Wireless communication is looking up – 100 feet to be exact, now that Wellington North has agreed to the construction of a communications tower at its administration centre here.
The decision followed a report by senior staff.
That report stated, “We have had discussions regarding having a wireless communication connection from both Arthur and Mount Forest to Kenilworth. With the Smart Meter program, Wellington North Power (WNP) also needs to upgrade its wireless connection between Arthur and Mount Forest so we have been investigating possible options that would benefit both of us.”
It said WNP indicated it would consider sharing costs for infrastructure. “One thing we do know is that we must have a tower located at or near the Kenilworth office to allow for a proper wireless connection between Arthur and Mount Forest.”
The report continued, “We have had discussions with Everus Communication (formerly High Speed FX) who has the county broadband contract to see if we could come to an agreement to supply the township and WNP with the necessary services. The proposal they gave us seemed rather expensive” so the staff considered a request for proposal.
Staff noted that Ken Frey [the township’s information technology staff member] then became aware that Packet Works, which supplies the municipality with its internet service, now has to remove its tower from the school property in Kenilworth and must find a new location in or near Kenilworth to install a new tower to continue providing service to its customers – which includes the township. Packet Works must also have the new tower installed within approximately 30 days.
Seeing that as an opportunity to address the municipality’s needs, Packet Works was contacted by staff to discuss options.
The company agreed to build a 100 foot tower for the township at a cost of $10,000, and the township would retain control over its use. The tower would accommodate three Packet Works antennas and three township antennas – for the township and WNP.
While Wellington North would continue to pay for the services from Packet Works, that company would pay rent for use of the tower. The repayment cost for the tower is anticipated to be 4.5 years, while the tower has an estimated life of 10 to 15 years.
The municipality also became aware Eastlink is proposing a fibre trunk line from Ayton to Arthur via Sideroad 7 (Kenilworth) and the line would run directly in front of the municipal office.
The report noted that even if the municipality moves to the Eastlink fibre optic line, the tower would still provide backup services and the township would still collect rental fees from Packet Works.
Council decided to proceed with the construction of a tower, splitting the costs evenly with Wellington North Power.
Mayor Mike Broomhead said there had been meetings with Everus in regard to the building of a tower, but the municipality wanted to get two bids.
“This (Packet Works proposal) is certainly by far the cheapest proposal.”
He noted the tower is needed by WNP for the Smart Meter program.
Broomhead said it works to the municipality’s advantage by providing better communication between Arthur, Mount Forest, and Kenilworth. He said the approach should save the municipality a substantial amount of money.
Councillor Dan Yake, who chairs the finance committee, asked specifically where the cost is in this year’s budget.
Broomhead said it was likely in the water and sewer account.
Yake said there was a listing that the cost was under administration.
If that is the case, councillor Ross Chaulk said the cost would be under administration capital, not water and sewer.
Yake, however, did not remember the item under that part of the budget.
Treasurer John Jeffrey said if council went ahead with the project, that is where the cost would go. But, he said that there is nothing in the capital budget to date for the work.
“It’s a brand new item. The issue of financing it has not been discussed at all,” Jeffrey said.
“Remember that slush fund I keep telling you about,” Chaulk said, referring to his advocating having a fund set aside for unexpected costs. “It’s such a logical thing for us to do.”
Yake also asked if there was a written agreement with WNP to split the tower costs.
“As the finance chair, I just want to make sure the money is coming in.”
Chaulk added, “If WNP is paying for half the tower, shouldn’t they get half the rental?”
Broomhead said WNP would have its equipment on the tower and not pay rent.
He added “WNP has agreed to this, whether it is in writing or not.”
Broomhead said the issue is Packet Works has been given 30 days to remove its other tower. He added that in the other proposal before council, WNP’s share for a tower would have been $40,000 so it is quite happy with only a $5,000 cost.
Councillors agreed to have the tower built.
