New lease agreement for radio tower

Times Reporter

 

The lease agreement for the radio tower in the west side of town was up for renewal. Included in the renewal was a proposal to raise the amount given to the landowner by 75 per cent. 

“We’re looking for a three-year lease and previously that lease has been for $2,000 per year. They’ve asked for an increase and we’ve negotiated an increase to $3,500 per year to compensate for various price increases and land value around the area,” said Jesse Parker, director of engineering and operations. 

 “At the time of signing in 2004 that $2,000 for the approximate 100 acres was a very generous amount from the landowner as a recognition for the emergency services that the town has provided to the owner. The lease that we’ve had in the past has been a very fair price and I would say a very charitable price almost to the town to a degree.”

The previous contract had been signed in 2004. This is the first official renewal of the contract and the first time the annual rate has been increased. A few minor changes with insurance and a couple of clauses were also made to the contract. 

“Yes $1,500 a year increase might sound a little bit high but we have also had the advantage of having that tower there for the last almost 10 years very a very reasonable amount as far as the cost of it is concerned,” said Councillor John Rempel. 

Rempel made a motion to approve the three-year lease, which passed unanimously.