Council approves perpetual easement for MetroNet cabinet on airport property

On Feb. 3, 2025, the Grand Haven City Council approved a perpetual, nonexclusive easement to MetroNet Infrastructure Group LLC to locate a fiber-optic cabinet on city-owned airport property.

Derek Lemke, Facilities Manager, explained MetroNet has authorization to install fiber infrastructure in the city and sought a location for one of its main cabinets where nearby property purchase was not available. Lemke said the site selected is in the northwest corner of the airport property, “just to the east of our driveway to [the] storage barn” and “just to the west of Sheep’s Driveway,” and that it should be out of the right of way and “out of the way.” He described the cabinet as roughly 5 feet tall, about 8 feet long and about 4 feet wide and said there are no utilities in conflict.

Lemke said the city negotiated a one-time payment of about $30,000 for the easement and recommended acceptance. He further noted the roadway right-of-way in the area is technically controlled by the road commission, not the city, and that the easement is limited to airport property.

Councilmembers discussed revenue from Metro Act payments and the city’s prior receipts from similar providers. One councilmember said the city previously received roughly $45,000 annually under earlier arrangements and that current agreements pay per foot annually; Lemke said any annual payments would be modest but could increase as companies invest in citywide infrastructure.

Councilmember Fritz moved approval of the perpetual easement; Councilmember McLaughlin seconded. The council approved the easement on a roll-call vote with Fritz, McLaughlin, Lowe and Mayor Maneta voting yes.

The easement is perpetual but nonexclusive and limited to a 12-by-30-foot site, according to staff. Staff told the council they do not expect sight-line or long-term operational impacts to airport operations and that placement will be coordinated so as not to conflict with airport uses.