Laserfiche WebLink
October 14, 2002 <br /> <br />Subject <br />Encroachment Agreement - Level 3 Communications, LLC <br /> <br />Recommendation <br />Approve and authorize an Encroachment Agreement with Level 3 Communications, <br />LLC, to install a new fiber optic cable through Redwood City. <br /> <br />Background <br />The deregulation of the telecommunication industry has allowed many newly created <br />companies to begin installation of cable systems for private use. We already have other <br />(6) such lines running through Redwood City (MFS, NEXTLINK, RCN, AT&T (formerly <br />TCi), WILLIAMS, & MFN). <br />Issues <br />> Level 3 Communications is requesting the installation of a fiber optic line through <br /> Redwood City. This is not like the RCN system that will be installed throughout the <br /> City. Level 3 has a main "backbone" system in El Camino Real spanning from San <br /> Francisco to San Jose, with connections to individual users, primarily businesses. <br /> They plan on installing and providing service to Oracle Corporation in Redwood <br /> Shores by using existing PacBell spare conduits, and installing new facilities on <br /> Twin Dolphin Drive, under Highway 101 into San Carlos to tie into the "backbone" <br /> on El Camino Real. <br /> Most of the line will be installed through "directional boring," which will eliminate <br /> excavating in our streets. This agreement includes the provision for trench cut <br /> fees, should they be enacted, but we expect very little trenching for this project <br /> (only areas where bore and receiving pits are dug). San Mateo County will be <br /> considering the adoption of a trench cut fee ordinance, which other cities on the <br /> Peninsula including Redwood City, may also adopt. Action by the County has <br /> been delayed, pending a court decision in San Francisco involving PG&E. <br /> <br />Alternatives <br />Due to Federal Communications Commission and Public Utilities Commission rulings, <br />the only alternative available to the City would be to change the mute through our <br />streets. The proposed mute for the main "backbone" is on a State Highway, for which <br />the City has no jurisdiction. Future connections to businesses through City streets will <br />require a Construction Improvement Permit(s) and fees. <br /> <br />Fiscal Impacts <br />There are no fiscal impacts to the City. L~vel 3 Communications is required to pay all <br />plan check and inspection urred b he City. <br /> <br />l~rian L~ee" /~,/ ~rruce Lied~tranc[--- "~ <br />Senior Civil Engineer~ Community Development Services Director City Manager <br /> <br /> <br />