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District advances talk to host a cellular site on UHS lighting tower; carriers to fund construction, district may lease space
Summary
Facilities staff described a proposal to replace a press‑box lighting tower at Urbana High School with a slightly taller tower that would host a Verizon macro cell (and a second carrier). Construction costs would be covered by the operator; the district could receive a lease payment in the "very low five figures" per year, though lease terms are not yet negotiated and safety questions remain to be addressed.
District facilities staff presented preliminary plans to add a cellular macro site to a lighting tower at Urbana High School athletic fields. The vendor would remove the existing tower, pour new footings for a slightly larger tower (about 20 feet higher) and trench fiber and electrical to equipment enclosures under the bleachers. Facilities emphasized the construction work would be scheduled to avoid athletic events.
All construction and equipment costs would be paid by the cell‑site developer, and the district would negotiate a long‑term lease. "All of the cost would be covered by the construction company of the construction installation boring and equipment," said the presenter, and he added the district could expect "a payment to the district ... in the very low five figures a year." The presentation noted carriers typically require capacity for a second tenant, which could increase lease revenue if negotiated.
Board members asked about safety, structural stability and how the new tower might affect storage under the bleachers. When asked who would be responsible for safety, the staff presenter said he would "check into that." Staff said the planned macro cell would operate on 4G spectrum with some 5G functionality and that carriers told district staff the project timeline could be calendar year 2025; no lease terms have been finalized.
Why it matters: improving cellular coverage is a practical operational and equity issue for district staff, families and visitors; the proposal would allow the district to gain recurring lease revenue without upfront capital costs but raises community questions about siting, safety and long‑term terms.
Next steps: staff requested board direction to continue negotiations and site work, and board members gave general approval to pursue terms. Staff will return with lease proposals and more detailed construction and safety information.
