Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Broadband Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City tables MVTV request to host wireless equipment on water tower
Summary
MVTV Wireless asked to mount internet and hotspot equipment on Jasper's water tower to preserve local service; the council tabled the request while ownership and tower-replacement plans are clarified, and staff will invite the township and Rock County for next steps.
Mayor Kim Lape and members of the council heard a proposal from Julie Foote of MVTV Wireless to relocate equipment from CHS to Jasper's water tower so the provider can continue offering internet and campground hotspot services to residents.
Foote said MVTV has been using CHS for equipment but needs a new host to keep serving customers. She said the company often hosts equipment in exchange for service rather than rent and emphasized the proposal would impose minimal demands on the city: "the electricity used would be equivalent to a 100-watt light bulb," she said, and added that MVTV requires 24-hour access and monitoring. Foote also said the company could install its own cabinet if the city preferred and that camera services were an available option.
Council members questioned ownership and access. Public Works Superintendent Brian Thode noted he was unsure who owns the structure beneath the tower ("he believes Pipestone County owns it"). Mayor Lape recommended inviting the township to the January meeting and noted Rock County (Rachel Jacobs) will need to be involved for annexation matters brought up earlier in public input.
Council did not vote on the MVTV request and chose to table the issue to gather more information about tower ownership and any plans for tower replacement. Foote said MVTV is constrained by a pending demolition by LG Everest and appreciates a prompt resolution next month.
Next steps: staff will confirm ownership and utility access, and the council will revisit the request at the January meeting with township and county representatives expected to participate.
