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 the sign so there will be no visible changes in appearance.
Community Development entered into negotiations with the owner of Pelton Plaza on a public-private partnership to develop and install this critical infrastructure to extend the fiber optic loop. Those negotiations culminated in an agreement with the Pelton Plaza ownership, that was based on the City's existing Broadband Connection incentive program. The owners would grant the City an exclusive license to maintain a wireless network on the property and the property owner would obtain a forgivable loan that obligates the property owners to build, grant, and maintain City access.
IT Staff found that Ruckus wireless devices are best-in-class for outdoor wireless networks, and recommended to the property owner that SmartWAVE Technologies, which specializes in professional consulting on the design, installation and management of such devices and networks, should do the consulting, design and installation work. SmartWAVE installed the City of San Jose's outdoor wireless system in 2012.
Legal Analysis
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed and approved the agreements and contracts.
Fiscal Impacts
The total cost of the project is estimated to be $68,390.00.
Connecting the existing fiber loop to the Pelton Plaza sign is estimated to cost $37,974.00. Installing the wireless network after this connection is made will cost $30,416.00. The network will be operated by the City's IT Staff and includes a 5-year maintenance agreement with no additional annual costs.
The total cost of $68,390.00 is recommended to be funded from General Fund economic uncertainty reserves.
Budget Authority
The Finance Director has determined there are sufficient funds in the General Fund economic uncertainty reserves for City Council approval of the $68,390.00 appropriation. The appropriated funds will be transferred as follows:
Business Development 010-41-003 $37,974.00
Information Technology Fund 688-13 $30,416.00
ATTACHMENTS
· Resolution to approve funding and execute agreements.
· Consulting Services Agreement with SmartWAVE Technologies.
· Consulting Services Agreement attachments, Exhibit A and Exhibit B.
· Broadband Expansion Agreement with Pelton Plaza owners.
PREPARED BY: Tony Batalla, Information Technology Manager, City Manager's Office
2276233.1