AGENDA MEMO

City Council

July 19, 2010

ISSUE STATEMENT

A resolution authorizing the City Administrator to enter into an agreement between the City of Darien and Tri-State Fire Protection District to place radio antennas on the tower located at 1041 S. Frontage Road.

RESOLUTION BACKUP

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

The City of Darien was transferred ownership of an antenna tower at the Municipal Services facility by the University of Chicago fifteen years ago. There are currently antennas owned by T-Mobile on the tower, with a contract ready to expire in 2011. Other commercial vendors have not been interested in the site when they were asked because of its positioning. There is also equipment for SEDCOM and DuComm on the tower.

The Tri-State Fire Protection District has requested they be provided permission to add communication facilities to the tower. This would provide upgraded radio communication through the Tri-State district for their emergency responders. They would be using a lower sidearm mount and space on the tower that could be used by another vendor, however. At the June 14, 2010 Administrative/Finance Committee meeting the committee recommended this equipment should be allowed to be mounted at no charge.

STAFF/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Administrative/Finance Committee recommends approving this agreement.

ALTERNATE CONSIDERATION

Not approving the agreement would be an alternate consideration.

DECISION MODE

This item will be on the July 19, 2010 City Council meeting agenda for formal approval.