Fox River Grove, Barrington Hills to discuss better reception

There's a dormant antenna atop a water tower in Fox River Grove with the Barrington Hills Police Department's name on it.

But before neighboring Fox River Grove activates the antenna, Barrington Hills must first formulate a deal with the village.

The police department needs the antenna because it doesn't get the clearest reception in certain areas - it would help to improve the department's radio signals.

The antenna is already atop the water tower on 813 Algonquin Road and it's reserved for the Barrington Hills police department - Fox River Grove's former police chief approved the installation about a year ago, said Fox River Grove Village Administrator Art Osten Jr.

But now, both towns are trying to hash out an agreement that would ensure the device doesn't interfere with reception from Fox River Grove's existing antennas and that clearly states who is ultimately responsible for the antenna's maintenance, said Trustee Jerry Menzel, chairman of the Fox River Grove's finance committee.

The committee is due to discuss the matter today.

"It's just a matter of ironing out any details so we're cleared of any potential costs," Menzel said. "It's one of those things where you have to protect your village's interests, you know?"

Last year, Fox River Grove collected about $100,000 annually in rent from paying customers - three cellular phone entities and one wireless Internet company - that also operate antennas on top of the water tower, Osten said.

A deal is now in the works with a fourth cellular phone company that would add $30,000 to that total, he said.

The village uses the money to help fund day-to-day operations and doesn't stand to make any money on the Barrington Hills deal, since it involves a municipality, not a private company, Osten said.

Officials from Barrington Hills could not be reached for comment.