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Board directs manager to sign Verizon lease contingent on insurance review
Summary
The Shelter Cove RID reviewed Verizon’s proposal to add equipment to the Kelly Road communications tower. Verizon flagged structural upgrades needed; staff recommended approval and the board directed the general manager to sign provided the district’s insurer does not require changed coverages or raise costs.
The Shelter Cove Recreation Improvement District considered a lease proposal from Verizon to install cellular equipment on the Kelly Road communications tower and directed the general manager to sign the agreement provided the district’s insurance requirements and costs would not change.
Proposal and engineering concerns: Verizon proposed a five‑year initial term at $20,400 annually with 2% yearly escalation; staff said comparable carriers pay similar rents. Paul, an engineer with Complete Power Consulting, explained the existing tower would require structural reinforcement (an internal endoskeleton or more extensive "drop and swap" replacement) to add another carrier. Verizon told staff it would need to perform or fund the structural work to safely support its equipment.
Board review: directors raised three questions: whether insurance coverage would change, whether construction would temporarily disrupt existing carrier service, and whether tower camouflage or other aesthetic treatments were feasible once engineering was complete. Paul told the board he expected only minor ground‑level disruptions for the proposed reinforcement and that antenna downtime was not anticipated for the engineering scope currently planned; more disruptive "drop and swap" replacements would require coordinated outages.
Condition for approval: board members asked staff to confirm the lease language and verify insurance compliance with the district’s insurer (GSRMA). The board then directed the general manager to sign the lease provided doing so does not increase the district’s insurance costs or otherwise create new insurance obligations; if insurance changes were required, the board asked staff to return with options.
Why it matters: residents and officials said improved cellular coverage would increase public safety by supporting emergency calls in a remote service area. The structural upgrade and any associated noise or construction activity also raised community questions about timing and impact.
