DEPARTMENT: Center City Development Office
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Lori Houston
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1
SUBJECT:
This ordinance authorizes two antenna license agreements with San Antonio RadioWorks, LLC and one antenna license agreement with Wildcatter Wireless, LLC for the purpose of operating and maintaining radio broadcast translators and associated equipment at the Tower of the Americas.
SUMMARY:
San Antonio RadioWorks, LLC will operate and maintain translators K277CX (103.3) and K279AB (103.7) and Wildcatter Wireless, LLC will operate and maintain translator K296GK (107.1). The purpose of the translators is to establish an FM presence for KTSA AM 550 and KAHL AM 1310, as well as expand coverage for KTFM 94.1.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Due to the Tower of the Americas' central location and height, the City continues to utilize this asset to support of commercial antennas that generate market rate revenue for the City. Presently, there are three antennas and three translators atop the Tower of the Americas and this Council item will add an additional three translators.
The initial term of each agreement is five years commencing on September 1, 2014 through August 31, 2019. Each agreement provides for two five-year renewal options. Licensees will pay an initial annual license fee of $22,960.00 per agreement; this fee will then escalate 3.00% annually.
ISSUE:
Approval of this ordinance is consistent with the City's policy of licensing public facilities for commercial purposes.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City may elect not to approve these Antenna License Agreements, resulting in a lost opportunity to generate new revenue for the City.
FISCAL IMPACT:
San Antonio Radio Works, LLC and Wildcatter Wireless, LLC will pay an initial annual license fee of $22,960.00 per agreement; this fee will then escalate 3.00% annually. The total amounts for each agreement for the first five years are as follows:
All funds received will be deposited into the General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the two antenna license agreements with San Antonio RadioWorks, LLC and one antenna license agreement with Wildcatter Wireless, LLC for the purpose of operating and maintaining radio broadcast translators and associated equipment at the Tower of the Americas.