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Richmond approves one-year United Fiber lease for Valley Drive water tower equipment
Summary
The Richmond City Council unanimously approved a one-year lease allowing United Fiber to continue operating equipment on the Valley Drive water tower, requiring $250 monthly rent, liability insurance naming the city, and company responsibility for equipment and excess electrical use.
The Richmond City Council on April 28 unanimously approved a one-year agreement allowing United Fiber to continue operating communications equipment on the Valley Drive water tower.
City Administrator Tonya Willim reminded the council the city entered a lease in 2008 with TurboNet, which United Fiber purchased in 2025, and said the new agreement preserves operations while assigning responsibilities to the company. Under the agreement, United Fiber will pay the city $250 per month ($3,000 annually), carry liability insurance naming the city as the certificate holder, be responsible for its equipment and any excess electrical usage, and provide standard indemnification protections for the city.
Councilor June Paige moved to approve the agreement and Councilor Rob Kinnard seconded; the roll-call vote was 6–0 in favor (Paige, Kinnard, Hardwick, Guy, Bond, Brash).
The contract term is one year with an option to renew annually. The agreement does not change ownership of the tower or Municipal authority over the structure; it governs operations, insurance, and reimbursement for use. The council did not identify further conditions or amendments during the meeting.
The council approved the agreement during the regular meeting at which staff also reviewed several other routine agenda items. No public comment or separate objection to the agreement was recorded.
