Request for Proposals

Regarding Placement of Wireless Facilities on City Land

The City of Bloomington is now accepting proposals for communication towers and/or antennas at the following city owned sites:

Dred Scott Ballfields, 10810 Bloomington Ferry Road
Valley View Water Tower, 401 E. 90th Street
Water Tower, 7201 W. 83rd Street
Western Reservoir, 9921 Rich Road
Western Maintenance Area, 10500 Hampshire Ave. S.
Future Water Treatment Plant Site, 11000 Nesbitt Ave. S.
Public Works Offices and Vehicle Maintenance Area, 9750 James Ave. S.
City Hall, 2215 W. Old Shakopee Road

A map showing the location of each of these sites is attached on the following page. Proposals will be accepted immediately and evaluated as received. There is no submittal deadline for proposals, but each site has a limited capacity for communication towers and/or antennas. The City reserves the right to refuse any or all proposals. Each proposal must comply with the following standard requirements in order to be considered:

Lease

Applicants must be willing to abide by the terms and conditions specified in the City's Model Telecommunication Tower/Antenna Lease. The model lease will be similar to the League of Minnesota Cities model lease used by several Minnesota cities. The League's model lease is currently being modified by the Legal Department.

City Policy

Proposals must conform to the City of Bloomington's "Policy Statement Regarding the Use of City Owned Land for Wireless Telecommunication Antennas and Towers" adopted July 15, 1996. A copy of the Policy Statement is attached as Appendix A for reference.

City Zoning Approvals

The applicant shall obtain all necessary City zoning approvals including a conditional use permit, final site and building plan approvals, and a building permit. Such approvals may be obtained after a lease is signed, but the lease will be voided if the required City approvals are not granted.

Tower Space for City Public Safety Antennas

All proposals for freestanding towers must be designed to allow the co-location of two 12 foot, fiberglass, omnidirectional, public safety antennas. Twenty five square feet of equipment space must be set aside near the base of the tower for ground mounted public safety equipment.

In addition, proposals must comply with the site specific requirements listed on the next pages in order to be considered:

1. Dred Scott Ballfields, 10810 Bloomington Ferry Road

Location

One additional tower will be considered at the location of an existing outfield light pole at Field Number 9 (see attached diagram).

Maximum Height

The maximum tower height including all attachments shall be 100 feet.

Shared Use

Preference will be given to proposals that accommodate at least two providers from the completion of construction onward. In the event that a proposal for a single user tower is submitted, such tower shall be designed to accommodate one additional user in the future, the available heights for mounting additional antennas shall be specified, the potential location of associated ground mounted facilities shall be indicated, and the annual lease rate to be charged an additional provider shall be pre-specified.

Lighting

The tower shall accommodate the existing light fixture, or equivalent as determined by the Parks and Recreation Division Manager, at its current height and location and allow access to the light fixture by City staff for repair and replacement.

Tower Style and Color

The tower shall be of a monopole design and of a color that matches the existing light poles and cellular tower on the site.

Fencing and Screening

The tower and associated ground mounted facilities shall be completely fenced. Fencing and screening materials shall be similar to existing fencing on the site.

Landscaping

The tower site shall be screened by vegetation that blends into the surrounding park. Maintenance of vegetation shall remain the responsibility of the tower owner.

Associated Ground Facilities

If a climate controlled structure is required to shelter associated ground facilities, such structure shall be architecturally compatible with surrounding buildings in the park. If two or more providers are proposed, the site shall be designed to accommodate all providers within one structure. The space required for ground facilities and fences shall be minimized and shall not interfere with recreation facilities, utilities, parking, or access. Preference shall be given to proposals that minimize ground level impact.

Utility Lines

All power and phone lines running to the tower shall be placed underground.

Construction

Construction shall be entirely completed between September 15th and April 15th. All park facilities, including but not limited to outfield fences, turf, trails, and paved areas, shall be restored to their pre-construction condition.

2. Valley View Water Tower, 401 E. 90th Street

Antennas

The applicant shall specify on a detailed plan the location, material, type, size, and maximum number of antennas to be placed on the tower and the minimum separation required from the antennas of other users. The applicant shall also specify and fully describe the method of affixing the antennas to the tower.

Access Inside Water Tower

In order to insure a safe supply of water to all customers, access to the tower interior for any purpose will not be allowed to occur at any time by any non-Utility worker unless under the direct supervision of a qualified Utility representative. As space inside the water towers is severely limited, use of any interior space within the tank superstructure will not be allowed.

Additional Costs

Any extra costs to the Utility for operation, maintenance, or repair of its facilities as a result of allowing antennas to be affixed to City water towers shall be borne by the applicant. These costs will be considered above and beyond the annual lease rate.

Antenna Color

Antennas shall be painted to match the color of the water tower.

Fencing

The associated ground mounted equipment shall be completely fenced. Fencing materials shall be similar to existing fencing on the site.

Landscaping

The ground mounted equipment shall be screened by vegetation that blends into the surrounding park. Maintenance of vegetation shall remain the responsibility of the tower owner.

Associated Ground Facilities

If a climate controlled structure is required to shelter associated ground facilities, such structure shall be architecturally compatible with surrounding buildings in the park. If two or more providers are proposed, the site shall be designed to accommodate all providers within one structure. Preference shall be given to proposals which minimize ground level impact.

Utility Lines

All power and phone lines running to the tower shall be placed underground.

Construction

The site shall be restored to its pre-construction condition.

3. Water Tower, 7201 W. 83rd Street

Antennas

Access Inside Water Tower

Additional Costs

Antenna Color

Antennas shall be painted to match the color of the water tower.

Fencing

The associated ground mounted equipment shall be completely fenced. Fencing materials shall be similar to existing fencing on the site.

Landscaping

The ground mounted equipment shall be screened by vegetation that blends into the surrounding area. Maintenance of vegetation shall remain the responsibility of the tower owner.

Associated Ground Facilities

If a climate controlled structure is required to shelter associated ground facilities, such structure shall be architecturally compatible with the surrounding area. If two or more providers are proposed, the site shall be designed to accommodate all providers within one structure. Preference shall be given to proposals which minimize ground level impact.

Utility Lines

All power and phone lines running to the tower shall be placed underground.

Construction

The site shall be restored to its pre-construction condition.

4. Western Reservoir, 9921 Rich Road

Antennas

Access Inside Water Tower

Additional Costs

Antenna Color

Antennas shall be painted to match the color of the water tower.

Fencing

The associated ground mounted equipment shall be completely fenced. Fencing materials shall be similar to existing fencing on the site.

Landscaping

The ground mounted equipment shall be screened by vegetation that blends into the surrounding area. Maintenance of vegetation shall remain the responsibility of the tower owner.

Associated Ground Facilities

Utility Lines

All power and phone lines running to the tower shall be placed underground.

Construction

The site shall be restored to its pre-construction condition.

5. Western Maintenance Area, 10500 Hampshire Ave. S.

Shared Use

Preference will be given to proposals that accommodate at least two providers from the completion of construction onward. In the event that a proposal for a single user tower is submitted, such tower shall be designed to accommodate additional users in the future, the available heights for mounting additional antennas shall be specified, the potential location of associated ground mounted facilities shall be indicated, and the annual lease rate to be charged an additional provider shall be pre-specified.

Tower Style and Color

The tower shall be of a monopole design and shall be painted a light gray color to blend in with the sky.

Fencing

The tower and associated ground mounted facilities shall be completely fenced.

Landscaping

The tower site shall be screened by vegetation that blends into the surrounding area. Maintenance of vegetation shall remain the responsibility of the tower owner.

Associated Ground Facilities

If a climate controlled structure is required to shelter associated ground facilities, such structure shall be architecturally compatible with surrounding buildings. If two or more providers are proposed, the site shall be designed to accommodate all providers within one structure.

Utility Lines

All power and phone lines running to the tower shall be placed underground.

Construction

The site shall be restored to its pre-construction condition.

6. Future Water Treatment Plant Site, 11000 Nesbitt Ave. S.

Shared Use

Preference will be given to proposals that accommodate at least two providers from the completion of construction onward. In the event that a proposal for a single user tower is submitted, such tower shall be designed to accommodate additional users in the future, the available heights for mounting additional antennas shall be specified, the potential location of associated ground mounted facilities shall be indicated, and the annual lease rate to be charged an additional provider shall be pre-specified.

Tower Style and Color

The tower shall be of a monopole design and shall be painted a light gray color to blend in with the sky.

Fencing

The tower and associated ground mounted facilities shall be completely fenced.

Landscaping

The tower site shall be screened by vegetation that blends into the surrounding area. Maintenance of vegetation shall remain the responsibility of the tower owner.

Associated Ground Facilities

Utility Lines

All power and phone lines running to the tower shall be placed underground.

Construction

The site shall be restored to its pre-construction condition.

7. Public Works Offices and Vehicle Maintenance Area, 9750 James Ave. S.

Shared Use

Preference will be given to proposals that accommodate at least two providers from the completion of construction onward. In the event that a proposal for a single user tower is submitted, such tower shall be designed to accommodate additional users in the future, the available heights for mounting additional antennas shall be specified, the potential location of associated ground mounted facilities shall be indicated, and the annual lease rate to be charged an additional provider shall be pre-specified.

Tower Style and Color

The tower shall be of a monopole design and shall be painted a light gray color to blend in with the sky.

Fencing

The tower and associated ground mounted facilities shall be completely fenced.

Landscaping

The tower site shall be screened by vegetation that blends into the surrounding area. Maintenance of vegetation shall remain the responsibility of the tower owner.

Associated Ground Facilities

Utility Lines

All power and phone lines running to the tower shall be placed underground.

Construction

The site shall be restored to its pre-construction condition.

8. City Hall, 2215 W. Old Shakopee Road

Location

One tower shall be considered to replace the existing self supported, steel lattice tower at City Hall. The tower must be placed to allow for the potential future expansion of City Hall.

Shared Use

The tower must be designed to accommodate the antennas of the provider, plus the antennas mounted on the existing tower, plus additional antennas planned by the City.

Existing Tower Removal

Proposals shall include the removal of the existing self supported, steel lattice tower at City Hall.

Tower Style and Color

The preferred style for the tower is a monopole, however, if it is determined that a monopole tower cannot structurally accommodate the necessary antennas, a self supported, steel lattice tower will be considered.

Fencing

The tower and associated ground mounted facilities shall be completely fenced.

Landscaping

The tower site shall be screened by vegetation that blends into the surrounding area. Maintenance of vegetation shall remain the responsibility of the tower owner.

Associated Ground Facilities

If a climate controlled structure is required to shelter associated ground facilities, such structure shall be architecturally compatible with surrounding buildings.

Utility Lines

All power and phone lines running to the tower shall be placed underground.

Construction

The site shall be restored to its pre-construction condition.

Process and Schedule

City staff will review the proposals and forward them to the City Council for final selection. Proposals will be evaluated on factors including but not limited to the level of impact on the city owned facility and the surrounding neighborhood, the proposed annual lease rate, the number of users accommodated, and the proposed lease duration. In evaluating the proposals, the City will not unreasonably discriminate among providers of functionally equivalent services. The City reserves the right to refuse any or all proposals. Proposals will be accepted and evaluated until each site's capacity is reached. There is no submittal deadline.

Once a proposal has been received, review and analysis will begin immediately. However, the City will notify other providers regarding the receipt of the proposal and lease negotiations will not be finalized for three weeks to allow other providers time to submit competing proposals. Proposed annual lease rates and lease terms will be kept confidential until the proposals are brought before the City Council.

Submittal Requirements

At a minimum, proposals shall include the following:

A cover letter which describes the proposal; specifies the proposed annual lease rate, lease periods, renewals, and rental adjustment factor; specifies the proposed construction dates; discusses compliance with each of the required elements listed above; and discusses plans for shared use;
A site plan showing the proposed tower location, lease area, fence area, ground mounted equipment and structures (if any), utilities, and setbacks for proposed users and potential future users;
A landscaping plan;
Elevation drawings of the tower and associated ground mounted equipment, including a photo simulation if available;
Unless previously submitted, a master plan showing all planned antenna sites within the City; and,
An intermodulation study addressing potential levels of interference with public safety communications.

Please submit the following number of copies with the proposal: four copies of full size prints in sets folded to a maximum size of 9 by 12 inches along with ten complete sets of prints reduced to 11 by 17 inches and one complete set of prints reduced to 8.5 by 11 inches.

Proposals shall be submitted in person or by mail to:
City Manager's Office
City of Bloomington
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431-3027
Mark on Outside of Envelope: "Tower/Antenna Proposal on City Owned Land"

For further information, contact Glen Markegard, Plannning Manager, at 952-563-8923 who will refer you to the appropriate Department.

For more information, contact:

Planning Division
PH: 952-563-8920, FAX: 952-563-8949
E-mail: planning@ci.bloomington.mn.us

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