City Council Minutes 07-30-2013 SpecialMINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING — MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, July 30, 2013 — 7:30 a.m.
Academy Room, Monticello Community Center
Present: Clint Herbst, Lloyd Hilgart, Tom Perrault, Glen Posusta, Brian Stumpf
Absent: none
Others: Jeff O'Neill, Mark Pultusker, Lynne Dahl - Fleming, Tim Hennagir
1. Call to Order
Mayor Herbst called the special meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.
2. Purpose of Workshop: Discussion of proposed Telecommunications Tower
Jeff O'Neill explained that this item had been discussed at the July 22nd council meeting
and was denied. However, Council did ask to have the topic brought back with more
information on financing. The concept is being brought back to look at the potential
revenues and possible options for constructing a telecommunications tower. Jeff
provided several handouts.
3. Consideration of authorizing expenditures relating to site planning, design, and
regulatory application preparation supporting potential development of a city
communications tower
Mark Pultusker explained that the tower concept is being brought forward due to an
interest from Verizon in locating on the tower. There are verbal agreements in place
which would contract Verizon for a given number of years with options to extend. The
contract would include an escalator with revenue increasing by 3% each year.
Mark Pultusker stated that the estimated cost of constructing the tower is up to $300,000
including the site planning. Revenue from Verizon would go towards offsetting the cost
of construction. Mark Pultusker also pointed out that the tower could be used for a
variety of city uses.
Mark Pultusker summarized the studies that he has conducted so far which show that this
is a feasible project. There are no towers in the area of Public Works which has the
potential of drawing other wireless vendors. Mark Pultusker talked about the suitability
of the site, which abuts a railroad right of way and is limited for other uses.
Glen Posusta asked about potential other expenses such as a light on top of the tower and
electrical costs. Mark Pultusker explained that the height of the tower is set at 199 feet
and should be exempted from beacon requirements. Mark Pultusker pointed out that the
revenue and expense breakdown on the tower allows for miscellaneous costs. Mark
Pultusker stated that two trees would need to be taken down and replaced somewhere else
to make room for the tower and structures. The compost bin may need to be relocated
City Council Special Meeting Minutes -July 30, 2013 Page 1
somewhere else, but not known at this tune. Mark noted that the vendors that locate on
the tower would most likely each bring in a but to contain their equipment. The
foundation of the tower would be about five feet in diameter and would be a monopole.
Mark Pultusker talked about the proposed lease with Verizon. They have provided a
contingency agreement based on the zoning approvals at a monthly lease of $2000. If
another tenant is added, the Verizon lease would drop to $1800 per month. Mark
Pultusker talked about some of the risks. Clint Herbst stated that there are other potential
uses of such a tower. Mark Pultusker mentioned an ancillary benefit where FiberNet
could be a partner with Verizon or another vendor in providing wireless service.
Brian Stumpf asked about expenditures connected with the construction of a tower. Mark
Pultusker talked stated the initial studies for site planning that would be required would
run about $16,500. These would be sunk costs, which are part of the design phase and
would be spent whether or not the tower was constructed. These amounts are included in
the estimated $250,000 to $300,000 project costs. Mark Pultusker discussed the timeline
with an estimated completion date in mid- November. Mark Pultusker explained that the
bids would go out with several options.
Jeff O'Neill talked about the zoning of the site currently and the proposed zoning code
amendment which will be presented to the Planning Commission in August. The
amendment would be based on location on public property and height of tower. Mark
Pultusker gave some examples of tower heights with the one on Monte Club Hill about
325 feet and the one by Burger King at about 160 feet. Mark Pultusker also talked about
the generator that would be placed at the site to ensure continuity of power in case of an
outage.
Jeff O'Neill stated that he envisions Public Works remaining at the current site for at
least another 10 years. The remnant piece of land would be suitable for location of a
tower and would not interfere with public works operations and would not have
development potential.
Lloyd Hilgart noted that he does not have an issue with the financial costs as he feels
there will be a return on investment. Mark Pultusker stated that he does not normally
support municipal investment in a tower but this case supports the investment in FiberNet
as well as other city uses. With the nuclear plant located in the vicinity, it is a means to
provide for wireless service.
Tom Perrault asked about the costs of the feasibility study and Mark's fees. Mark
Pultusker explained that the expenditure is not for a feasibility study; rather it provides
for studies that are needed to construct the tower. Mark Pultusker stated that his fees
would be included in the total estimated cost of the project. He would not charge fees
until after the study phase is completed and would include his proposed costs in the
construction proposal which would follow the zoning process.
City Council Special Meeting Minutes — July 30, 2013 Page 2
GLEN POSUSTA MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE PLANNING STUDY AT AN
ESTIMATED COST OF $16,500. CLINT HERBST SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED 5 -0.
4. A(bournment
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING AT 8:14 A.M.
TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0.
Recorder: Catherine M. Shuman &W,,
Approved: August 12, 2013
Attest:
Ci inistrator
City Council Special Meeting Minutes — July 30, 2013 Page 3