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: ALISAL NEIGHBORHOOD BROADBAND FIBER NETWORK DESIGN RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a resolution approving the Alisal Neighborhood Broadband Fiber Network Design.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Alisal Neighborhood Broadband Fiber Network Design (Network Design) was developed as part of the Salinas Broadband Master Plan (SBMP) and supports the development of universal broadband access within the Alisal neighborhood. The Alisal Neighborhood Broadband Fiber Network Design includes engineering drawings and standard specifications for the City's fiber optic network for a constructible network design that is shovel-ready.
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.
As part of this effort, City staff requested engineering drawings and standard specifications specifically for the Alisal area, known as the Alisal Neighborhood Fiber Network Design (Exhibit “A” to the Resolution). Network Design was reviewed by City staff, making it a project that is shovel-ready and can be utilized by any internet service provider. Additionally, this Network Design enhances the City’s ability to apply for grants to cover construction costs.
Development of the Alisal Neighborhood Fiber Network Design advances multiple goals identified in the Alisal Vibrancy Plan (AVP), including:
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 Salinas Broadband Master Plan developed conceptual cost estimates, including for the Alisal Neighborhood Broadband Fiber Network Design which is estimated to cost $11,420,838. Costs were 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.
Implementation of the Alisal Neighborhood Broadband Fiber Network Design The successful implementation of the Alisal Neighborhood Broadband Fiber Network Design, and the Salinas Broadband Master Plan more broadly, 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. The Alisal Neighborhood Fiber Network Design can be utilized by any public or private entity to commence the installation of fiber. The design and permit framework provided aims to streamline the process and promote the rapid deployment of fiber infrastructure in the Alisal neighborhood, thereby enhancing connectivity and supporting our community's digital needs. Additionally, the City will actively seek and stay informed about funding opportunities to support implementation of the Network Design.
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 Alisal Neighborhood Broadband Fiber Network Design supports the City Council’s Goals of “Economic Development” and “Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability” by implementing the Alisal Vibrancy Plan goals of improving internet 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 Department and Information Technology Division to ensure a cohesive approach to this initiative.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with approving the Alisal Neighborhood Broadband Fiber Network Design.
Fund
Appropriation
Appropriation
Name
Total Appropriation
Amount for recommendation
FY 24-25 Operating Budget Page
Last Budget Action (Date, Resolution)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Exhibit “A” Salinas Alisal Fiber Network Design