To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Second Amendment to Tower and Space License Agreement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for the Big Hill 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 second amendment to tower and space license agreement with the Hoppa Valley Tribe for the Big Hill communications site located in Hoopa, California for the period of Aug. 18, 2026, through Aug. 17, 2031; and
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed original copy of the attached second amendment to tower and space license agreement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for the Big Hill 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 Big Hill. 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 Big Hill site also improves overall system performance by providing connectivity with another County communications facility located at Sugar Pine Mountain, thereby enhancing radio coverage throughout the surrounding region. There are no costs associated with this agreement. Due to the mutual benefits, it provided both the County of Humboldt and the Hoopa Valley Tribe, the County has agreed to continue to retain the alternate dispute resolution provisions in the license agreement, rather than require a limited waiver of sovereign immunity. The County acknowledges, however, that the inclusion of the alternate dispute resolution provisions in the agreement does not, by itself, make those provisions legally enforceable.
The attached Second Amendment to Tower and Space License Agreement will allow the County to continue operating its communications equipment at the site for a period of five (5) years, from August 18, 2026, through Aug. 17, 2031.
Accordingly, staff recommend that the Board approve and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute the attached Second Amendment to Tower and Space License Agreement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for continued use of the Big Hill site for the period of Aug. 18, 2026, through Aug. 17, 2031.
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 Hoppa area.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impact:
Approval of the Second Amendment to Tower and Space License Agreement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for the Big Hill 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 Second Amendment to Tower and Space License Agreement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for the Big Hill 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 Big Hill Communications Site
2. First Amendment to Tower and Space License Agreement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for the Big Hill Communications Site
3. Second Amendment to Tower and Space License Agreement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for the Big Hill Communications Site
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: 10/20/20, 5/18/21, 5/12/2026
File No.: 20-1425, 21-492, 26-252