Commissioners vote to secure foreclosed parcel with cell tower for public safety communications; lease to be negotiated

The Kent County Board of Commissioners’ Operation and Policy Committee voted on a motion Sept. 16 to support acquiring a foreclosed parcel near the highway that includes an existing cell tower to reserve space for future public safety communications equipment.

Al, representing the Administrator’s Office, said the sheriff had indicated interest in securing the property for communications and that a future action item will address a lease to allow tower access. “There is a tower there. Ultimately, a future action will come to you regarding a lease, how we would access space on the tower in the future. But today, we're just looking to secure the property,” Al said.

Linda (staff) said county staff reviewed foreclosure procedures and notifications and determined legal notice requirements were met. She told the committee that the back taxes on the parcel totaled $17,000 and that no one filed a claim during the foreclosure process. “The court foreclosure process already. No one responded to those notices. No entity, no individual. That stops them from making a claim some point in the future,” Linda said.

Commissioners asked why a cell tower company had been paying rent while the property went through foreclosure; staff explained the lease is with the former property owner and that such leases are affected by foreclosure. County staff said they are in contact with the tower company to work out a future lease arrangement and will return to the board with details.

A motion to support the acquisition carried by voice vote and staff said the item will proceed to the full board at the next meeting for final action.