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As directed by Council, over the last year and a half City staff and our attorney <br /> has been negotiating a solution that is acceptable to both the City's interests and <br /> Clearwire. <br /> Current Status <br /> Staff met with Clearwire for mediation in July of 2011. At that time, Clearwire <br /> revealed that they had another, smaller diameter tower they'd like use at <br /> Freedom Park in place of the existing tower. Additionally, they proposed sharing <br /> the cost with the City for the new tower's installation. City staff asked for <br /> additional details of this new tower, which Clearwire was unable to provide at that <br /> time. Staff also did not commit financially to anything. The mediation concluded <br /> by Clearwire agreeing to complete an engineering analysis to determine if 1) the <br /> alternative tower could fit on the existing base plate and 2) it's structural capacity <br /> to support the ball field lights and/or additional carriers). <br /> Today, that engineering analysis has been complete (see attached). This <br /> analysis involves swapping out the existing 45" diameter — 100' tower with a <br /> 27.5" diameter — 80' tower. The new tower would be attached to the existing <br /> tower's foundation (or base plate). The proposed tower could support <br /> Clearwire's antennas, the ball field lights, and an additional carrier. For <br /> comparative purposes, the existing tower could support two additional carriers so <br /> at least one co-locator opportunity would be lost. <br /> Next Steps <br /> Clearwire is seeking affirmation from the City that the proposed 27.5" diameter— <br /> 80' tower is acceptable. If it is, Clearwire would determine the total costs to <br /> complete the tower swap. Additionally, Clearwire would demand the City share <br /> in the costs to complete this work. City staff is seeking direction with regard to <br /> these matters. <br /> In the event an agreement cannot be made, the City still has the option to <br /> conduct a quasi-judicial hearing to revoke the special use permit currently in <br /> force for the existing tower. At the Council's February 14, 2012 agenda, a <br /> Resolution was approved authorizing the City Manager to appoint the State of <br /> Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings to conduct the hearing. This hearing <br /> would be scheduled if a settlement cannot be made between Clearwire and the <br /> City. <br /> As an aside, Clearwire has agreed to bring their rent payments current (City was <br /> not accepting rent due to the lease violation) without any prejudice to its position <br /> in this dispute. This amount is approximately $40,000. <br /> Attachments <br /> 1) Chronology of Events <br /> 2) Existing Tower Photos <br /> 3) Approved Special Use Permit Plans <br />