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Council declines to advance American Tower’s Amendment 4; will remain on Amendment 3 until tenant meets with town
Summary
American Tower sought changes to the town’s cell-tower lease (proposed Amendment 4: 2% escalation and expanded footprint). Council reviewed attorney comments and decided to remain on the existing Amendment 3 (3% escalation) and to invite the tenant to meet with council or designate two officials for discussion; council will not change terms without direct engagement.
Representatives for American Tower requested changes to the town’s cell-tower lease (referred to as Amendment 4, which would lower annual escalation to 2% and allow site expansion). Town staff and counsel reviewed the proposed amendment language and raised concerns; council members said the tenant had not been willing to present directly to the full council.
Council discussed the revenue impact (staff estimated the 3% escalation under Amendment 3 contributes roughly $18,000 a year to the town scholarship fund) and noted that staying at the current terms preserves that revenue. Council directed staff to invite American Tower to a public meeting or agree to a small-group meeting with two designated town representatives; staff will communicate that the town will not adopt Amendment 4 without direct engagement.
Next steps: Staff will pass council comments and will offer the tenant the option of attending a public meeting or meeting with a designated pair of town representatives. Council members emphasized willingness to negotiate if the tenant demonstrates engagement in a meeting.
