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San Benito officials outline rehab plans for two water towers; antenna ownership and safety questions raised
Summary
City staff said both the expressway hydro pillar and the Williams Road legged tank need sand‑blasting, metal repair, recoating and logo work. Officials and trustees discussed antenna equipment on towers, possible compensation for antenna hosts and safety concerns about welding near drinking‑water structures.
City officials told the joint meeting the city has started engineering assessments for two city water towers — a hydro pillar on the expressway and a legged tank on Williams Road — and expects rehabilitation work (blasting, metal repairs, coating, cathodic protection and repainting) beginning as early as this fall.
The mayor and city staff said work will require removal of equipment on the towers while contractors sandblast and recoat the structures. The expressway tower’s exterior logo (the city cited examples such as local artists or community figures under consideration) will be reestablished during repainting; the Williams Road logo was still under discussion.
Trustees asked whether the district or third parties currently pay to place antennas on the towers. City staff said they had found no formal contract or compensation agreement for equipment on the towers and that some school‑district antennas may occupy tower space. Commissioners expressed concern that welding and repair work on potable‑water tanks could risk contamination and noted that crews standing by during repairs increases labor costs.
Commissioners and the superintendent discussed alternatives: moving antennas to other structures (stadium, AEP towers) or formalizing a contract so the city receives compensation and the district’s communications are preserved. The city manager said the hydro pillar is likely to be the first project and that timing will depend on detailed inspection after blasting reveals the true extent of metal repair needed.
Why it matters: Rehabilitation affects city infrastructure, public‑safety communications (antennas), and budget planning. Removing or temporarily relocating communications equipment could disrupt police, school and other services unless agreements are made before work begins.
What’s next: City engineers will complete proposals and budgets; staff will coordinate with the district on antenna relocation, contractual compensation and work timing. No contract or interlocal agreement was approved during the meeting.
