Company seeks tower space in Harris

By Danielle Strenke
A representative of a company selling wireless high speed internet access has asked the city of Harris to use space on the Harris water tower to install a small dish receiver and antenna.

At the Harris Council meeting Monday, Jay Mankin of Genesis outlined the proposal. The internet access, including a T1 high-speed line, would be offered free of charge to the city and fire department, in exchange for utilizing space on the tower. ìThis line is 250 times faster than a 56K modem,î Mankin said. ìI would hope this could be a win-win situation for everyone.î

Mankinís company has installed the system under a similar proposal with the city of Braham, and has talked with Rush City and Isanti about putting the antennas up in those cities.
The system in Braham, he said, has been running with no problems since July.

Mankin discussed the advantages of having a system such as this, including not requiring a phone line, and being able to serve Harris area residents up to 13 miles away. ìIt is very beneficial to police departments as well,î Mankin said.

Council member Dave Christianson liked the idea of being able to provide high speed access to the city. ìThis could be a real benefit to businesses, and police departments, and for those people who want to work from home and log in,î he said.

Costs for the service would vary for individuals, depending on their internet needs. Mankin said the installation cost would be around $290, and basic monthly pricing would start at $49.95. ìThatís based on the hardcore internet user who gets the $20 package a month, and is paying for a separate phone line,î Mankin said. ìYou start running at least $40 a month.

Mayor Richard Hanson said it would be something the city is interested in, but wanted more time to discuss its options, such as entering into a service contract for a specified time limit.

In other business:
ï Maintenance employee Ken Holmstrom was authorized to spend $2,000 to supply the cityís maintenance garage with basic maintenance tools and equipment. The list includes jacks, a welding torch, basic hand tools, and a tool cabinet with locking capabilities.

ï The council also approved the cityís fee schedule, with the exception of charges for a preliminary plat fee, and a park dedication fee.

Several questions were raised over the $745 proposed fee for a preliminary plat, and the $1,500 park dedication fee. Both items were omitted from the fee schedule until final figures can be agreed upon.

ï Due to the Presidentís Day holiday Feb. 18, the next regular council meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 20.

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