HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7.1 Site Lease Agreement City of Dublin and Wireless Edge Towers III LLC Agenda Item 7.1
STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
Page 1 of 4
DATE: March 24, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Colleen Tribby, City Manager
SUBJECT:
Site Lease Agreement Between the City of Dublin and Wireless Edge
Towers III, LLC
Prepared by: Jordan Foss, Senior Management Analyst
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On April 1, 2025, the City Council provided direction to Staff for the construction of a monopine
(faux tree) wireless telecommunication facility at Fallon Sports Park to facilitate improved
wireless connectivity through eastern Dublin. Staff reviewed submissions and selected
Wireless Edge Towers III, LLC based on the design, proposal, and experience developing and
managing wireless telecommunication facilities. The proposed Site Lease Agreement with
Wireless Edge, Inc. would allow construction and operation of a facility supporting up to four
carriers under a 50-year lease term, generating ongoing revenue for the City while improving
wireless coverage and reliability for residents, businesses, and emergency responders.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the Resolution Approving a Site Lease Agreement Between the City of Dublin and
Wireless Edge Towers III, LLC for the Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of a Wireless
Telecommunication Facility at Fallon Sports Park.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The proposed Site Lease Agreement is revenue-generating with no cost to the City. Wireless
Edge Towers III, LLC will compensate the City through monthly lease payments as specified in
the agreement, with escalators over the 50-year term. Wireless Edge will also provide a one-
time community benefit payment of $100,000 at the time construction begins. All costs
associated with construction, operation, and m aintenance of the telecommunication facility will
be the responsibility of the lessee.
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DESCRIPTION:
Background
Eastern Dublin has experienced persistent gaps in wireless service coverage due to increased
demand for data usage and limited existing infrastructure. In response to resident concerns
and City Council direction, Staff explored opportunities to facilitate improved wireless
connectivity through partnerships with private telecommunication infrastructure providers on
City-owned property.
On April 1, 2025, the City Council received a report outlining the history of wireless services in
Dublin, results of the November 2024 wireless coverage and service community survey, and
potential locations and designs for a future facility based on proposals received from wireless
carriers through a call for proposals (Attachment 5). Following evaluation of potential sites,
Fallon Sports Park was identified as a suitable location due to its ability to accommodate a
facility that blends into the natural surroundings while improving coverage in the surrounding
area.
Vendor Selection and Agreement Overview
Staff requested revised proposals from each contractor who submitted a design in the original
call for proposals. After reviewing the updated proposals, Wireless Edge was selected based
on its design, experience developing and managing wireless telecommunication facilities, and
its proposal to enter into a long-term Site Lease Agreement with the City. Under the proposed
agreement, Wireless Edge will lease the designated 60-foot by 45-foot plot behind Fallon
Sports Park Field C, approximately 50 feet from Fire Station #18 to the west, for the installation
of a monopine (faux tree) wireless telecommunication facility designed to support up to four
carriers (Attachment 4). The monopine height is proposed at 95 feet to the top of the branches.
This height is required to accommodate space for four carriers, ensure adequate spacing
between equipment, and maximize signal range given the topography of the surrounding area.
Key terms of the Site Lease Agreement include:
A lease term of 50 years, inclusive of initial and extension periods.
A revenue-sharing structure that provides ongoing lease revenue to the City.
Assignment of responsibility to Wireless Edge for all costs associated with construction,
operation, maintenance, insurance, and eventual removal of the facility.
Continued City ownership and control of the underlying park property.
Compliance with all City design standards for Fallon Sports Park.
Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations .
The agreement aligns with industry standards for municipal wireless site leases and is
consistent with the City’s goal of leveraging public assets to improve services while generating
revenue. The City has engaged in a similar agreement in the past for the installation and
operation of a smaller wireless telecommunication facility at the Shannon Community Center
that houses a single carrier. The site agreement for that facility was executed in November
2001 and has a 40-year term. The City also receives monthly rent payments as part of the
agreement, similar to the proposed site lease agreement with Wireless Edge .
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Site Considerations
The proposed facility will be located within Fallon Sports Park in a manner intended to
minimize impacts to park users and surrounding neighborhoods. Final design and construction
will be subject to all City permits and applications such as a Site Development Review and
Building Permits. The wireless facility will not interfere with existing recreational uses of the
park.
Community Benefit
The construction of the wireless facility will enhance wireless coverage and data reliability in
the eastern Dublin area, supporting residents, businesses, and emergency responders.
Improved communication infrastructure will also strengthen public safety, ensuring residents
and visitors have more reliable 911 service and connectivity during emergencies. The facility
also supports Dublin’s long-term goal of expanding access to advanced communication
technologies and preparing for future innovations. The City will also receive a one-time
Community Benefit Payment of $100,000 upon the issuance of all required federal, state , and
local permits.
Next Steps
If the City Council approves the proposed Site Lease Agreement, Staff will work with Wireless
Edge on the next phase of the project, which includes completing environmental and
regulatory review, preparing detailed engineering plans, and obtaining all required federal,
state, and local permits. Key steps include Federal Aviation Administration review,
environmental and historic resource clearances, preparation of site and construction plans,
City Planning Division approval, geotechnical analysis, and issuance of building permits.
Following building permit issuance, Wireless Edge will fabricate the tower, complete site
preparation and foundation work, and install the wireless infrastructure. Based on the
preliminary project schedule, these steps are anticipated to take approximately 10 to 12
months from execution of the lease agreement to completion of construction and installation of
the facility. Attachment 3 shows the preliminary project schedule and is meant to be used as
an estimate only. A final project schedule will be submitted to Staff once the project
commences.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Strategy 4: Inclusive and Effective Government
Objective D: Conduct ongoing outreach and garner feedback on services and programs to
meet the community’s needs.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
The City Council Agenda was posted.
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ATTACHMENTS:
1) Resolution Approving a Site Lease Agreement Between the City of Dublin and Wireless
Edge Towers III, LLC for the Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of a Wireless
Telecommunication Facility at Fallon Sports Park
2) Exhibit A to the Resolution – Site Lease Agreement with Wireless Edge Towers III, LLC
3) Draft Preliminary Project Schedule
4) Aerial Map and Photo Simulations of Proposed Monopine Wireless Telecommunication
Facility at Fallon Sports Park
5) April 1, 2025 Staff Report (without attachments)
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Attachment 1
Reso. No. XX-26, Item X.X, Adopted 03/24/2026 Page 1 of 2
RESOLUTION NO. XX – 26
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
APPROVING A SITE LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DUBLIN AND WIRELESS
EDGE TOWERS III, LLC FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF A
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY AT FALLON SPORTS PARK
WHEREAS, eastern Dublin has experienced persistent gaps in wireless service coverage due
to increased demand for data usage and limited existing infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, on April 1, 2025, the City Council received a report regarding wireless service
coverage in eastern Dublin, including historical context, vendor proposals, results of a community
survey on wireless coverage, and potential facility locations and designs; and
WHEREAS, following evaluation of potential sites, Fallon Sports Park was identified as a
suitable location for a wireless telecommunication facility due to its size, existing public ownership, and
ability to accommodate a facility designed to minimize visual and operational impacts while improving
service coverage; and
WHEREAS, the City Council provided direction for the construction of a monopine (faux tree)
wireless facility design intended to blend with the surroundin g natural environment; and
WHEREAS, after review of revised vendor proposals, Wireless Edge Towers III, LLC was
selected based on its proposed design, experience developing and managing wireless
telecommunication facilities, and its proposal to enter into a Site Lease Agreement with the City; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Site Lease Agreement provides for the lease of a designated 60 -foot
by 45-foot area within Fallon Sports Park for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a
monopine (faux tree) wireless telecommunication facility designed to support up to four carriers; and
WHEREAS, the Site Lease Agreement includes a total term of 50 years, provides monthly lease
payments with periodic escalators, includes a one -time community benefit payment of $100,000 upon
commencement of construction, and requires Wireless Edge Towers III, LLC to be responsible for all
costs associated with design, construction, operation, maintenance, insurance, and removal of the
facility; and
WHEREAS, the proposed wireless facility will enhance wireless coverage and data reliability in
eastern Dublin, benefiting residents, businesses, and emergency responders and improving
connectivity during emergencies.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin does hereby
approve the Site Lease Agreement between the City of Dublin and Wireless Edge Towers III, LLC, in
substantially the form attached as Exhibit A.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is authorized to execute the Agreement
make any necessary, non-substantive changes to carry out the intent of this Resolution.
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Reso. No. XX-26, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2026 Page 2 of 2
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY the City Council of the City of Dublin, on this 24th
day of March, 2026 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
City Clerk
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24th
Attachment 2
Exhibit A to the Resolution
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Colleen Tribby
City Manager
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Fallon Sports Park - Cell
Tower Preliminary Project
Schedule
Item Description Weeks from
Prerequisite
Prerequisite
Item
Project
Week
A Ground Lease Executed
B Carrier Sublease Executed A, 1A, 4A TBD
1 Engineering Site Visit N/A Completed
1A Title 4 0 4
2 Land Survey and 1-A FAA certification 4 1 4
3 FAA 7460-1 approval 8 2 12
4A Phase 1 ESA 4 1 4
4B Phase 1-A Archaeological Study 3 1 4
6 Site Plans 3 1, 2 7
7 NEPA/SHPO Approval 24 4B, 6 28
8 Planning Approval 24 6 36
9 Geotechnical testing and report 3 8 39
10 Tower and Foundation Design 3 9 41
11 Building Permit 3 6, 10 43
12 Tower Fabrication and Delivery 10 10 47
13 Site Preparation and Tower Foundation 3 7, 11 45
14 City Antenna Installation (if applicable) 1 13 48
Attachment 3
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Attachment 4
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STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
Page 1 of 11
Agenda Item 8.2
DATE: April 1, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Colleen Tribby, City Manager
SUBJECT: Eastern Dublin Wireless Telecommunication Facility Survey Results and
Proposed Next Steps
Prepared by: Jordan Foss, Management Analyst II
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
In spring 2024, following resident complaints about poor cellular service in eastern Dublin,
the City Council asked Staff to explore solutions to improve connectivity. In response, Staff
solicited proposals from vendors and conducted a community survey to gather feedback on
current service levels and potential wireless telecommunication facilities (cell towers). The
City Council will receive a report on survey responses and consider a proposed monopine
(faux tree) facility at Fallon Sports Park.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the report and provide direction on a monopine (faux tree) wireless
telecommunication facility to be located at Fallon Sports Park.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Under the terms of the proposals received, the City would not bear any financial
responsibility for the construction or operation of the facility. Upon approval of the concept
plan provided in this Staff Report, the City would enter into either a Site Lease Agreement or a
Revenue Sharing Agreement with the selected contractor. These agreements would generate
revenue for the City, with the final amount subject to negotiation.
DESCRIPTION:
Background
The gap in wireless telecommunications coverage has long been a concern for residents of
eastern Dublin, despite the existence of various wireless carriers in that area. Currently,
Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) has three leases with carriers for structures
Attachment 5
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adjacent to the water tower off Fallon Road in the northeastern portion of the City. At this
location, AT&T, Dish, and T-Mobile have wireless telecommunication equipment installed.
Additionally, the City has permitted the installation of wireless telecommunication facilities
(cell towers) on privately owned businesses, facilities, or land in Dublin. However, even with
these existing facilities, significant coverage and service reliability issues remain, and the
need will continue to grow as the planned, nearby development projects are completed.
The City first considered options to address this gap in 2014; however, for various reasons,
there was a lack of community support to install a wireless telecommunication facility (cell
tower) in the area at that time. Over the past two years, both residents and cellular carriers
have become more vocal about the need to improve service in eastern Dublin. The issue came
up again at the April 16, 2024 City Council meeting during a presentation on the five-year
Capital Improvement Program.
Since that meeting, Staff has worked on addressing this issue, which included soliciting
proposals from vendors to gauge carrier interest, identify potential site locations, and
determine the type of facility that could best address service gaps in eastern Dublin. In
addition, Staff completed a community survey to better understand residents’ concerns and
gather input on preferences related to wireless infrastructure. This Staff Report presents the
results of the work that has been done and Staff’s recommended solution.
City Actions and Findings
Vendor Proposals
In July 2024, Staff issued a Notice Accepting Proposals on the City’s website, inviting
interested contractors to submit proposals for constructing a cell tower in eastern Dublin,
specifically in and around Fallon Sports Park. The City received four proposals focused on
two preferred locations: Dublin Fire Station #18 and Fallon Sports Park. The proposals
included options for both single-carrier and multi-carrier structures, and identified various
facility types, including a flagpole, stadium lights, and monopine (faux tree) for the City’s
consideration.
Community Survey
In November 2024, a postcard with a link to a community survey (Attachment 1) was mailed to
9,424 residences in the defined study area (Figure 1 below). The survey closed on December
10, 2024. Additionally, the survey was announced via the City’s social media channels and was
included in the Dublin Digest weekly newsletter.
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Figure 1. Study Area
A total of 2,127 survey responses were received, with 2,108 submitted by Dublin residents
(1,899 of which, or 93%, came from the defined study area). Those who indicated they were
not Dublin residents were not allowed to complete the survey, so only data from Dublin
residents was collected.
In summary, the survey results show that the respondents are overwhelmingly in favor of a
wireless telecommunication facility (cell tower) being installed in the eastern Dublin study
area. Most respondents find that coverage and service are extremely or very important to
them, and there is a significant lack of service within the study area. The following section
provides a summary of the data collected through the survey.
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a. Residents’ Carriers. The chart below shows the different carriers currently utilized by
the survey respondents. The percentages total over 100%, as the survey allowed for the
selection of multiple carriers. Note that Xfinity cellular services utilize the Verizon
cellular network.
b. Coverage Concerns. The chart below reflects that respondents highly value coverage
quality and a strong majority have issues with both signal strength and call service
quality.
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c. Community Support. The survey reflects overwhelming support (92%) among
respondents for the construction of a cell tower if it enhances cellular coverage and
connectivity in the study area.
d. Design Preferences. Respondents were also asked to select their preferred design for a
potential new cell tower and its location. A flagpole, stadium lights, and monopine
(faux tree) were the top three choices. Note that the survey allowed for multiple
responses to the design and location preference questions.
62.20%54.80%50.80%
42.30%37.80%
FLAGPOLE STADIUM
LIGHTS
MONOPINE
(FAUX TREE)
TREETOP CONCEALED
MONOPOLE
PE
R
C
E
N
T
A
G
E
FACILITY TYPE
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e. Location Preferences. Respondents indicated a strong preference for a cell tower
located near Fire Station #18, with open space and a City park also scoring over 50%.
Analysis
Location:
In assessing potential locations for the facility, Staff utilized the vendor proposals received
and considered resident feedback from the survey. Staff also surveyed the area in person and
via the City’s Geographic Information System and considered the feasibility of construction.
Staff’s findings are summarized below.
- Location 1: Near a Government Building identified as Fire Station #18
Assessment: This location is not ideal due to aesthetic concerns. Vendor proposals placed the
facility directly adjacent to the Fire Station located along Fallon Road. However, there are few
large trees and natural topography that help screen the facility from view. Staff’s assessment
is that this location is not ideal.
- Location 2: Open Space
Assessment: The open space land owned by Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD)
north of Dublin Ranch Golf Course along Fallon Road is not a suitable location for the facility
due to three main concerns:
• Its proximity to the southern region of the study area would limit coverage and service
levels.
• The required height of any structure to meet service needs would exceed that of other
proposed locations.
• A facility here would not require a Site Lease Agreement with the City, resulting in no
revenue for the City.
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- Location 3: City Park
Assessment: The identified location is the strongest option for the following reasons:
• It allows the facility to blend into the natural surroundings.
• It is sufficiently removed from street frontage.
Most importantly, it is centrally located, offering the best coverage and service.
Based on the analysis, Staff believes that the preferred location for a wireless
telecommunication facility in eastern Dublin is the northern part of Fallon Sports Park, near
Field C (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Proposed Location
Facility Type:
In addition to evaluating potential locations, Staff reviewed and analyzed the design options
presented in the proposals, including a flagpole, stadium lights, monopine (faux tree),
monopole, and tree top. Staff focused on aesthetics, height concerns, site impact, and the
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number of facilities required to achieve adequate service levels. Images of the facility types
are provided in Figure 3, and a detailed analysis of each proposed wireless design is provided
in Attachment 2.
Figure 3. Facility Types
After careful review and consideration of the proposed designs and locations, Staff
recommends the monopine (faux tree) as the preferred option for the wireless facility, based
on its aesthetic compatibility, functional capacity, and minimal visual impact. The monopine
blends more naturally into the surrounding landscape and can support three to four carriers
on a single structure, reducing the need for multiple towers. The proposed location – near
Field C at the northern edge of Fallon Sports Park – would be partially screened by trees from
view from Fallon Road and out of view from Gleason Road, limiting visibility for both
pedestrians and drivers. While the facility would be visible from the nearby ball fields, the
carrier equipment would be concealed within the tree’s canopy, preserving visual harmony
within the park. The structure would also be set back from adjacent residential
neighborhoods, further minimizing its impact. Figures 4 and 5 below show two different
perspectives of the proposed monopine – one from Fallon Road, traveling north, and the
other from within Fallon Sports Park.
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Figure 4. Proposed Monopine
(view travelling north on Fallon Road past Fire Station 18)
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Figure 5. Proposed Monopine
(view from within Fallon Sports Park – Field C)
Community Benefits:
Beyond addressing infrastructure needs, the proposed wireless telecommunication facility
will deliver meaningful benefits to eastern Dublin. As the area continues to grow, reliable
wireless service has become increasingly important for residents, businesses, and visitors.
The new facility will improve service by addressing existing coverage limitations, reducing
dropped calls, and increasing data speeds.
An additional community benefit would be the generation of revenue through a lease or
revenue sharing agreement with the selected contractor. The City has seen similar benefits in
the past. For example, in 2001, the City entered into a site lease agreement with Sprint (now
STC Five LLC) for the construction and operation of a wireless telecommunication facility at
Shannon Park. Beginning July 2002, the City began receiving monthly lease payments, which
included annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments. In 2020, the City executed a third
amendment to the agreement, increasing the monthly rent to $2,653 and securing a one-time
community benefit payment of $10,000.
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Next Steps
Depending on City Council’s direction, Staff is prepared to move forward with the selection of
a contractor from the submitted proposals and begin negotiations on a site lease or revenue
sharing agreement, which will also include a community benefit payment. The finalized
agreement will be brought to a future City Council meeting for approval.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
None.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
The City Council agenda was posted.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Community Survey Example
2) Wireless Design Facility Matrix
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Site Lease Agreement
Between the City of
Dublin and Wireless
Edge Towers III, LLC
March 24, 2026
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Background
•Eastern Dublin has experienced persistent gaps in wireless service
•Apil 1, 2025 –City Council Report:
•History
•November 2024 community survey
•Review of potential locations and designs
•Site selection –Fallon Sports Park
•Design –Monopine (faux tree)
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Vendor Selection
•Staff requested updated proposals from original proposing
contractors.
•Proposals were for monopine structures located at Fallon Sports Park.
•Staff reviewed updated proposals and selected Wireless Edge Towers
III, LLC based on:
•Design
•Experience
•Proposal for Site Lease Agreement
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Proposed Location
Location
•Fallon Sports Park
•60ft x 45ft plot
•Approximately 50ft from Fire
Station #18 to the west
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Proposed Facility
Design
•Plot includes:
•Monopine facility
•3 carrier equipment areas
•Municipal equipment shed
•Staging area
•Plot is fenced off; includes proposed
landscaping
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Proposed Facility,2
Design
•Monopine (faux tree) structure
•95ft to the top of the branches
•4 carriers
•1 municipal mount
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Proposed Facility, 3
Traveling Southeast on Fallon Road
402
Proposed Facility, 4
Traveling Northwest on Fallon Road
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Proposed Facility, 5
Looking Southeast on Gleason Drive
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Proposed Facility, 6
North Parking Lot – Field C
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Agreement Overview
Key Terms include:
•50-year term: includes initial and extension periods
•Revenue sharing structure – ongoing lease revenue
•Wireless Edge responsible for all costs related to construction,
operation, maintenance, insurance, and eventual removal
•City ownership/control of underlying park property
•Compliance with all City design standards
•Compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations
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Considerations
Site Considerations
•Minimize impact to surrounding
neighborhoods
•Minimize impacts to park users
•Design and construction subject
to all permitting and application
processes
•Will not interfere with park uses
Community Benefit
•Enhance wireless coverage and
reliability
•Improved public safety
•Expands access to advanced
communication technologies
•One-time Community Benefit
Payment - $100,000
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Financial Impact
•Revenue generating – no cost to the City
•Monthly lease payments specified in the agreement
•Revenue sharing: co-location rent
•Minimum annual co-location rent: $40,000
•One-time Community Benefit Payment: $100,000
•Sublease ($5,000 each) and renewal term ($10,000 each) bonuses
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Next Steps
If approved, Wireless Edge will work with Staff on the next phase of the
project, including:
•Environmental and regulatory review
•Preparation of detailed engineering plans, and site and construction
plans, and geotechnical analysis
•Obtaining required federal, state, and local permits
•Federal Aviation Administration review
•Environmental and historic resource clearances
•City Planning approval
•Issuing of building permits
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Next Steps, 2
Following building permit issuance, Wireless Edge will:
•Fabricate the tower
•Complete site preparation and foundation work
•Install wireless infrastructure
Total timeline is estimated at 10-12 months from execution of the Site
Lease Agreement to completion of construction and installation of the
facility.
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Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution Approving a Site Lease Agreement Between the
City of Dublin and Wireless Edge Towers III, LLC for the Construction,
Operation, and Maintenance of a Wireless Telecommunication Facility
at Fallon Sports Park
Questions?
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