To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
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First Amendment to Tower and Space License Agreement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for the Sugar Pine Mountain Communications Site
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute the attached first amendment to tower and space license agreement with the Hoppa Valley Tribe for the Sugar Pine Mountain communications site for the period of May 18, 2026, through Aug. 17, 2026; and
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed original copy of the attached first amendment to tower and space license agreement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for the Sugar Pine communication site to the Department of Public Works - Real Property for further processing.
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STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1001 -Support and sustain partnerships between public safety and partner agencies to enhance public safety in our communities
DISCUSSION:
The County of Humboldt currently maintains a Tower and Space License Agreement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for use of a communications site located at Sugar Pine Mountain. This site supports critical radio communications for emergency response agencies operating in the Hoopa area, including fire responders, emergency services, medical personnel, and the Department of Public Works Roads Division. Reliable radio communications at this location are essential for coordination during emergencies and routine operations.
The Sugar Hill Mountain site also improves overall system performance by providing connectivity with another county communications facility located at Big Hill, thereby enhancing radio coverage throughout the surrounding region.
The existing Tower and Space License Agreement for the Sugar Pine Mountain site is scheduled to terminate on May 18, 2026. The Hoopa Valley Tribe has requested a First Amendment to extend the term for three (3) months to negotiate a new license agreement.
Accordingly, staff recommend that the Board approve and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute the attached First Amendment to Tower and Space License Agreement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for continued use of the Sugar Pine Mountain site for the period of May 18, 2026, through Aug. 17, 2026.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Communications Fund (3521)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact as the facilities used exist with no plans to replace or add any future equipment. No rent applicable based on public service provided to the Hoopa area. There will be no impact to the General Fund.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impact:
Approval of the First Amendment to Tower and Space License Agreement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for the Sugar Pine Mountain Communications Site will not impact current staffing levels.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Humboldt County Information Technology
Humboldt County Sheriff Department
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve the First Amendment to the Tower and Space License Agreement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for the Sugar Pine Mountain Communications Site. However, this is not recommended as there are no other options to extend the Tower Space License Agreement.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Tower and Space License Agreement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for the Sugar Pine Mountain Communications Site dated May 18, 2021
2. First Amendment to Tower and Space License Agreement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for the Sugar Pine Mountain Communications Site
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: 5/18/21
File No.: 21-463