CITY OF SALINAS COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: OCTOBER 22, 2024
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
FROM: DAVID JACOBS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
LISA BRINTON, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
BY: ADRIANA ROBLES, CITY ENGINEER
CARLOS ORTEGA, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER
GERARDO RODRIGUEZ, ASSISTANT ENGINEER
GRANT LEONARD, PLANNING MANAGER
MICHAEL GOMEZ, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ANALYST
TITLE: THE SALINAS BROADBAND MASTER PLAN
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a resolution adopting the Salinas Broadband Master Plan as a key strategic planning document.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The objective of the Salinas Broadband Master Plan (SBMP) is to establish an equitable citywide fiber network that prioritizes underserved and unserved communities and promotes local economic development opportunities. The SBMP outlines an actionable strategy to achieve universal broadband access that will enable the City to pursue competitive federal, state, and local broadband funding for broadband infrastructure. Many of these funding opportunities require applicants to have clearly defined projects, high-level construction cost estimates, and potential partnerships, as outlined in the SBMP, provided as Exhibit “A” to the Resolution.
BACKGROUND:
On February 21, 2023, the City, with assistance from Kimley Horn and Associates Inc (Kimley Horn), was awarded the Local Agency Technical Assistance Grant (LATA) to develop the Salinas Broadband Master Plan and Alisal Neighborhood Broadband Fiber Network Design The LATA grant provided the City of Salinas a total of $470,304 in funding to assist in efforts to provide high-speed broadband to unserved and underserved residents. The grant covered pre-construction expenses to facilitate the development of a broadband network deployment project. City staff also requested engineering drawings and standard specifications specifically for the Alisal Area to develop the Alisal Neighborhood Fiber Design Network, which is presented as a separate item for consideration.
The SBMP builds upon work the City has already completed related to network infrastructure. To support the development of network infrastructure, the Council has already taken several concrete actions, including the adoption of a “Dig-Once” Ordinance, the adoption of policies regarding the leasing of City-owned facilities and the deployment of small-cell antennas within the right-of-way and the approval of construction of City-owned fiber-optic cable and conduit connecting City Hall and the new Public Safety Building to the Crown Castle middle-mile fiber network.
Connection to the Alisal Vibrancy Plan
The Alisal Vibrancy Plan (AVP) was the result of three years of visioning, community organizing, and relationship building between the City of Salinas and Alisal residents. Community recommendations evolved into goals, policies and actions that are documented as implementation actions in the final Alisal Vibrancy Plan. The AVP Transportation and Infrastructure chapter goals listed below identify implementation actions to improve internet capabilities and access.
TI 3.1.c – Improve Internet Capabilities. Work with internet service and utility providers to improve broadband internet connectivity and speeds in the Alisal. Partner with nonprofits or similar groups to provide reduced cost or free access to low-income residents and businesses.
TI 3.1.d - Promote and expand free WIFI zones. Improve wireless internet speed and free accessibility at City facilities and schools.
TI 3.1.e – Install Dark Fiber. After completing the fiber network from Hartnell College to the new Public Safety Building along West Alisal Street, continue installing the network along East Alisal Street to the Hartnell College Alisal Campus.
The development of a citywide broadband network to serve the needs of its residents and businesses is one of the SBMP’s priorities. Specific to the Alisal neighborhood, the Salinas Broadband Master Plan work included development of the Alisal Neighborhood Broadband Fiber Network Design, which consists of engineering drawings and standard specifications for the City's fiber optic network for a constructible network design that is shovel-ready. The Alisal Neighborhood Broadband Fiber Network Design is being presented as a separate item for City Council consideration.
Salinas Broadband Master Plan Objectives and Content
The SBMP aims to bridge the digital divide, ensure equitable access to high-speed internet, and foster economic development and educational opportunities for all residents. Additionally, the SBMP provides a framework for fundable infrastructure projects that the City can pursue to create a foundation to bridge the digital divide for its residents, stimulate the local economy, and prepare the City for the everchanging digital landscape of the future. The SBMP includes individual chapters focusing on the following topics:
Section 2: Existing Conditions and Policies
Section 3: Needs Assessment
Section 4: Gap Analysis
Section 5: Proposed Project List
Section 6: Alisal Neighborhood Public Network
Section 7: Available Funding
Section 8: Implementation
Section 9: Final Recommendation
Citywide Network
The SBMP aims to build a reliable fiber network throughout City to support current and future technological initiatives in support of improving the quality of life for residents, enhance public services, and increase operational efficiency across infrastructure and utilities. The identified citywide fiber network is approximately 55.1 miles. The SBMP estimates total construction cost to be $61.7 Million for the entire network with individual projects ranging from $500,000 to $5 million, averaging around $1 million each. Cost was estimated per mile of fiber, factoring in construction expenses like connections to city buildings, traffic signals, new pull boxes, conduit, and end equipment. Additional costs include a 30% construction contingency for price fluctuations due to unforeseen conditions, inflation, and unexpected costs. Design costs are estimated at 10% of the construction cost. Installation costs are estimated at $783,000 per mile. This unit cost was applied to each network segment, resulting in a total estimated cost of $61.7 Million for the entire network. Detailed cost components and assumptions provided in Appendix D of the SBMP.
The SBMP also ensures that all traffic signals are connected through a fiber optic network. The City maintains and supports 28 intersections that utilize adaptive traffic signaling technology and 11 time-of-day with direct copper connections. Adaptive traffic signaling provides real-time traffic flow data, reporting, and visualization to facilitate data-driven decisions to optimize traffic flow and intersection safety. Traffic intersections utilizing adaptive traffic technology are currently connected through a combination of copper wire, fiber optic cabling, and wireless technology. Benefits of fiber connectivity include increased reliability, faster data transmission, enhanced security, and improved synchronization across the system.
Community Outreach and Engagement
The City provided a public comment period for the Draft Salinas Broadband Master Plan from May through July 2024. In addition, a City of Salinas General Plan Steering Committee meeting was held on May 31, 2023, and staff, with assistance from Kimley Horn, discussed the preparation of the Salinas Broadband Master Plan. Various City departments were present at this meeting and were able to provide the following considerations for its development.
The high-quality broadband services provided in identified key areas of the City of Salinas should be expanded to the rest of the City.
Community areas and gathering spaces are key locations to provide high-quality broadband services.
Improving digital literacy and the provision of digital tools are key facets of bridging the digital divide is important.
Providing free broadband services in community areas may lead to decreased human interaction was raised as a concern.
Consider future outreach efforts to inform residents about existing programs for low-income households.
Next Steps for the Salinas Broadband Master Plan
The successful implementation of the Broadband Master Plan will require time and collaboration among various City staff and departments. Given the high costs associated with broadband deployment, the City is exploring potential partnerships for this endeavor. Additionally, the City should actively seek and stay informed about funding opportunities to support the SBMP's goals. Updating citywide policies to facilitate broadband implementation is crucial, including incorporating broadband infrastructure promotion into the City General Plan (Visión Salinas 2040) and revising ordinances to require new developments to be fiber ready.
The Broadband Master Plan offers a roadmap for deploying a citywide fiber network, enabling Salinas to take advantage of national initiatives aimed at closing the digital divide. Notably, Senate Bill 156 creates an open-access middle mile network and upcoming programs like the California Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program present significant opportunities for funding and network expansion. The SBMP will guide the City in engaging stakeholders, selecting projects, and securing funding. As broadband infrastructure continues to evolve, the City should periodically update the SBMP to reflect changing needs and opportunities.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378). In addition, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 includes the general rule that CEQA applies only to activities which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Because the proposed action and this matter have no potential to cause any effect on the environment, or because it falls within a category of activities excluded as projects pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, this matter is not a project. Because the matter does not cause a direct or foreseeable indirect physical change on or in the environment, this matter is not a project. Any subsequent discretionary projects resulting from this action will be assessed for CEQA applicability.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The Salinas Broadband Master Plan supports the City Council’s Goals of “Economic Development” and “Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability” by implementing the Alisal Vibrancy Plan goals of improving internet infrastructure capabilities and expanding free WIFI zones within the City of Salinas.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The CDD’s Economic Development Division is actively working with Public Works, Engineering, and Transportation Divisions, as well as the Finance and Information Technology Divisions, to ensure cohesive approach to current and ongoing initiatives that align with other City strategic plans.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with accepting the SBMP.
Fund
Appropriation
Appropriation
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Total Appropriation
Amount for recommendation
FY 24-25 Operating Budget Page
Last Budget Action (Date, Resolution)
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ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Exhibit “A” Salinas Broadband Master Plan
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