ROYALSTON — Royalston’s Selectboard met with representatives of Industrial Communications at its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 4, to discuss ownership of a communication tower on Warwick Road that currently holds the communications equipment for the town’s police, fire and public works departments. The tower is owned by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) and sits on land owned by Elwood Taylor.
“FRCOG,” board Chair Deb D’Amico began, “has approached the town of Royalston with the offer to transfer ownership of that tower to the town, which is something we have been asking about for many years. (Royalston Emergency Management Director Jim Barclay) and I have been in extensive conversation in recent days. We also have spoken with Tracy Rogers at FRCOG, who is interested in transferring ownership of this tower.
“What this will do is enable us to keep our communications equipment at the top of the tower to provide seamless emergency response throughout the town and throughout the region. That’s really critical for us. But we’re not going to be taking action on owning that tonight; this is the recommendation of Jim Barclay. He said hold off on signing any kind of agreement with FRCOG tonight.”
Industrial Communications of Marshfield wants to build a new tower, which it would own, on the site. Kevin Fadden, site acquisition specialist for the company, asked the board what the town’s goal is relative to the tower.
“Our goal in this town,” said board member Roland Hamel, “is to provide people with public safety, whether it be police, fire, rescue or DPW. We need communications. This town is all hills and valleys and that tower — which Mr. Taylor allowed to be put on his property — created a great system for us.
“Our fear is, if we lost that tower and you put up a cell tower — that’s great, I want to see a cell tower, I hate spotty cell service — but what’s going to happen to our public safety? What’s going to happen if you take that antenna down? You’re going to take that tower down, right?”
“Our goal,” Fadden responded, “is to replace that tower with a tower that is structurally sound to be able to put carrier antennas on it, such as Verizon and AT&T. FRCOG has the right to have that tower there until October 2022. So, even the town to acquire rights to the tower, you would have to remove it in October (in accordance with) the lease that they have with the Taylors. It expires in 2022.
“Our goal is to put a new tower there and to put the town’s equipment — which you currently have on the existing tower — on the new tower. We work with towns all the time on public safety. We know that’s important, and we’d be willing to provide you with free space on the tower for your equipment.”
“Well,” said Hamel, “I’m just worried about the town’s service. And if you’re gong to provide us with the same coverage, I’m good with that.”
Fadden replied that service for the town was one of the concerns raised by Taylor when steps for Industrial Communications to lease the property and construct a tower were first discussed.
“Here’s the thing,” D’Amico interjected, “we’re not making any decision tonight. This is only informational.
“And, again, Jim Barclay who has been talking for years with FRCOG about this tower, is not here tonight, and I would want Jim to weigh in and understand, but it’s good for us to hear that your intent would be to offer space.”
She reminded Fadden and Kevin Delaney, Engineering and Regulatory Compliance Manager for Industrial Communications, that the company will need to secure a permit from the town’s Planning Board in order construct a tower on the site.
Questions regarding the existing generator at the tower and either shared or separate electrical service to the site were also raised.
“We’re putting the cart before the horse here,” D’Amico told the company’s representatives. “I think those are details that need to be ironed out once you get your permit to build your tower.”
Board member Chris Long noted that provisions regarding electrical service, operation of the generator, and other issues could be part of the Planning Board’s order of conditions for the special permit.
“We met with the Planning Board on Dec. 8,” said Delaney, “and we are aware of some of these plans.”
“We just want to make you aware we are willing to work with the town,” Fadden concluded, “and we want to keep your public safety up and operational on the tower.”
Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com