To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
First Amendment to Telecommunication License with the United States Coast Guard at Trinidad Head, Trinidad, California
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the Chair of the Board to sign (2) copies of the First Amendment to Telecommunications License with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) at Trinidad Head; and
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return an executed copy of the First Amendment to Telecommunications License to Public Works Facility Management.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Communication Fund (3521)
DISCUSSION:
The County Sheriff currently operates an analog, very high frequency (VHF) conventional radio system dispersed amongst seven (7) remote sites throughout the county, including but not limited to the Trinidad Head Communications Site in Trinidad (Attachment No. 1 - License).
The Sheriff’s radio system has undergone the narrow banding process and is seeing a reduced level of service, particularly with in-building coverage. Furthermore, due to the general age of the system and its components, some portions of the system may have reached an end-of-life status with regards to vendor support. The radio system at Trinidad Head is out of date and does not provide sufficient coverage in parts of Trinidad and McKinleyville.
On Feb. 7, 2017, your board approved Measure Z allocations to the Sheriff’s Office of $50,000 for a consolidated dispatch study and $212,158 for a radio systems evaluation for radio failures of these seven (7) remote sites throughout Humboldt County. In conjunction with county personal, CDX Wireless, Inc. completed the study and evaluation with preparation of a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a firm to implement the Project Management Plan.
On Nov. 6, 2018, your Board approved a Professional Services Agreement with CDX Wireless, Inc. for the administration of the RFP.
On Dec.18, 2018, your board approved the selection of Motorola Solutions, Inc (Motorola) as the entity to implement the Project Management Plan, with costs not to exceed $5,823,042.41. Motorola started work on the project in 2019. In the past three (3) years, the system has only become more unstable and is rapidly breaking down with failure of communications. In response to these failures, Motorola recently identified areas that were sudden and unanticipated outside of the scope of the Project Management Plan, but that must be completed to restore functionality to the radio communications installation of new radio facilities.
On Oct. 27, 2020, your board approved Resolution 20-104 proclaiming the existence of a Facilities Emergency regarding the County’s 911 Radio Communications System. This resulted in a Change Order for additional work to restore functionality to the system. The increased costs were approved at $483,296.23.
A proposed First Amendment to Telecommunications License at Trinidad Head with the USCG is prepared to allow the work described in the Project Management Plan and it’s Change Order so as to restore functionality with its radio coverage and upgrade its facilities (Attachment No. 2 -First Amendment).
Attached is the proposed First Amendment to License for requested approval and execution by your Board (Attachment No. 2 - First Amendment to License).
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact regarding rent for the First Amendment to License. Costs associated with the radio and antenna installs was previously approved by your Board on Dec. 18, 2018 and Oct. 27, 2020.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by providing for and maintaining infrastructure.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Humboldt County Public Works
Humboldt County Information Technology
Humboldt County Sheriff Department
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to approve the First Amendment to Telecommunications License, however that is not recommended as lack of coverage will remain an issue until this unit can be in operation to provide enhanced radio coverage in the area.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment No. 1 - License
Attachment No. 2 - First Amendment to License
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: I2, C10, C6, K1
Meeting of: 2-07-2017, 11-06-2018, 12-18-2018, 10-27-2020
File No.: 18-1396, 18-1612, 20-1425