Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Consent
SUBJECT:
Title
RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD CONTRACT TO TELECOM LAW FIRM, P.C. FOR AS-NEEDED ON-CALL WIRELESS PERMIT APPLICATION REVIEW CONSULTING SERVICES (CITY COUNCIL)
Body
I. SUMMARY
City Council approval is requested to enter into an agreement for on-call wireless permit application review consulting services. At the City's request, Telecom Law Firm, P.C. will review wireless permit applications and provide the City with a written analysis.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. APPROVE the On-Call WIRELESS PERMIT APPLICATION REVIEW agreement with Telecom Law Firm, P.C. AND
2. AUTHORIZE the Mayor to execute the agreement following approval as to form by the Counsel.
Body
III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action the City Council deems appropriate.
IV. BACKGROUND
California law regulating the application review process for new wireless communications facilities or modifications to existing wireless facilities presents significant challenges for public officials and municipal staff members. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has published several rulings in the form of "shot clocks" that essentially limit the period by staff may review an application for wireless communications facilities. Each shot clock applies to different types of facilities and imposes different constraints on the application review process. Not only does it completely change the traditional development process, it also offers few if any clear rules to guide governments and applicants through the new paradigm.
The City would use Telecom Law Firm, P.C on an as-needed basis to assist with navigating through the shot clock requirements of Sections 332, and 6409, and AB-57 including review of the wireless permit application, development plans and related technical reports to ensure safety and compliance with State and Federal laws. Required technical reports include the following:
* Propagation maps s...
Click here for full text