AgdaPkt 2000-08-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• REPORT To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager August 14, 2000 Subject RCN Encroachment Agreement for Redwood Shores Residential Areas Recommendation Adopt a resolution approving and authorizing execution of agreement between the City of Redwood City and RCN Telecom Services of California, Inc. for the installation of fiber optic network facilities within the public right-of-way. Background On May 24, 1999, the City Council approved an Encroachment Agreement with RCN to allow the installation of a new communication system in all areas of Redwood City, except for the residential areas of the Redwood Shores Peninsula. Concerns were raised about the appearance of the necessary equipment that would be placed above ground. In early 2000, it was determined that a task force would be set up consisting of the Redwood Shores Homeowners Association (RSHA), the Redwood Shores Owner's Association (RSOA), and City staff. This task force first met on March 20, 2000. The larger group divided into two groups to discuss: (1) the ability to place pedestals underground; and (2) the location of above-ground equipment (pedestals, nodes, and power supplies). Each of the groups met several times and a final meeting was held on June 12, 2000 to make a recommendation to the homeowner boards, as well as to share information with residents. A flyer was sent to every resident and property owner. A"Joint Special Meeting" was held on July 13, 2000. Both "formal" and "informal" agreements have been reached. The formal agreements are included in the Encroachment Agreement, and the informal agreements were reached among the homeowner's associations, RCN, and City staff. Issues The primary issue (as it was with AT&T) is the location and appearance of above- ground equipment. RCN has agreed to use a new device which would allow passive network devices to be located underground in a vault. There will be no above-ground pedestals unless requested. The only above-ground equipment will be the nodes, power supplies, and amplifiers. The exact location for this equipment has not been determined yet, since the design is not completed. The items of agreement that are to be included in the Encroachment Agreement are as follows: :- "RCN shall install passive nefinrork devices, the splitters, and directional taps that feed individual residences in vaults placed flush to grade. If an individual homeowner association requests use of the "pedestals," RCN shall do so." In some instances, homeowners may find that the pedestals are less obtrusive than the vaults, and the agreement allows a choice. -t- _ .__._ . _. __,,._ r