To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Communications Use Lease at Shelton Butte
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the Chair of the Board to sign the Communications Use Lease;
2. Authorize staff to prepare, execute and submit a request for waiver of fee to U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service; and
3. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return a fully executed copy of the Communications Use Lease to Public Works Facility Management.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Communications Fund (3521)
DISCUSSION:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department is requesting approval and signature of a new Communications Use Lease with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service at Six Rivers National Forest to enhance radio coverage in the northeast area of Humboldt County (Attachment No. 1 - Communications Lease). 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 (1) of the six (6) repeaters goes down, large areas of the county will 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 communication failures.
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 Shelton Butte, located approximately four (4) miles north - northeast of Weitchpec within the lands of Six Rivers National Forest (Attachment No. 3 - 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 the ground within the area as shown on Exhibit A - Site Plan, with construction stipulations as described in Exhibit B - Construction Stipulations and Operation Plan.
Attached is the proposed Communications Lease for approval and execution by your Board (Attachment No. 1 - Communications Lease).
There will be no fee associated with the lease as the use is providing public service and is non-commercial. Six Rivers National Forest is requesting the county to prepare and submit a letter requesting the waiver of fee for Six Rivers implementation. Attached is the proposed draft letter for requested approval to execute and submit to Six Rivers National Forest (Attachment No. 2 - Fee Waiver Letter).
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 Oct. 27, 2020. There will be no fee for this lease as the county will be submitting a letter requesting a waiver for Six Rivers National Forest to implement. 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 Communication Use Lease, 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 - Communications Lease
Attachment No. 2 - Fee Waiver Letter
Attachment No. 3 - Picture
Exhibit A - Site Plan
Exhibit B - Construction Stipulations and Operation Plan
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: K-1
Meeting of: Oct. 27, 2020
File No.: 20-1425