City Council to discuss wireless agreement
Published 11:05 pm Friday, May 31, 2019
Suffolk City Council will hold a public hearing during Wednesday’s meeting on a proposed ordinance to grant a non-exclusive license agreement for a provider to install, maintain and operate wireless facilities and communications infrastructure in the city for at least 10 years.
The city is currently seeking bids for the project, which are due by noon Tuesday, and the council will receive those bids at its meeting. After it receives and opens the bids, the council will consider them before deciding on which bid to accept.
According to the bid form, “it is anticipated that the successful respondent will enter into a 10 year license term with the city,” which will automatically renew for three additional five-year terms.
The construction would take place on public streets and rights-of-way, as designated and approved by the city.
During its regular meeting, the council will also vote on an ordinance to rename the Whaleyville Community Center at 132 Robertson St. to the Whaleyville Recreation Center.
The city owns two stand-alone recreation facilities — the Whaleyville Community Center and the East Suffolk Recreation Center.
“While the two buildings offer virtually the same amenities and programs, one is designated a community center and the other a recreation center,” according to city staff. “The difference in designations lends itself to confusion among citizens about why the two facilities are named differently.”
The cost of changing the name, which would come out of the Parks and Recreation Department’s operating budget, would be about $2,000.
City Council is also scheduled to vote on a motion to schedule a special work session for July 11 to tour area libraries.
In its most recent adopted Capital Improvements Program and Plan for fiscal years 2020 to 2029, the city has set aside $1.9 million in fiscal year 2020 for the design of a 45,305-square-foot, $21.1 million library to go on West Washington Street to replace the existing 14,500-square-foot Morgan Memorial Library, located across from City Hall. The CIP calls for an additional $11.6 million to be spent in year two, $4.1 million in year three and $3.6 million in year four.
On the work session agenda, City Council will hear from representatives of the Southeastern Public Service Authority about its current and future operations, including the regional landfill and its ancillary tipping stations. It will also hear from the city attorney about state legislative changes that will require City Council action.
Director of Parks and Recreation Mark Furlo will also outline the department’s summer programs, activities and events for youth in the city.
The work session begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday, and its regular meeting begins at 7 p.m. in City Council chambers at 442 W. Washington St.