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Ocean Shores radio board explores moving tower to cut roughly $3,300 monthly rent
Summary
Ocean Shores Radio Board discussed negotiating with Vertical Bridge to relocate the station's tower and examined a police-station tower alternative that could eliminate rent but require upfront capital; no contract was signed and the board will continue cost analysis and negotiations.
The Ocean Shores Radio Board discussed plans to move its broadcast tower as a way to reduce operating costs, with members saying the station currently pays about $3,300 a month for its mount and that the contract runs through 2028.
Chair opened the discussion, saying board staff and volunteers have begun talks with the company that manages a city-area tower, Vertical Bridge, and that the next step is for station staff "to reach back to Vertical Bridge and kind of start throwing some numbers," signaling informal negotiations rather than a signed deal. The board noted it may negotiate price but cannot execute a contract without city authority.
Board members described multiple alternatives. Marty and others raised the option of relocating the station's FCC construction permit to a short tower at the police department and increasing height and power if technically feasible. That option would avoid monthly rent but require upfront capital for a reinforced base and a heavier-duty tower. "No rent," one board member said of the police-station option, noting the tradeoff would be capital costs. The board also discussed other city-owned locations and the possibility of relocating the studio, which would change technical requirements.
Technical and regulatory details were part of the conversation. Board members stated the existing site includes additional infrastructure (directional antennas and auxiliary equipment) that would not automatically transfer to a new site. The group discussed the timeline and permit process: changing a construction permit is possible with a small hearing fee but no filing fee, and any moved permit would not reset construction deadlines on the existing contract. The board also noted the current tower site already has an emergency generator, a possible savings the police-station option would lose if a new generator were required.
Members emphasized coverage goals. The board repeatedly framed the objective as ensuring strong reception across Ocean Shores, not necessarily serving neighboring towns. A board member asked to be included in future negotiations with city staff (Scott) and Vertical Bridge, and the Chair invited broader participation from North Beach/Northbridge Independent Media's representatives.
No formal motion to change sites or to enter a contract was made during the meeting. The board directed staff to obtain cost estimates, consult a tower consultant about minimum heights and feasibility, and continue negotiations; any contract signature would require city approval.
What happens next: board staff will collect cost and coverage estimates, consult a tower engineer/consultant about height and power tradeoffs, and resume discussion at a future board meeting. The meeting did not record a formal vote on relocation.
