Consider Proposal from Metro Area Repeater Association to Install Skywarn Facilities on Water Tower #2

City staff received a request from the Metro Area Repeater Association (MARA) to place their facilities within water tower #2, located on Sunwood Drive.  This equipment would be used as a public service by Skywarn spotters and amateur radio operators.  MARA is a volunteer/donations based organization that manages and maintains a series of radio links and repeater sites throughout the Twin Cities area.  Coverage within the northwest metro area is lacking and they have identified Ramsey, and water tower #2, as an ideal location for improved coverage within this area.

MARA was in attendance at the October Public Works meeting to outline their proposal to the Committee and determine whether the City would be supportive of their request (see attached proposal).  They are seeking donated space to mount their radios, batteries, antennas, and cables.  They are also asking the City to cover the cost of the electrical usage for these facilities as well.  The Public Works Committee requested that MARA provide information on other City's that currently provide this service, the terms of those agreements/leases, and annual operating costs.  Attached to this case is a listing of other communities in the metro area that currently have agreements with MARA.

Staff has always stated that we would want our consultant to review MARA's plans for installing their facilities, and perform inspections as the work is being performed to insure that their proposed piercings and connections would not damage the existing tower structure or coatings.  Bob Kollmer, the consultant that has performed inspections on all towers constructed within the City, has provided an estimate for such work in the amount of approximately $1000 - $1500.  MARA initially responded that this amount was basically their entire operating budget for the year, but has since stated that they now have a donor for these funds.  A few other items of concern that have been discussed include:

1. Access to the tower for required maintenance, repairs, and upgrades; which would need to be coordinated through the utility department during regular business hours and on-call staff during non-business hours.
2. Interference with existing and proposed users on the tower (cell providers, SCADA, etc.).
3. Use of this space should another potential user/customer request a lease on this tower.

Staff will be contacting some of the listed communities to discuss their relationship with MARA and our concerns, and that information will be brought forward to the meeting.

Based upon discussion.