Board discusses cell‑tower consultant proposals; members plan interviews at next meeting

The board discussed four consultant proposals for cell‑tower lease valuation and negotiation services and agreed to continue the matter to the next meeting, when trustees will select which firm(s) to interview. Township staff said prior solicitation rounds produced proposals with different emphases—some firms offered broader market‑advisory services while others focused on telecom lease negotiation and legal representation. Trustees said they wanted counsel with specific experience negotiating carrier leases and a firm sized appropriately to the township—s holdings (three towers with multiple carrier contracts). Several trustees recommended interviews so the board can evaluate firms face‑to‑face and hear how consultants would approach lease valuation, market positioning, and negotiation strategy. Staff will prepare an action item for the next board meeting that lists the firms the board wishes to interview; trustees asked that board members submit their top two choices to staff so staff can schedule interviews for the next step. Staff noted one tower contract had expired and the township needs counsel to assist with negotiations, but trustees did not authorize contract award at the Aug. 11 meeting.