AgdaPkt 2019-05-20 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.D. - Page 2 of 24 ANALYSIS On January 28, 2019 the City Council adopted an ordinance to comply with a recent FCC Order for wireless facilities in the right-of-way (Chapter 29, Article VIII). The new ordinance set guidelines for the issuance of wireless permits and aesthetics standards consistent with the guidelines of the FCC order. The ordinance also provides the process for permit issuance. The proposed agreement is similar to the terms of the previous agreements issued to other communication companies, but includes references to the new ordinance to comply with State law. The State is responsible for the regulation of the communication companies, and the agreement is mainly to ensure compliance with local ordinances related to the issuance of permits and work within the right-of-way. The proposed agreement will require Crown Castle to comply with all local ordinances, including the requirement to apply for an encroachment permit each time work is performed in the right-of-way, such as installation, maintenance, and removal of facilities. The typical above and below -ground facilities installed by this agreement include wireless antennas, conduits, meters, fiber optic cables, and appurtenances. Under the framework laid out by the agreement, Crown Castle will provide a financial guarantee in the form of a performance bond that it will perform its work in accordance with the agreement and any associated permits. All other fees, deposits and securities will still be due with each permit. By entering into the proposed agreement, current and future staff will be aware of the authority granted to Crown Castle by the State, and Crown Castle will carry out its work in accordance with the specific terms laid out in the agreement. The agreement provides a predictable, existing set of terms that cover all work performed by Crown Castle, however, each time Crown Castle intends to perform work in the City, staff may also apply permit -specific conditions consistent with local ordinances. Additionally, Crown Castle will maintain membership in the Underground Service Alert program so that its facilities can more easily be identified, similar to all other utility companies operating in the City. The initial agreement term is set for ten years, and prior to the expiration of the initial term the City and Crown Castle may meet to discuss a five-year extension. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact to the City as a result of this action. Crown Castle will pay all required fees and deposits for any future permits issued under the proposed agreement. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This activity is a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as defined in CEQA Guidelines, section 15378, because it has a potential for resulting in either a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. It is categorically exempt, however, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) because Crown Castle's installation of wireless facilities consists of utility extensions and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure. City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore 80