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Council questions Verizon proposal to place equipment near Loop 1604 water tower; asks staff to seek alternate locations
Summary
Verizon proposed a ground‑mounted cell site on a city property at 9445 Loop 1604 with an initial lease payment of $16,800 per year; councilors raised concerns that the equipment could block the tower’s lettering and asked staff to pursue alternate placements and coordinate with Randolph.
Converse staff presented a proposed land lease with Cellco Partnership (Verizon Wireless) to use a 21‑by‑21‑foot portion of city property at 9445 Loop 1604 for cellular equipment at the April 1 council meeting.
Staff said the proposal would pay $16,800 a year, initially as a five‑year lease that automatically rolls into three additional five‑year terms (a potential 20‑year arrangement) with a 10% rent increase every five years. The report to council described the preferred equipment pad in the northwest corner of the site and noted prior practice at other tower sites where carriers are located on top of water tanks; staff said Verizon preferred a ground location adjacent to the tower to avoid mounting on the tank.
Council members raised concerns about aesthetics and maintenance. One council member noted that antennas and equipment at a nearby site had obscured the city lettering and said the proposed placement would “block the infinity symbol for the Converse logo” from Loop 1604 sightlines. Another councillor said a ground‑mounted location should be a standalone structure rather than attached to the tower to avoid paint damage and maintenance issues.
Staff told council they had contacted Randolph (the flight‑operations authority) and received a March 21, 2025 letter stating Randolph did not object but requested to be notified of construction dates, standards and lift use to coordinate air‑safety considerations. Council asked staff to ask Verizon to evaluate other city properties (including but not limited to other water towers) and to return with options. There was no formal vote to approve the lease at the meeting; staff said they will request Verizon consider alternate placements and report back.
Why it matters: A long‑term lease could generate revenue for the utility fund but can also affect city branding and tower maintenance. Coordination with Randolph is required because of nearby flight‑operation routes.
Next steps: Staff will engage Verizon about alternative locations, notify Randolph of construction protocols if Verizon proceeds, and return to council with a recommended site or revised lease language.
