Cell tower talks wind down

The lengthy debate over building a cell tower in Sisters may soon be resolved, according to Ladd Wiles, a telecommunications and legal consultant working on behalf of Spectrasite, a tower locating company.

After apologizing for Spectrasite's delay in responding to the City of Sisters' lease agreement on Thursday, July 26, Wiles asked for a two week extension, which the city granted.

"Spectrasite is eager to get the lease signed," said Wiles, "but there are a few issues they aren't sure of yet. They have a few modifications they'd like to propose on the existing lease..."

City Attorney Steve Bryant was optimistic about the negotiations.

"I think we can resolve this issue," Bryant said. "Spectrasite is open to working with us."

According to Wiles and Bryant, Spectrasite wants to be able to charge it's co-locators a flat rate -- based on current co-locator rates in Clackamas and Multnomah counties -- instead of the percentage fee proposed by the city.

They also expressed concern that the they would have to come back to the city for subsequent land use applications.

Negotiations are expected to resume at the Thursday, August 9 city council meeting.