COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Some snags have developed in recent weeks concerning the proposed location of towers in Quincy and at the old Lakeland School for the $9.3 million Branch County 911 project which is designed to improve signals and communications for police, firefighters and rescue crews.
The 911 Communications Board recommended to the County Commissioners on Wednesday that they authorize Branch County Administrator Bud Norman to enter into negotiations with property owners concerning a tower that was originally proposed for the old Lakeland School.
A special Board of Commissioners meeting has been scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Friday afternoon on the request.
The Coldwater Community School Board of Education was less than enthusiastic when the proposal to put the tower on the school property was brought before them last month.
As for the Quincy tower, it was originally proposed that it would be located on Glenn Avenue but after nearby residents complained and no action was taken two weeks ago by the Village Council, Norman said a new location was found.
Over ten sites have been evaluated for the Lakeland tower but Norman said no agreement has been worked out.
Coldwater City Manager and 911 Board Chair Keith Baker did not want to have discussions be pigeon holed on one property and County Commissioner Jon Houtz agreed.
Other towers would be in Union City, Bronson and at the new Branch County Jail north of Coldwater. There is still an option for a sixth tower to be constructed.
Good luck with and CFO/Superintendent will not negotiate in good faith and will insist on 4 or 5 times the true value.