02/12/1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 12, 1996 Consider Agreement for Professional Services, Water Tower Antenna Leasing with Mr. John DuBois, - Mr. Ahrens explained that the newest generation of wireless communication technology (Personal Communication Service or PCS) is coming to the Metro area and will involve an important role with each city. This new communication service requires a greater density of antennas than existing cellular technology and therefore, the communication companies need to acquire new/additional antenna space. Mr. Jim Nelson, TEA Group, Inc., has contacted the City concerning the lease of antenna space on the City's water tower. Obvious antenna locations include municipal water towers due to their acceptance in communities and height advantages. Since antenna lease agreements and the communication industry are unfamiliar with staff, it is important that the City utilize specialized consulting services to rely upon as discussions with the communication companies evolve. The installation of antennas include specialized issues such as equitable compensation for lease of municipal space and potential for interference to other radio and television users. Mr. DuBois is a Professional Communications Engineer with over 30 years of experience in radio communications system engineering. He is currently assisting other municipalities in the management of their water tower assets. Mr. DuBois has assisted numerous cities in the metro area on this type of work including Lakeville, Burnsville, Coon Rapids and Brooklyn Park. The Consulting Engineer Agreement with Mr. DuBois will allow the City to utilize his services on an "as -needed" basis for antenna leasing coordination. The City Attorney has reviewed the Agreement and has found it acceptable. Mr. Ahrens noted that all costs related to approving the installation of all antennas and Mr. DuBois' services would be recouped through the lease of the space. Mr. Ahrens included in the City Council packets an article written by the League of Minnesota Cities concerning PCS communication service and the Consulting Engineer Agreement. He recommended that the City Council approve the Consulting Engineer Agreement between Mr. John DuBois and the City of Lino Lakes. Council Member Kuether expressed concern regarding what the water tower would look like with numerous antennas attached to it. She asked Mr. Ahrens to get a picture of a water tower with antennas attached. After further discussion, Council Member Kuether moved to approve the Consulting Engineer Agreement between Mr. John DuBois and the City of Lino Lakes. Council Member Bergeson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Resolution No. 96 -17 Receive Feasibility Report and Call Hearing on Improvement, Centennial Middle School Street and Utility Improvement Mr. Ahrens explained that the Centennial School District requested the City to conduct a street and utility service study and a traffic study for a proposed middle school along Elm Street on May 31, 1995. The report has been completed by the City's engineering consultant, OSM, Inc. In accordance with Minnesota State Statutes 429 and the Lino PAGE 17