Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Communications Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee discusses antennas, potential tower and aging radio structure as part of fire station planning
Summary
Design and vendor representatives said antennas for public safety radio systems may be mounted on the new building, while a full cell-carrier tower would be a different, larger undertaking; the committee noted the existing radio tower at the old fire station is deteriorated and may need removal.
The Town of Lakeville Fire Station Building Committee discussed options for mounting radio and cellular antennas on the new fire station and raised safety concerns about the existing tower at the old station.
Vendors were asked to produce two cost options: one for antennas mounted on the building suitable for public safety radio systems, and one for a stand-alone cell tower if that were required. The committee heard that the public-safety antenna structure is substantially smaller and requires less foundation work than a cellular carrier tower. “So it depends on what type of antenna the town is looking to do ... the standard antenna that you would do for public safety, the structure is far less than what you would do for a cell tower,” a project vendor said.
The group also discussed experience from other towns: one community placed a tower and attracted multiple carriers and revenue, while another installed a tower and has not secured any carriers. Committee members said the town should obtain carrier interest before committing to a tower foundation that requires larger excavation and expense.
Radio tower safety: members noted the current radio tower on the old fire station has structural cracks and may not be safe to hold equipment in a severe wind event. The committee suggested obtaining a demolition/ removal price as part of broader discussions and noted the town reuse subcommittee may consider the structure.
Next steps: the committee asked Comtronics (vendor) to perform a study that lays out recommended antenna configuration, pricing for on-building installation and separate tower options, and any demolition/removal costs for the old tower. The study will inform whether to include mounting provisions in the fire station design or to pursue a separate site for a carrier tower.
