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Watertown approves $34,000 easement for emergency radio antenna at Payson Estate
Summary
Council authorized a permanent easement at the Payson Estate (Oakley Hill Condominium) for the city’s emergency radio system, including a $34,000 payment to the condominium trust; staff said the agreement protects transmissions and avoids eminent-domain proceedings.
Watertown City Council approved an order Nov. 26 authorizing the city manager to execute a permanent easement agreement to locate part of the city’s emergency police and fire antenna system on the historic Payson Estate at Oakley Hill Condominium.
The city manager said the negotiated easement includes a one-time payment of $34,000 to the condominium trust and provides the city perpetual rights needed to maintain and operate the antenna system while avoiding the time, cost and uncertainty of eminent-domain litigation. “This negates the need for us to do a hostile taking by eminent domain,” he said.
City Attorney Rich and staff described provisions that require the trust to “reasonably cooperate” with relocation or maintenance work and to ensure there will be no interruption in transmission during necessary moves. Rich said the agreement strikes a cooperative tone while retaining remedies should disputes arise.
Councilor Feltner asked for and received confirmation that the agreement preserves transmission continuity and allows the city to relocate equipment to a substantially equivalent site at the city’s expense if needed. After questions, the council moved, seconded and approved the easement by roll call.
The easement clears a longstanding installation issue and is intended to keep the upgraded public-safety communications system fully operational.
