Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves ground lease with Verizon for light‑pole cell site at Frontier Field
Summary
Council authorized a ground‑lease agreement with Cellco Partnership (Verizon Wireless) for a replacement light pole and associated ground equipment at Frontier Field; staff described an approximately 80‑foot pole, a fenced ground equipment area, a five‑year initial term with two automatic five‑year extensions, and $18,000 annual rent.
City staff presented a proposed ground lease with Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, to replace a light pole at Frontier Field with a pole capable of supporting cellular equipment and to lease ground space for the related equipment enclosure.
Staff said the replacement pole would be approximately 80 feet tall (the current pole is about 69 feet), would sit inside the field fence with ground equipment located outside the fence inside an eight‑foot block fence, and would be constructed to match the composition, color and style of the existing light pole. The location and elevation do not require Federal Aviation Administration approval, and the use of city property for a telecommunications facility is a permitted zoning use, staff said.
Access and term: Staff said Verizon would have 24‑hour access in defined emergencies; non‑emergency access would require 48‑hour notice and coordination with the city. The initial term is five years, with two automatic five‑year extensions unless otherwise terminated. At the end of the agreement the communications facility (including the light pole) conveys to the city minus the communications equipment, though the city has the option to require Verizon to remove facilities upon termination.
Financial terms and council action: Staff reported an annual rent of $18,000, to be divided monthly and increased 2.95% annually. The final agreement is pending Verizon approval, which staff estimated could take three to four weeks with the hope of no substantial changes. Councilman [name not recorded in transcript] moved to approve the ground lease; Councilman Adams seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
What to watch next: Staff asked the council to authorize the city attorney to accept minor changes and the mayor to sign the final documents once Verizon completes its review.
