Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Communications topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pipestone County to acquire Jasper repeater building after broadband provider plans to abandon site
Summary
Blue Peak (and related broadband operators) plans to abandon a small building at Jasper water tower that houses county radio equipment; commissioners voted to acquire the structure and cover future electrical service, intending to maintain the county’s paging repeater.
Pipestone County commissioners approved acquiring a small utility building at the Jasper water tower after a broadband provider told the county it will abandon the site. The county uses equipment in the building for VHF paging and radio repeater service to first responders.
County staff said the structure—used over many years by successive broadband operators—houses a Motorola MTX 3000 repeater, batteries, and climate control equipment needed for simulcast paging. The building sits under an easement tied to the water-tower property; county staff said Blue Peak (and prior operators under other names) plans to cut power to the site and offered to transfer the structure, possibly for a nominal amount.
Staff recommended acquiring the building to maintain radio coverage into the Jasper area; commissioners voted to proceed with acquisition and directed staff to have county legal counsel (domain) review the provider’s legal paperwork before final transfer arrangements. County staff noted the building needs cosmetic and roofing repairs and that future electrical service charges will be the county’s responsibility.
Commissioners asked about alternative locations; staff said previous consideration of other towers (for example, the Armor Holland tower) showed inadequate coverage for Jasper because of terrain. The county will task facilities staff with a plan and budget for exterior repairs once the title/legal work is complete.
