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ATTACHMENT of U UNFIDENTIAL 6.1.1. -Page 4 �V 11 This is an advanced copy of a Grand Jury report that will be publicly released on May 19, 2011. Penal Code section 933.05 (f) prohibits any officer, agency, department, or governing body of a public agency from disclosing any contents of the report prior to the public release of this report. MAY 17 2011 CITY OF REDWOOD CITY Cell Towers CITY CLERK Public Opposition and Revenue Source Issues Do cities and the County of San Mateo (the County) have effective governing policies and/or ordinances for cell tower installations that provide the public with a clear understanding of how applications are adjudicated?' Are cell tower installations a source of revenue for cities and the County? Summary There are more than 450 cell tower installations in San Mateo County. Although people want reliable cell phone reception, community opposition to cell towers is common. The County and 18 of 20 cities reported public opposition to a cell tower application within the past 5 years. The County and 12 of 20 cities generate varying amounts of revenue from cell tower installations, primarily from the leasing of public lands. Although it may not pose a large source of revenue, cities that are not already taking advantage of lease agreements as a steady revenue source should negotiate such agreements with service providers in the future. hi addition, any new leases should require service providers to maintain existing structures, remove unused or obsolete equipment, and replace structures with newer low profile structures as they become available. Improving information available to the public and providing clearer communications can improve public response to future cell tower installation applications. Background While there is universal public demand for improved and more reliable cell phone transmissions, there exists a "not in my backyard" approach to having cell tower installations in close proximity ' For purposes of this report, "cell towers" refers to any wireless conununications facility or structure erected for purposes of transmission on either public or private property. z Only two cities, Cohna and East Palo Alto, did not report incidences of public opposition. 3 Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Foster City, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Mateo, South San Francisco.