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1-1k River <br /> iviunicipal Utilities <br /> 322 King Avenue phone: 763.441.2020 <br /> Elk River,MN 55330 Fae.763.411.8099 <br /> June 3, 2002 <br /> To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission <br /> James Tralle <br /> John Dietz <br /> George Zabee <br /> From: Bryan C. Adams <br /> Subject: Jackson Street Water Tower <br /> On May 21, 2002, 1 met with Pat Dwyer, Kurt Kragness of the Heritage Preservation <br /> Commission, and Doug Derr representing Vertical Partners and a former resident of Elk River <br /> concerning the future of the Jackson Street Water Tower. Doug Derr, through his company, <br /> coordinated the installation of digital communication infrastructure between public and private <br /> entities. This includes coordinating telecommunication antenna on structure like water tower. <br /> In summary, the digital communication industry is expanding at an increasing rate and the need <br /> for future antenna sites is also increasing. The events of September 11, 2001, has stowed this <br /> industry but it is projected to pick up in the future. The use of the Jackson Street Water Tower as <br /> a base for communication antennas is unknown at this time and it may take 6 months to 2 years <br /> to explore this potential opportunity. The resulting revenue stream may or may not be sufficient <br /> to pay for the continued maintenance of this structure. The concept of placing antennas on a <br /> water tower and compromising its historic value is also debatable. <br /> Mr. John Affords, the owner of the property directly east of this water tower, indicates he desires <br /> to start his redevelopment project this summer. The residence will be demolished in late summer <br /> with new construction taking place early 2003. <br /> The Heritage Preservation Commission is looking at the Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) <br /> to take the risk and pursue the opportunity of potential antenna rental space to provide the <br /> necessary revenue to save this "historic" water tower. 1 indicated the Utility Commission makes <br /> the ultimate decision, but from my perspective this is a financial decision. It is more economical <br /> to remove the structure than maintain it, less liability from both property damage or personal <br /> injury from someone climbing it and falling off. Also by removing this structure, a 100' x 100' <br /> lot becomes available for redevelopment. If some other entity desires to pursue this opportunity <br /> 84 <br />