Title
Department of Transportation, recommending the Board adopt a new policy, J-4, Broadband Infrastructure Installation Policy, formalizing the position of El Dorado County regarding installation of infrastructure to accommodate broadband in County right of way and facilities. (Est. Time: 15 min.)
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On April 25, 2017, Item 5, the County initiated a contract with NeoConnect to prepare a Broadband Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study. In September 2017, a contract with NeoConnect was executed. On September 18, 2018, Item 23, the Broadband Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study was presented to and discussed by the Board. One of the items discussed by the Board was that the County should pursue installing conduits and pull boxes, where feasible, in conjunction with construction of County capital improvement projects. The Board directed the Department of Transportation (Transportation) to proceed with developing a broadband policy. Transportation staff is recommending adoption of Policy J-4, Broadband Infrastructure Installation Policy (Policy J-4) to implement this directive.
While development of a formal broadband implementation plan detailing how County residents and businesses would be served has yet to be prepared, Transportation has several capital improvement projects scheduled for construction in the next few years which could be along some of the ultimate broadband alignments. Adoption of Policy J-4 would reinforce the County’s commitment to creation of a broadband network and provide direction to at least review the feasibility of installing conduit and pull boxes as capital improvement projects proceed and will result in facilities being installed where determined to be appropriate.
ALTERNATIVES
Transportation staff has identified three alternatives:
The Board could direct staff to make revisions to the proposed Policy J-4 and return for approval;
The Board could direct staff that it does not want to adopt a policy at this time; or
The Board could direct staff to delay consideration and adoption of a policy until such time as the Board approves proceeding with a countywide broadband program.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
The proposed policy was distributed to the Chief Administrative Office, including Facilities and Parks, Trails and River Management and County Counsel, for review prior to submittal of this agenda item.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact or change to Net County Cost associated with this agenda item. There may be a fiscal impact when a project proceeds with construction associated with the cost of the installation and the materials being installed. The Board will be asked to approve each project and any additional funding for broadband needs, when a project proceeds.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
The Clerk of the Board will publish the adopted policy on the Board of Supervisors Policy Manual webpage.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure, Good Governance
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation