Brighton approves 10-year cell-site lease with T‑Mobile at south water tank; rent set at $2,500/month

Brighton City Council authorized the city manager Tuesday to execute a lease with T‑Mobile West LLC for space on the city's south water storage tank, approving a 10‑year initial term with renewal options and monthly rent that begins at $2,500 and increases 3% annually, the director of utilities said.

Scott Olsen, Brighton's director of utilities, described the lease as a negotiated replacement for a month-to-month arrangement the city had operated under since the prior long-term agreement lapsed. "The initial term of that new lease is for 10 years with the option to renew for 2 successive 5 year terms followed by 2 successive 1 year terms," Olsen said. "The rent under this new proposed lease is $2,500 per month and that increases 3% annually on the anniversary of that lease."

Olsen said an original lease was signed in December with Nextel (later acquired by T‑Mobile) and that T‑Mobile had installed additional equipment in February without requiring more site space. The new contract addresses maintenance logistics and temporary antenna relocation costs when the city needs to perform tank work, Olsen said.

Councilmember Green asked about the previous rent level. Olsen replied, "I believe that it was, like, $13.50." Councilmember Tadeo asked why the city had been operating on an expired lease since 2021; Olsen said parties had been unable to agree on terms and the arrangement reverted to month-to-month until the current negotiations completed.

Councilmember Fiddler moved the resolution; Councilmember Green seconded. The council approved the lease 8-0.

The lease authorizes the city manager to sign on the city's behalf and establishes the rent schedule and negotiated terms for equipment relocation during maintenance.