To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Tower and Space License with the Hoopa Valley Tribe for the Big Hill Communications Site
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the Chair of the Board to sign (3) original copies of the Tower and Space License between the County of Humboldt and the Hoopa Valley Tribe for Big Hill Communications Site; and
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return two (2) fully executed copies of the Tower and Space License to Public Works Facility Management.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Communication Fund (3521)
DISCUSSION:
The Sheriff is requesting approval and signature of a new Tower and Space License between the County of Humboldt and the Hoopa Valley Tribe to enhance radio coverage in the area of Hoopa (Attachment No. 1 - License). The current 911 public safety radio communications system (system) is the primary means of communication between emergency 911 dispatchers and law enforcement officers in the field. The system is also used by fire responders, emergency medical services, and the Public Works Roads Division to communicate in the event of an emergency. The current system does not allow for redundancy which creates weak points within the communications systems. If one of the six (6) repeaters go down, large areas of the county lose communication capabilities between the 911 dispatchers and the law enforcement officers responsible for the community’s safety as well as the ability to communicate with other first responders.
In 2017, the county hired a consultant, CDX Wireless, to identify the failures with the countywide radio infrastructure. Based on the findings of that study, a Request for Proposal was issued, and the county chose Motorola to complete the work for the radio infrastructure. 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 outside the scope of the original agreement, but that must be completed to restore functionality to the radio communications system and prevent failures
This includes installation and use of a new one (1) piece, self-contained structure and antenna mast at Big Hill located approximately four (4) miles north - northeast of the Hoopa Fire Department within the lands of the Hoopa Reservation (Attachment No. 2 - Picture). The structure is manufactured by PEPRO, LLC and known as a PEPRO shelter. There is no need for a standby generator for power. The structure is approximately six (6) feet by four (4) feet with two (2) solar panels on the top, and a 20-foot mast with two (2) very high frequencies (VHF) and two (2) ultra-high frequencies (UHF) directional antennas located on the mast. This is a mobile/portable installation that will be placed on a pre-existing concrete pad (Attachment No. 3 - Pad). The pad is within the area described in Exhibit A - Legal Description and as shown on Exhibit B - Site Plan.
The use of Big Hill will enhance radio coverage with the existing radio coverages provided by Sugar Pine Mountain, which is located southwest of Big Hill. Mr. Robert Kane Jr. Chief of Police, Hoopa Tribal Police Department supports the installation of this new communication equipment because it will enhance the safety of both law enforcement officers (Attachment No. 4 - Hoopa Tribal Police Letter).
Attached is the proposed License for approval and execution by your Board (Attachment No. 1 - License).
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact as the costs associated with the structure and its installation and use was previously approved by your Board on October 27, 2020. There will be no rent for this proposed license based on public service provided to the Hoopa area. There will be no impact to the General Fund.
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 Tower and Space License, however this alternative is not recommended as lack of coverage will remain and issue until this unit can be in operation to provide enhanced radio coverage in the area.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment No. 1 - License
Attachment No. 2 - Picture
Attachment No. 3 - Pad
Attachment No. 4 - Hoopa Tribal Police Letter
Exhibit A - Legal Description
Exhibit B - Site Plan
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: K-1
Meeting of: 10/27/2020
File No.: 20-1425