- By Dan Veaner
- News
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Nextel proposes to locate antennas on the existing tower. "That would entail the placement of a 9' x 16' equipment shelter on the grounds, and attaching antennas to the existing tower," explained Mr. Elsbree.
By using the existing tower as-is Nextel will not have to seek approval from the Town Board, because the tower is already approved under the cell tower ordinance. Town Councilwoman Connie Wilcox noted that if the company changes the tower's specifications it would have to go through a Town review.
Fire officials asked questions about the contract and some engineering issues that might arise. There was concern that the tower may not be able to hold the load of the extra equipment. Nextel would work on the structure to make sure it can hold the equipment if their engineer reports that it is necessary.
Steve Elsbree addresses the Fire Commissioners
Chief Scott Purcell had concerns about interference between the cell company's equipment and the fire department's radios. Mr. Elsbree noted that both are subject to FCC regulations, and that Nextel's engineers would make sure their antennas do not interfere with department equipment.
Deputy District Treasurer George Gesslein asked whether Nextel would be getting their own electrical and telephone service. Mr. Elsbree replied that they would. He also said Nextel would like to hook up to the station's stand-by generator so the equipment will operate if there is a power outage.
Mr. Gesslein also expressed concern that the tower not be over burdened. "We don't want to run into what the County ran into with their tower." The County tower at the Warren Road jail being has been found to be overloaded and the County is faced with replacing it. "We don't want to have to replace that tower," he said.
The Nextel representative assured him that an engineer would evaluate the structure for weight and that Nextel would shore it up. "We would make any upgrades that are needed for our loading (of the tower). We're well aware that we'll probably have to put something heavier up," he said. He added that they would not change the height or any of the specifications except its weight bearing ability.
Fire Commissioners (Left to right) Alvin Parker, Robert Wagner, District Treasurer Linda Beckwith, Commissioners Dennis Griffin and Larry Creighton
"We would do all the permitting, all the engineering," Mr. Elsbree said. "This is all at our cost. The lease would would be subject to a monthly fee amount paid by Nextel to the District. That would be part of the agreement that would be negotiated between Nextel and the Commissioners." He also noted Nextel would reimburse the District for up to $1000 of attorney's fees. He noted that the work would most likely be done after Winter.
The Commissioners seemed generally well disposed to the idea, but agreed that they should consult their attorney. They voted unanimously to do that and to follow up on the next steps.
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