The Board of Public Utilities on Oct. 22 voted unanimously to recommend that county council introduce Ordinance 7‑39, authorizing a first amendment to the colocation agreement for antennas on the North Mesa water tower at 280 North Mesa Road.

The amendment documents an equipment upgrade, allows a five‑year renewal of the lease, and records a change in the tenant from ComNet to AT&T Mobility LLC, county staff said. Staff also told the board the amendment includes a technical review to check for structural and interference issues when equipment is replaced.

Financial terms and staff summary

County staff told the board the annual lease payment was adjusted upward to reflect current market rates, from roughly $10,000 per year historically to a starting annual amount around $21,000 with a 3% annual escalation; there is also a quoted one‑time payment of $15,000 to the county to cover review and related costs. Staff said the carrier has been cooperative and there were no outstanding operational concerns.

Motion and vote

A board member moved that the board recommend council introduce Ordinance 7‑39 to authorize the first amendment; the motion received a second and the board approved the recommendation by a 4‑0 roll call vote. Roll call recorded assent from Amber Cooper, Amber Gavner, Vice Chair Stromberg and Member Gibson.

Why this matters

The amendment clears the way for AT&T to modernize and consolidate equipment at a county‑owned structure while providing updated lease revenue to the county. Staff emphasized that the amendment also formalizes technical checks to avoid interference with other colocated providers and to confirm the water‑tower structure can accept new equipment.

Next steps

The board’s recommendation will be forwarded to county council for introduction and subsequent consideration on the council calendar. If council approves the ordinance, staff will finalize the amendment and schedule any required technical inspections or structural work before equipment replacement proceeds.