Utility Commission reviews Verizon water tower lease; staff seek closed-session review of details

The Village of Cottage Grove Utility Commission discussed a proposed 10-year lease agreement with Verizon for antenna space on a village-owned water tower at its Dec. 11 meeting, and staff asked whether commissioners wanted to move into a closed session to review specific terms.

A staff member presented the official Verizon lease and said it was consistent with prior commission direction. Staff noted a request that Verizon include “not to exceed” language for the easement and the service area prior to signing. “Both attachments are the official lease from Verizon for the water tower lease as previously discussed with the 10 year lease agreement as well as the annual termination,” a staff member said, and added that the village has requested additional limiting language for the easement and service area before execution.

Another staff member (Rick) said the lease is consistent with prior direction and that commissioners could go into closed session for any specific legal or negotiation questions. Commissioners agreed to defer further discussion to a closed session later in the meeting if needed; no formal action or vote on the lease was recorded during the open session.

What was clarified: Staff said they reviewed the lease and found it consistent with earlier guidance from the commission. The additional requested language is a limit on the easement/service area (described as “not to exceed” language) that staff has asked Verizon to add before signing.

Next steps: Commissioners indicated they would address detailed questions about the lease in closed session if necessary; staff did not present a final signed agreement or a formal motion for approval during the public meeting.