antennas could provide a service to the citizens of Chapel Hill;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby authorizes the Manager to execute a site lease agreement with Public Gallery of Carrboro, Inc. that would allow the installation and operation of a mast with radio receiving and transmission antennas on top of an existing light pole at Scroggs Athletic Field in a manner that is acceptable to the Manager.
This the 14th day of June 2004.