REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Fred A. Wilson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Travis K. Hopkins, PE, Director of Public Works
Subject:
title
WITHDRAWN - Approve for Introduction Ordinance No. 4162 adding Chapter 12.40 to the Municipal Code regarding installing City-Owned Communications Infrastructure as part of Right-of-Way Projects of Electric, Gas, and Telecommunication Providers
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Statement of Issue:
The addition of Chapter 12.40 to the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is proposed to expand the City’s broadband fiber network by providing for the City’s participation in the installation of city-owned data communications facilities as part of private construction projects by electric, gas, and communications providers in the public right-of-way.
Financial Impact:
No financial impact is associated with this request. This Ordinance would provide the City the opportunity to partner with utilities that are completing projects in the City’s right-of-way to potentially expand the City’s fiber network for a fraction of the cost of a stand-alone City project.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Approve for Introduction “An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach Adding Chapter 12.40 to the Huntington Beach Municipal Code Regarding Installing City-owned Data Communications Infrastructure as Part of Right-of-Way Projects of Electric, Gas and Telecommunication Providers.”
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve Ordinance No. 4162 Adding Chapter 12.40 to the Huntington Beach Municipal Code Regarding Installing City-Owned Data Communications Infrastructure as Part of Right-of-Way Projects of Electric, Gas, and Communications Providers.
Analysis:
In 2015, City staff began studying the feasibility of improving connectivity within the City. This study included a Broadband Strategic Plan, which was completed by CTC, Energy and Environment, and was presented to City Council in 2016. This study identified that one of the City’s greatest assets are its streetlight poles and a key recommendation from the study was for the City to implement a “Dig Once” or “Joint Trench” policy. In order to maximize the City’s assets and establish processes and procedures, an internal City Telecommunications committee was established comprised of representatives from nearly every City department and led by the City Manager’s Office.
In an effort to improve connectivity to its residents and businesses, the City began the installation of a comprehensive broadband fiber network to connect City buildings and infrastructure (e.g. arterial traffic signals, sewer lift stations, water wells, reservoirs, etc.). The largest expense in deploying this communications network is the cost of constructing the fiber optic cables and conduit underground.
With limited funding available, the City is seeking other alternatives to expand its fiber network. The opportunity to participate in private construction projects that involve the installation of conduit in City streets and highways through a “joint trench” type of agreement is proving to be successful in other agencies. Participation in areas where the City has identified the need to deploy broadband to serve City buildings and infrastructure is typically achieved through voluntary agreement with electric, gas, telephone, information services, traffic controls, transit service, video, and other telecommunications providers. To this end, staff has developed a Fiber Master Plan (Attachment 1) that identifies priority target areas for these installations.
A cooperative “joint trench” coordination effort between the City and electric, gas, and telecommunications providers offers the following benefits to the City:
-Significant cost savings (City pays only incremental cost, not full installation cost)
-Reduced deployment time (eliminating duplicate reviews/permits for work in same vicinity)
-Minimized inconvenience to the public as the street is only “cut” open once
Adoption of Ordinance No. 4162 will provide the necessary regulations to facilitate the installation of City-owned high-speed data communication facilities in conjunction with issuance of encroachment permits granted to entities installing electric, gas, and telecommunications infrastructure in the City right-of-way.
Environmental Status:
Not applicable.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Enhance and maintain infrastructure
Attachment(s):
1. City of Huntington Beach Fiber Master Plan
2. Ordinance No. 4162 Adding Chapter 12.40 to the Huntington Beach Municipal Code Regarding Installing City-Owned Data Communications Infrastructure as Part of Right-of-Way Projects of Electric, Gas, and Communications Providers