Title
Staff Report for a Resolution Appropriating Funding and Approving a Public-Private Partnership for a Broadband Expansion to the Property at Pelton Plaza and Installation of a Free, Public Wireless Network in Downtown San Leandro
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a resolution appropriating funding and authorizing the City Manager to execute the following: An agreement between the City of San Leandro and the owners of Pelton Plaza for a public-private partnership to install a wireless gateway on the Pelton Plaza sign along with a connection to the City-owned fiber loop; and an Agreement with SmartWave Technologies to design, provide professional consulting and install a wireless (wi-fi) network on said property and City-owned decorative streetlamps in the surrounding areas. The total cost for this is $68,390.00 and the warranty term covers a five-year period.
BACKGROUND
The City of San Leandro is interested in providing free wireless Internet service to the public in its downtown core using its nationally-recognized fiber-optic loop. Using the City-owned fibers in the Lit San Leandro fiber loop, a wireless network built here could be among the fastest in the Bay Area.
Analysis
An internal study conducted by IT Staff concluded that the ideal location to build such a network was in Pelton Plaza, using the historic Pelton sign. The sign has high visibility in the area and a network here would provide coverage for Pelton Plaza and surrounding properties, including The Village, Parrott Street (including the Farmers' Market), and parts of Juana and East 14th. Over time, it would be possible for the City to build upon the initial installation to expand coverage over a larger area in Downtown San Leandro. Staff has determined that installation of the access point will not negatively impact the appearance of the Pelton Plaza sign. Further, the wireless access point will be painted to match th...
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