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After months of stalled talks, council rejects Radio Link lease and orders equipment removed within 60 days
Summary
Following multiple meetings and differing lease drafts, the council voted to end negotiations with Radio Link Internet and instructed the company to remove its equipment from the water tower within 60 days if an acceptable lease is not executed.
The New Richland City Council voted on May 11 not to enter into the lease draft submitted by Radio Link Internet and to give the company up to 60 days to remove its equipment from the city water tower if the parties cannot reach agreement.
City attorneys and staff spent much of the meeting outlining specific concerns with Radio Link’s draft lease. Staff said the company’s version lacked basic protections commonly included in colocation or communications‑site leases: explicit workers’ compensation confirmation, clear mutual liability and indemnity language, late‑payment remedies, and unambiguous limits on easement or property rights. The city attorney said the draft the city circulated is modeled on long‑used Minnesota templates and League of Minnesota Cities language and contains provisions intended to protect the city’s infrastructure and limit liability.
Representatives from Radio Link responded that their draft was based on communication‑industry templates and on a desire not to be unduly antagonistic; they disputed some staff characterizations while offering to address specific paragraphs. Council members repeatedly raised concern about the lack of a certificate of insurance naming the city as an additional insured for work on the tower and about continuing to allow equipment on critical infrastructure without a final, agreed contract.
After extended discussion and unsuccessful attempts to converge on a single, final draft, a motion was made and seconded to not enter into the company’s lease and to require removal of Radio Link equipment within 60 days. The motion carried by voice vote (individual roll names not specified in the transcript). Council directed staff to send formal written notice to Radio Link and to proceed with decommissioning steps if the company fails to remove equipment within the stated period.
Council members said the decision reflects concern for city liability and infrastructure protection; several members expressed frustration that negotiations had consumed months without a finished lease ready for final review. Radio Link and city staff were instructed to continue negotiations only if both sides agree to work from a shared, redlined draft that addresses the enumerated legal protections.
