The Kent County Board of Supervisors voted to authorize a proposed option and lease agreement with Towers LLC to allow due diligence and potential construction of a communications tower on 10,000 square feet of county land at 12400 Old Telegraph Road. The motion passed unanimously after a roll call vote.

County staff member Mr. Hathaway told the board the option allows Towers LLC to perform necessary due diligence, including applying for a conditional use permit required by county code. “The due diligence includes applying for a conditional use permit, which is a requirement of our county code,” Hathaway said. He said Towers LLC initially proposed an annual lease payment of $6,500 and is now proposing $12,000 annually, increasing 3% each year, with rent rising by $75 per month per tenant starting with the second tenant on the tower.

The nut graf: The agreement gives Towers LLC a path to secure a conditional use permit and, if approved, a lease to address reported cellular coverage gaps in Lenexa-area campgrounds and the Colonies neighborhood. The county will retain no-cost access space on the tower as required by the proposal.

Board members questioned existing county arrangements and technical capacity. Supervisor Mr. Stears asked about a county lease on a tower in the Clinton area; Mr. Hathaway said the county pays a property owner for access across land to that tower and that arrangement predates current negotiations. Supervisor Mr. Moyer asked how many providers could use a new tower; Hathaway said that would be determined by the coverage analysis during due diligence, which will specify tower height and available space. He added, “It is a requirement, that they have to offer space to the county.”

A formal motion to authorize the county administrator to execute the option and lease was made and polled. The board approval was recorded with votes as: Mister Moyer—Aye; Miss Pearson—Aye; Mister Stiers—Aye; Miss Stewart—Aye; Mister Evelyn—Aye. The motion passed.

The board previously held a public hearing on the item at its September 8 meeting, Hathaway said. The conditional use permit process and permit-specific details such as final tower height and the number of colocations will be resolved during Towers LLC’s due diligence and the county’s permitting process. Ending with the vote, the county gave Towers LLC the ability to proceed with permitting and, if successful, finalize a lease.