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Council questioned $500 rent increase for Freedom Plaza cell tower, staff says funds to go to plaza improvements
Summary
Council questioned a proposed $500-per-month increase to a cell-tower lease at Freedom Plaza; staff said the vendor agreed and that the extra rent would be accrued for plaza improvements, with partial SBCTA funding noted but insufficient for full restoration.
During consent-calendar discussion a councilmember asked whether the proposed $500-per-month rent increase for a cell-tower lease on Freedom Plaza was initiated by the city or the vendor and whether the money would be used for plaza improvements.
City Manager Starr explained such terms are typically negotiated by staff as leases near expiration and that vendors often agree to rent adjustments. "The money is accrued for that purpose," Starr said, referring to improvements at Freedom Plaza; staff also noted SBCTA provided some funds but not enough to fully restore the property.
Council and staff discussed whether the additional rent should require the vendor to make improvements; staff said the vendor is agreeable and that accrued rent would help fund development of alternate plans for the site. No formal contract amendment or appropriation occurred during the meeting.
