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 Sugar Pine Mountain Communications Site
end
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 Sugar Pine Mountain communications 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 Sugar Pine communication site to the Department of Public Works - Real Property for further processing.
Body
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.
Due to the limited costs associated with the agreement and the mutual benefits it provides to 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 alternative dispute resolution provisions in the agreement does not, by itself, make those provisions legally enforceable.
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 Hoopa Valley Tribe has requested a Second Amendment to extend the term of the license agreement for the period of Aug. 18, 2026, through Aug. 17, 2031.
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 Aug. 18, 2026, through Aug. 17, 2031.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Communications Fund (3521)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (3521) |
FY26-27 |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$7,055.98 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$7,055.98 |
|
Funding Sources (3521) |
FY26-27 |
|
State/Federal Funds |
$7,055.98 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$7,055.98 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
There will be a payment of $7,055.98, for an equal cost of utilities between the County and Hoopa Valley Tribe. This payment will be due within sixty (60) days of the full execution of this second amendment.
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 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 Second 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 Tower and Space License Agreement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for the Sugar Pine Mountain Communications Site
3. Second 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, 5/12/26
File No.: 21-463, 26-309