MAPLETON - The township may be getting a new Bell Mobility wireless telecommunications at Drayton once expense and lease agreement negotiations are settled.
At Tuesday night’s meeting, council deliberated any concerns with the lease agreement conditions and the radio communications and broadcasting antenna system requirements.
“We’ve been negotiating, but the agreement is still with the lawyers for review. Now, we just need council to direct staff to ensure Bell Mobility meets all regulatory requirements as set out in the radio communication and antenna broadcasting antenna systems; to ensure the full cost recovery for all related expenses,” explained Baron to council.
Township CAO Manny Baron explained to council that Bell Mobility approached the township as they feel that there may be a lapse in services within Drayton’s downtown core in late November 2021.
Bell Mobility wants to place a 20-metre tower along with a small equipment cabinet next to the Drayton Fire Station as they want to enhance its customer service delivery.
In a report submitted by Baron to council, he stated that a copy of the agreement has been sent to Scott Galajda from Miller Thomson LLP for review, and once feedback is received council will need to move forward with negotiating the lease to ensure both parties are well represented.
The first draft of the lease has a term of five years with the option to extend by three successive five year terms. As per schedule "C" of the agreement, Bell Mobility would pay $10,000 per year for the first five years, $11,000 for the first extension, $12,100 for the second extension and $13,310 for the third extension for a total of $232,050 for the entire 20 year term.
Council was excited with the new tower and did not note any disagreements with the lease, however, they mulled over the idea of installing an antenna on the water tower once construction is completed.
“This is a great opportunity. I’m just curious going forward if there’s a possibility of using our water tower as something to put an antenna on; sort of a two birds, one stone type of thing,” asked Coun. Marlene Ottens.
Baron explained that staff offered the water tower, however, Bell Mobility denied the offer as they deem it as an urgent need. He noted that township staff will continue to offer the water tower for future telecommunication opportunities with other companies.
“We are in the process as well, once this one is complete, try to negotiate a tower to be put up in Moorefield, so that we can improve the services there as well because I do hear often that there's a gap in services with Bell Mobility there as well,” said Baron.
Once the lawyers have reviewed the lease agreement and negotiations have been settled, the mayor and CAO will sign the lease agreement and construction can commence.
