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Ocean Shores board discusses relocating radio tower, seeks contract review
Summary
Board members discussed plans to move the station off a deteriorating city tower to a proposed new community tower, potential county and tribal partners to help underwrite improvements, interim technical options, and asked members to review the station's current contract before the next meeting.
The Ocean Shores Radio Advisory Board discussed plans to relocate the station's transmitter away from a deteriorating tower at the city works yard and to evaluate options for an interim and long-term site.
Chair Patrick said he and staff will meet with the city and emergency management to review options and that the board is asking members to review the current station contract to determine whether the board can exit or renegotiate it. “We want to see if there’s any way to get out of the contract,” Patrick said, and he asked members to perform that homework ahead of the next meeting.
Marty, presenting the technology report, described a vision for a new community tower that would improve emergency dispatch coverage for Westport and surrounding areas and could attract county or tribal partners to share costs. “If a new tower is available, the station would file an application to move to that site,” Marty said. He suggested Grays Harbor County, Pacific County and nearby tribes could be asked to underwrite improvements so the site can serve dispatch and other emergency services in addition to the radio station.
Board members discussed interim options if the current lease remains in force while a new tower is built, including migrating critical equipment to a nearby interim tower, installing a tall mast or relying on fiber or Internet feeds. Marty said a nearby two‑story building might provide an interim mast site, and noted line-of-sight and power considerations will need verification.
The group also raised commercial partnership ideas: securing a cellular carrier as a tenant on a new tower to generate revenue and improve long-term sustainability. Members asked staff to gather more information on the existing lease and on potential partners before the next meeting.
The board did not take formal action beyond directing members to review the contract and continuing the technical discussions at a separate meeting planned that afternoon. The item will return on the agenda when staff report back with lease and partner options.
