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PROPOSED CONTRACT AMENDMENT
Department(s): Permits, Rentals and Concessions
Vendor: Wireless EDGE Towers II, LLC, Rhinebeck, New York
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to extend the agreement with Wireless EDGE Towers II, LLC (“Wireless Edge”) for an additional five (5) years.
Good(s) or Service(s): Marketing, site evaluation and development, sublicensing, revenue collection, and other related site management services associated with the use of Forest Preserves property by the commercial wireless telecommunications industry with respect to small footprint, self-supporting, stealth communication towers and related cellular telephone communication equipment.
Original Contract Period: 12/21/2021 - 12/20/2026
Proposed Contract Period Extension: 12/21/2026 - 12/20/2031
Total Current Contract Amount Authority: N/A (Revenue Generating)
Original Approval: 11/02/2021
Previous Increase(s): N/A
This Increase Requested: N/A (Revenue Generating)
Estimated Fiscal Impact: Revenue Generating. Under the extension term, Wireless Edge will provide the Forest Preserves with the following compensation:
A. Agreement Extension Term Signing Bonus: $25,000.00
B. Each Tower License - Tower Licensee Bonus $5,000.00
C. Each Tower License - Tower Permit Bonus: $20,000.00
D. Annual Sublicense Fee (Co-location License Fee): Greater of $36,997.07, increased by three percent (3%) compounded annually on each anniversary of the effective date, or fifty percent (50%) of revenue
E. Narrowband (Public Service) Revenue Share: Fifty percent (50%).
Accounts: N/A (Revenue Generating)
Contract Number(s): #19-40-499
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. The contract amendment is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 15, 17
Summary: Wireless Edge currently provides communication tower management services for the Forest Preserves, including marketing available tower space, coordinating with wireless carriers, site development, sublicensing, and revenue collection through a master agreement approved by the Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners on November 2, 2021 (Board Item No. 21-0002). The proposed extension, as previously anticipated by Board Item No. 21-0002, will allow Wireless Edge to continue managing wireless communication opportunities on Forest Preserves property and generating revenue for the Forest Preserves. This includes an existing license for a cell tower at Meadowlark Golf Course, which was approved by the Board of Commissioners on November 14, 2023 (Board Item No. 23-0491). Individual tower locations remain subject to separate license agreements and Board approval.
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