Council approves renewal of golf-course cell tower lease with higher rent, long renewal term
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Summary
The Westland City Council approved a renewal of the golf-course cell tower lease that raises annual rent to $49,560 starting April 1, 2026, with 3% annual increases and multiple five-year renewal options extending potential occupancy to 2051.
The Westland City Council on Monday approved a renewal of the lease for the cellular tower located at the city golf course that will raise the annual payment to the city to $49,560 beginning April 1, 2026, with a 3% escalation each year and multiple five‑year renewal options that could extend the contract to 04/01/2051.
The lease renewal was presented as a revenue item rather than a new expense. "There is no exact expense attached to this lease contract — it’s revenues that come in that go into the general fund under lease revenues," Director Adams said. Councilman Hart, who spoke from experience in the cellular industry, called the structure "industry norm," saying, "in my professional opinion, there's no reason to alarm."
Why it matters: the new terms increase recurring annual revenue to the general fund from roughly $36,000 under the prior arrangement to almost $50,000, with steady escalation thereafter. City staff said the lease covers space on an existing tower at the golf course and represents a renewal of an arrangement that has been in place for about two decades.
Details: the renewed agreement lists STC 5, LLC and Global Signal Acquisitions 3, LLC as parties and provides nine separate five-year renewal options; staff explained that exercising all renewals could extend the lease into 2051. The change in dollars — from roughly $36,000 annually under the prior terms to $49,560 — and the 3% annual escalator were confirmed by Devin Adams during council discussion.
Council action: Councilman Hart moved approval; Councilwoman Rakowski supported the motion. The motion passed with no recorded roll-call objections.
Context and next steps: Finance staff said lease payments are recorded as general-fund revenue and are used to support city services. Council members asked for and received a short history of prior rents and confirmation that the lease is for space on an existing structure rather than a newly built tower. The council did not request additional public hearings on the renewal.
Provenance: Discussion began when the item was introduced as "New business item 1 b, approval of the golf course cell tower lease agreement" and concluded with the council approving the motion.
