DEPARTMENT: Information Technology Services Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Craig Hopkins
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Ordinance approving the license agreement between the City of Helotes and the City of San Antonio for access and use of the Helotes Park 3 Radio Tower Communications Shelter for the provision of mobile and portable radio communications.
SUMMARY:
Consideration of the following ordinance authorizing terms of the license agreement between the City of Helotes and the City of San Antonio for the access to the Helotes Park 3 shelter for use of one rack space for the provision of mobile and portable radio communications. The cost is $1.00 from City of Helotes to the City of San Antonio.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On February 15, 2018, Council approved a contract with Dailey & Wells for the construction, system delivery, and system operation of a new P25 compliant public safety radio system, referred to as the Alamo Area Regional Radio System (“AARRS”). On the same date, Council also authorized the execution of an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) between the City, Bexar County (County), and CPS Energy (CPS) for County and CPS to make financial contributions to obtain ownership interests in the AARRS.
On March 7, 2019, Council approved ordinance 2019-03-07-0187 that authorized lease agreements for tower sites in support of the AARRS with Crown Castle USA, Inc., American Tower, Bexar Metro, CPS Energy, and San Antonio Water System comprising 17 of the 28 radio tower sites and one backup core location which will support the new radio system’s installation during the transition period starting April 1, 2019 and ending January 31, 2022.
On June 13, 2019, Council approved ordinance 2019-06-13-0518 that authorized lease agreements for tower sites in support of the AARRS with Cell-Tex, KSAT, SBA, Univision, and San Antonio Water System Comprising of 4 of the 28 radio tower sites and one backup core location which will support the location during the transition period starting April 1, 2019 and ending January 31, 2022.
On September 24, 2020, the City Council for the City of Helotes approved Resolution No. 20-019 which authorized the terms of the license agreement between the City of Helotes and the City of San Antonio for access and use of one level of rack space in the Helotes Park 3 Shelter in Helotes, Bexar County, Texas.
This license agreement between the City of Helotes and the City of San Antonio will provide access and use of one level of rack space in the Helotes Park 3 Shelter in Helotes, Bexar County, Texas. The City of Helotes’ equipment installation and use of the premises shall be in compliance with the City of San Antonio’s cabling installation standards and other applicable industry standards and best practices.
ISSUE:
The agreement will allow for the collaboration and cooperation between the City of Helotes and City of San Antonio to interconnect critical communications sites to allow for continuity of radio communications and provide public safety services to the community.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should this action not be approved, alternate tower sites would have to be identified and leases renegotiated delaying the installation of the AARRS and requiring continued reliance on the current emergency radio network which is nearing end of life.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This Ordinance authorizes the acceptance of this license agreement between the City of Helotes and the City of San Antonio for access and use of the Helotes Park 3 Shelter and acknowledges the annual Fiscal Impact of $1.00 from the City of Helotes to be deposited in the ITSD Operating Fund. There is no annual escalation for the term of this agreement. The term of this agreement shall begin upon execution and will remain in effect until terminated by either party. Such termination shall require a minimum of ninety (90) days written notice to the other party.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the License Agreement between the City of Helotes and the City of San Antonio.