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20150407 Late Correspondences� I LA-RICS PATRICK J. MALLON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR April 7, 2015 LOS ANGELES REGIONAL INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AUTHORITY 2525 Corporate Place, Suite 100 Monterey Park, California 91754 Telephone: (323) 881-8291 http://www. la-rics. org The Honorable Jim Knight 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275 Dear Mayor Knight: SENT CORRESPONDENCE BY: E -MAI L We were made aware today of a pending item on the City Council agenda to oppose an installation of an Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System Authority (LA-RICS) monopole at Upper Point Vicente (Point Vicente). We respectfully request that the item be continued as there appears to be a major misunderstanding with regard to the construction of 70 foot —180 foot poles or towers. The LA-RICS Program is proposing to replace an existing 40 foot guyed tower at Point Vicente that has a broken guyed anchor support and is in need of repair. The tower is dangerous to climb and maintain and needs to be replaced. Through the Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Project the faulty tower can be replaced with a modern steel tower. The facility will be upgraded to modern standards and will be operationally safe to maintain. As part of this implementation there are two other towers that can be removed from service if this new tower is installed. LA -RIGS has been in contact with the land -owner, the Coast Guard, and they are in favor of this plan. There are distinct advantages to replace the tower: 1. It will be safe for installation and maintenance programs. 2. It will reduce the number of tower poles currently operating at the site and reduce clutter at the site. 3. It replaces an alternate site initially proposed at Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall site. 4. The mountain top facility provides public safety radio coverage throughout the Rancho Palo Verdes area and Catalina Island. 5. It provides the Public Safety community a redundant microwave ring that will protect the public safety system against multiple radio system failures. The Honorable Jim Knight April 7, 2015 Page 2 If you have any questions, please contact Fritz Rote at (434) 229-8159 or at froteC D-fedenq.com Respectfully submitted, PATRICK J. MALL�N EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WST:pI XAPriscilla Lara\2015 CorrespondenceWayor of Rancho Palos Verdes letter 04 07 2015 doox Enclosure c: Rancho Palos Verdes City Councilmembers r r i j \ ANO .<ra rc'. I. CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES TO: HONORABLE MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: CITY CLERK DATE: APRIL 7, 2015 SUBJECT: ADDITIONS/REVISIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA** Attached are revisions/additions and/or amendments to the agenda material presented for tonight's meeting: Item No. Description of Material D Email from Sunshine; Letter from the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy Respectfull submitted, �,x , Carla Morreale ** PLEASE NOTE: Materials attached after the color page(s) were submitted through Monday, April 6, 2015**. W:\AGENDA\2015 Additions Revisions to agendas\20150407 additions revisions to agenda.doc Carla Morreale From: SunshineRPV@aol.com Sent: Monday, April 06, 2015 6:21 PM To: CC Cc: Doug Willmore Subject: Action requested. City Council Policy No 34. Border Issues. MEMO from SUNSHINE TO: RPV City Council, Staff and interested parties RE: Action requested. City Council Policy No 34. Border Issues. The term "project" as used in City Council Policy No. 34 is presently being interpreted to limit the monthly Border Issues Report to projects going through the formal planning process in adjacent cities (and unincorporated LA County) and a perceived danger like the propane tanks. Actions by adjacent communities which impact RPV residents' trail use continuity and RPV Staff s responses are not being revealed to the public in a timely fashion. A Segment of the Palos Verdes Loop Trail has been blocked by a chain link fence at the RH/RPV border near the East Crest Road CA Water Company tank farm. The quarterly Public Forum you created to share info about such things has been limited to trail crossings into the PV Nature Preserve. The Rolling Hills Community Association's project also includes a change in the storm water flow into Que Viento Canyon. Ara has been notified. The RPV Conceptual Trails Plan (CTP) was written and approved to assist Staff with preserving and enhancing the Peninsula's trails network. The ongoing changes to the Reserve Trails Plans are adversely impacting that objective. Inter jurisdictional Reports which do not affect the PV Nature Preserve are few and far between. The last one was September 2014. Even if it is just a line or two to say that no progress has been made, it would be so much simpler if the monthly Border Issues Report included the trail connections status updates. April 1, 2015 PRESERVING LAND AND RESTORING HABITAT FOR THE EDUCATION AND ENJOYMENT OF ALL Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest DFSP San Pedro EA Project Manager Attn: Code JE20.GB 1220 Pacific Coast Highway San Diego, CA 92132-5190 Ladies and Gentlemen: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the scope of environmental assessment and the identified alternatives for the proposed partial or complete closure of the Defense Fuel Support Point (the "DFSP") in San Pedro, California (the "Project"). The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy ("PVPLC") is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of open space and restoration of natural habitat in the Palos Verdes -San Pedro area. PVPLC is the Habitat Manager for the 1,400 acre Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, and owns or manages an additional 200 acres of open space in San Pedro and Rolling Hills Estates. Pursuant to a cooperative agreement, PVPLC manages a native plant nursery on the DFSP site, and that nursery produces thousands of native plants that PVPLC and others regularly use for habitat restoration. The DFSP currently supports two species identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as endangered or threatened: the coastal California gnatcatcher and Palos Verdes blue butterfly. The Palos Verdes blue butterfly has been seen at the DFSP since 1994. The DFSP is one of only two sites where the PVB is currently known to exist in the wild (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2014). DFSP remains the site that the butterfly has "consistently occupied" for a long period of time (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2008). The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy ("PVPLC") is concerned about direct and indirect impacts of the Project on the federally listed species and their habitat. In particular, the Project could seriously jeopardize the recovery of the PV blue butterfly in its only consistently occupied location. All alternatives other than the "no action" alternative will have impacts associated with the demolition, removal and/or cleaning and abandonment -in-place processes, including vegetation removal or destruction; soil disturbance; creation of airborne particulates; increased noise and vibrations; transport, use and storage of chemicals, solvents and fuels; increased vehicular traffic; and disturbance of existing environmental contamination. To properly assess whether the Project will result in significant environmental impact, the Environmental Assessment must evaluate these and similar effects on the federally listed species and their habitat. Moreover, PVPLC believes that the breadth of impacts, the variability and 916 SILVER SPUR ROAD # 207. ROLLING HILLS ESTATES. CA 90274-3826 T 310.541.7613 WWW.PVPLC.ORG DFSP San Pedro EA Project Manager April 1, 2015 Page 2 potential complexity of the proposed alternatives, and the depth of analysis that will be required to determine species impact, go beyond the scope of an Environmental Assessment and will necessitate the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement unless the "no project" alternative were selected. At the public scoping meeting, the community was requested to provide input on concerns about the Project alternatives. However, the information presently available to the community about the alternatives is too limited to properly assess concerns. For example, while PVPLC would anticipate that Alternative 4 (Partial Closure with Minimal Demolition) would have the least impacts on the listed species and their habitat and on other wildlife found in the DFSP, the public has insufficient information about the infrastructure cleaning and abandonment -in-place processes to determine whether they might in fact result in different but equally severe impacts when compared to the disruption caused by infrastructure removal. Therefore, PVPLC expresses its concern that more information needs to be shared in the Environmental Assessment about the steps and processes to be followed in the alternatives in order to allow the community the reasonable ability to evaluate the risks and benefits of each. Finally, PVPLC requests that the time period for comments to the Environmental Assessment be extended beyond the fifteen days identified in the scoping materials. Given the significance of this property to the community and the significance of the environmental issues, it makes sense to provide a longer period to get the full benefit of the community input process that the Navy has started with these scoping activities. PVPLC urges that the impacts identified above be considered in the Environmental Assessment and that the Navy reach a finding of "significant environmental impact," allowing for the more detailed review of an Environmental Impact Statement. Sincerely, Andrea Vona, Executive Director Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy cc: Gregg Smith, Public Affairs Officer, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach 916 SILVER SPUR ROAD # 207. ROLLING HILLS E TES. CA 90274-3826 T 310.541.7623 WWW.PVPLC.ORG CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES TO: HONORABLE MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: CITY CLERK DATE: APRIL 6, 2015 SUBJECT: ADDITIONS/REVISIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA Attached are revisions/additions and/or amendments to the agenda material received through Monday afternoon for the Tuesday, April 7, 2015 City Council meeting: Item No. Description of Material D Staff Report Additions provided by Staff G Staff Report Additions provided by Staff; Email from Sunshine Respectfully submitted, Carla Morreale W:\AGENDA\2015 Additions Revisions to agendas\20150407 additions revisions to agenda thru Monday.doc MEMORANDUM 1�41RANCNHO PALOS VERDES CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: KIT FOX, AICP, SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYS DATE: APRIL 7, 2015 SUBJECT: LATE CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING THE CLOSURE OF DEFENSE FUEL SUPPORT POINT SAN PEDRO IN LOS ANGELES (BORDER ISSUES STATUS REPORT — AGENDA ITEM `D') Closure of Defense Fuel Support Point San Pedro, Los Angeles (San Pedro) On April 1, 2015, Staff transmitted the attached comments on the scope of the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to be prepared for the proposed closure of Defense Fuel Support Point (DFSP) San Pedro to the U.S. Navy. The major points raised in this letter include: • Asking for an extension of the 15 -day public comment period for the draft EA to at least forty-five (45) days; • Expressing concern regarding the effect of a possible future closure upon the native plant nursery and captive breeding program for endangered Palos Verdes blue butterflies that the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy currently operates on the property; • Requesting clarification of certain details of the proposed project alternatives; and, • Requesting the inclusion of a general discussion of environmentally -suitable future uses of the property in the event that it is completely closed. Attachments: Scoping comments on closure of DFSP San Pedro (dated 4/1/15) MABorder Issues\Staff Repo rts\20150407_CC_LateCorrespondence.docx (,"I'I"Y MANAGER'S OFFICIE ADMINISFIRIA1 ION 1 April 2015 Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest DFSP San Pedro EA Project Manager ATTN: Code JE20.1313 1220 Pacific Hwy. San Diego, CA 92132-5190 SUBJECT: Comments on the Scope of the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Closure of Defense Fuel Support Point (DFSP) San Pedro Dear Sir/Madam: The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has received notice of the proposed closure of DFSP San Pedro, and we attended the open house and public scoping session that was held on March 18, 2015 in San Pedro. We offer the following comments on the scope of the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to be prepared for this proposal: 1 We understand that, once the draft EA completed, it will be released for a 15 -day public review and comment period, as required pursuant to the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), We further understand that the draft EA could be released by this summer. With summer vacations and other family obligations, we are concerned that residents in Rancho Palos Verdes, the surrounding Los Angeles communities of San Pedro and Wilmington, and the City of Lomita would not have sufficient time to review and provide meaningful comments on the draft EA if only fifteen (15) days are provided to do so. As such, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes respectfully requests that the public comment period for the draft EA be extended to at least forty-five (45) days. 2. The project area for this proposal excludes the sites of the former San Pedro and Palos Verdes Navy housing complexes, as well as portions of the DFSP San Pedro site that are leased for ball fields and a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) shooting range. However, the portions of the site utilized by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC) for a native plant nursery and captive breeding program for endangered Palos Verdes blue butterflies do not appear to have been excluded. PVPLCs operations at DFSP San Pedro are of vital importance to habitat preservation and restoration efforts on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The draft EA should address both the on- and off-site biological 309,10 1 Its I foRNE BYE). / RANCHO (,A 902/5-5391 / (310) 544 -5207M -',,-\X (31(1) 1A 4;5291 pfulm-o oil DFSP San Pedro EA Project Manager 1 April 2016 Page 2 resources impacts of any changes to PVPLC's operations at DFSP San Pedro that may result from its full or partial closure. 3. We noted at the scoping meeting that there was an apparent discrepancy between the disposition of the underground concrete storage tanks between Alternatives 1 and 2. While both alternatives noted that these tanks would be abandoned in place, Alternative 1 stated that they would be filled with inert material but Alternative 2 only stated that they would be abandoned. We were told that the tanks would be filled under both alternatives, but this needs to be clarified in the draft EA. 4. Alternatives 1 and 3 describe the existing office and administration buildings being maintained in "caretaker" condition, while Alternative 2 describes them as being maintained in "as is" condition. The draft EA should clearly describe what these terms mean. 5. It seems clear that each of the proposed alternatives will result in varying levels of disturbance and disruption of the site. The draft EA should quantify the environmental impacts of each of these alternatives in terms of: a. Quantities and depths of earth movement (i.e., cut, fill, import and export) b. Number and routing (i.e., Gaffey Street vs, Western Avenue) of truck trips C. Air quality, noise and hazardous materials exposure for sensitive receptors 6. We understand that the proposed project does not address the future use of the property in the event of its eventual disposal by the Navy. Nevertheless, we would like to see the draft EA address in general terms the possible future use(s) that might be, suitable on the property (in terms of the exposure of future employees, visitors or residents to environmental conditions) under Alternatives 1, 2 and 3. Again, thank you for the opportunity to comment upon this important project. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel to contact me at (310) 544-5226 or via e-mail at kih'@rpvca.gov. Sincerely, Kit FOX, A1QP Senior Administrative Analyst cc: Mayor Jim Knight and Rancho Palos Verdes City Council Doug Willmore, City Manager Carolynn. Petru, Deputy City Manager MABorder 1ssues\DFSPZan Pedro Closure\20150401.EAComments.docx __ S3 MEMORANDUM RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: KIT FOX, AICP, SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST DATE: APRIL 7, 2015 9 SUBJECT: LATE CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING THE LOS ANGELES REGIONAL INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM (LETTERS IN OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED LA-RICS MONO- POLE AT UPPER POINT VICENTE — AGENDA ITEM `G') Subsequent to the completion of tonight's Staff report for this item, there have been several updates on the LA-RICS project that may be relevant to the City Council as it considers taking action to oppose the antenna monopole proposed at Upper Point Vicente: • Staff has received a copy of the motion unanimously adopted by the Board of Supervisors on March 24, 2015, as well as the 5 -signature letter sent to the U.S. Department of Commerce on March 27, 2015, requesting an extension of the September 30, 2015, deadline for implementation of the wireless broadband (LTE) component of the system. Similar letters were sent to Senators Boxer and Feinstein and members of the Los Angeles County congressional delegation. • The LA-RICS Board of Directors held a regular meeting on April 2, 2015. Among the items on the agenda was a discussion and response to the issues raised by the Board of Supervisors and the public at the March 24th Board of Supervisors meeting. As a result of the March 24th motion, LA-RICS has ceased construction activity at all seventy-five (75) County fire station sites. • On April 3, 2015, the Los Angeles Times and the Torrance Daily Breeze each reported that the U.S. Department of Commerce had suspended $154 million in grant funding for the LTE component of the LA-RICS system, noting that the project is "severely behind schedule." LA-RICS has been given until April 13, 2015, to come up with a plan to complete the project by the September 30th deadline. Attachments: Board of Supervisors motion (approved 3/24/15) Board of Supervisors letters requesting extension for LA-RICS (dated 3/27/15) LA-RICS Board Staff report (dated 4/2/15) Daily Breeze article regarding suspension of LA-RICS funding (published 4/3/15) MAMunicipal Services\Emergency Comm unications\LA-RICS\20150407_CC_LateCorrespondence.docx AGN. NO. MOTION BY SUPERVISOR MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH MARCH 24, 2015 Amendment to Item #98: The objective of the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA- RICS), which is to build reliable communication systems dedicated to law enforcement, fire personnel, and secondary responders, is important and universally supported. Equally important are outreach efforts to its current and former members, the impacted employees and residents who rightfully want greater transparency and inclusion in this project. A number of questions and concerns have been expressed by Local 1014 as well as some of the residents which need to be answered and addressed, including any health risks associated with radio-frequency emissions and modeling, aesthetics of the towers and consideration of alternative sites. The Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, currently slated for 177 antenna sites for data communications and the 71 Land Mobile Radio (LMR) system for voice communications cannot be completed successfully without adequate time, resources, and the support of those directly impacted by the construction project. The LTE system, which is underway for construction now, has received $154.6 million in federal funds under the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (B -TOP) grant which expires on September 30, 2015. An extension of that deadline will alleviate the rush to completion and allow LA-RICS, along with the public safety leaders, time to bring greater transparency to the project without compromising the significant resources from the federal government. SOLIS MOTION RIDLEY-THOMAS KUEHL KNABE ANTONOVICH I, THEREFORE, MOVE that the Board of Supervisors direct the Interim Chief Executive Officer to: 1. Send a 5 -signature letter to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the County's Congressional Delegation to request an extension of the BTOP grant and/or seek potential funding alternatives to the BTOP grant; 2. Direct the County's Washington, DC advocates to work with the Administration and schedule meetings with members of Congress to address this important issue during the Board of Supervisor's annual visit to Washington, DC; 3. Delay approval of item 18 on today's agenda, with the exception of sites unopposed by residents and/or employees, until a response regarding the grant deadline is received and halt construction at all Los Angeles County fire stations; 4. Provide a report to the board in 2 weeks on the issue of co -location by commercial carriers and include recommendations; I, FURTHER, MOVE that the Board of Supervisors request the Joint Powers Authority to: 1. Host regional community meetings, jointly with the Fire Chief and Sheriff, which include current and former member cities, impacted residents and employees to discuss the project with additional smaller meetings as necessary; 2. Modify the existing construction schedule to proceed with those construction sites which do not have opposition from residents or employees while holding outreach meetings in other areas; and, 3. Provide this Board with a report in 30 days on new and/or alternative revenue sources and models for back-up systems. MDA: amg Mao PATRICK OGAWA \CI'ING A\I CU"I'I\'[ 0FfA1C17R COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Honorable Penny Pritzker Secretary U.S. Department of Commerce 1401 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20230 Dear Secretary Pritzker: KLN\LTIIIIAII\IIALLOr \D\❑\ISTR\TION 500 \C'ES'1' TG\[PLG STRELT, ROOM 383 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90012 (213) 974-1411, FAN ,213,: 6200636 March 27, 2015 MEMBERS OF THE BOARD HILDA L. SOLIS MARK RIDLEY-THOMAS SHEILA KUEHL DON KNABE MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH We write to respectfully request your support and consideration to explore all administrative and legislative options for an extension of the $154.6 million Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce to the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS). It is essential to ensure the successful completion of the LA-RICS Long Term Evolution (LTE) system that will provide a critical broadband public safety network for first responders in the Los Angeles region. Los Angeles County is the founding member of the LA-RICS Joint Powers Authority. The County and its municipal and local partners are fully committed to the LA-RICS Project to build a regional and reliable next generation communications system that will be used by over 34,000 first responders in Los Angeles County to help protect our 10 million residents. The foundation of the LA-RICS LTE system is the funding derived from the BTOP grant awarded in 2010 by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Without the assurance of the BTOP funding or other potential Federal funding, the LA-RICS Project will not be able to provide critical direct communication interoperability between law enforcement, fire, and Federal, State and military agencies at the scene of major disasters such as fires, floods, earthquakes and terrorist incidents. In addition, the Southern California component of the national Public Safety Broadband Network is unlikely to be realized. In 2012, the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) imposed a partial grant suspension on all BTOP recipients, including LA-RICS, prohibiting grant -related equipment purchases. This was to allow the establishment of a nationwide architecture for the Public Safety Broadband Network created under the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L.112-96). In 2013, NTIA lifted the partial BTOP grant suspension for LA-RICS and extended the grant to September 30, 2015. The Honorable Penny Pitzner March 27, 2015 Page 2 Los Angeles County appreciates the Department's support of the 2013 extension; however, the current BTOP grant deadline continues to pose a major constraint to a project of this scope and complexity, despite the significant progress made by LA-RICS. We, therefore, respectfully request your support and consideration of all administrative and legislative remedies to extend the BTOP grant to ensure the successful built out, which is currently under construction and consists of 177 sites covering over 4,000 square miles throughout the Los Angeles region. The LA-RICS LTE system is an essential component of a successful nationwide development of the Public Safety Broadband Network. Our Board will be in Washington, D.C. the week of April 20, 2015, and we would appreciate meeting with you to further discuss this vital matter and develop solutions to ensure the successful completion and operation of the LA-RICS LTE system that will help protect the residents of Los Angeles County. Your consideration of this important request is greatly appreciated. Sincerly, MIHAEL D.ANTC Ma or of the Board HILDA L. SOLIS Supervisor, First District IE16LA KUEHL Supervisor, Third District c: Lawrence Strickling, Assistant Secretary, NTIA NZ MARK RIDLEY-T MAS Supervisor, Secgpd District f)ONkKNABE Supervisor, Fourth District PATRICK OGAWA ACTING EXECUTIV L OFFICER COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES BOARD OF SUPERVISORS KENNUTII HAIIN IIALLOFADMINISTRATION 5(111 wEgr TUNI'LE S'rRL"LT, ROOM 383 LOS ANGELUS, CALIFORNIA 9001^_ (_' 13) 970-1411: FAX (213) 610-0636 The Honorable Dianne Feinstein United States Senate SH -331 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Feinstein: March 27, 2015 MEMBERS OF THE BOARD HILDA L. SOLIS MARK RIDLEY-THOMAS SHEILA KUEHL DON KNABE MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH We write with regard to the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) Project which is the most critical emergency preparedness and homeland security need in Los Angeles County. LA-RICS was awarded a $154.6 million grant by the U.S. Department of Commerce which is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2015, and we respectfully urge your support of legislation or potential administrative remedies to extend this grant to ensure the successful completion of this important project. Los Angeles County is the founding member of the LA-RICS Joint Powers Authority. The County and its municipal and local partners are fully committed to the LA-RICS Project to build a regional and reliable next generation communications system that will be used by over 34,000 first responders in Los Angeles County to help protect our 10 million residents. The LA-RICS Project will provide critical direct communication interoperability between law enforcement, fire, and Federal, State and military agencies at the scene of a major disaster such as fires, floods, earthquakes and terrorist incidents. Interoperable, mission -critical communications and data network for first responders is a major finding of the 9/11 Commission Report. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded the LA-RICS Authority a $154.6 million Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). This is the most critical and largest Federal grant for the LA-RICS Project and is essential for the successful construction of the LA-RICS Long Term Evolution (LTE) system that will provide a broadband public safety network for first responders throughout the Los Angeles region. In 2012, NTIA imposed a partial grant suspension on all BTOP recipients, including LA-RICS, prohibiting grant -related equipment purchases and halting the development and procurement of needed equipment for the LA-RICS LTE system. This was to allow the establishment of a nationwide architecture for the Public Safety Broadband Network The Honorable Dianne Feinstein March 27, 2015 Page 2 created under the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L.112-96). In 2013, NTIA lifted the partial BTOP grant suspension for LA-RICS and extended the grant to September 30, 2015. Los Angeles County appreciates the Department's support of the 2013 extension; however, the current BTOP grant deadline continues to pose a major constraint to a project of this scope and complexity, despite the significant progress made by LA-RICS. The LTE system is currently under construction and consists of 177 sites covering over 4,000 square miles throughout the Los Angeles region. The LA-RICS LTE system is an essential component of a successful nationwide development of the Public Safety Broadband Network to help protect the residents of Los Angeles County and across the country. We, therefore, respectfully urge your support of legislation or potential administrative remedies to extend this critical grant for the LA-RICS Project. Our Board will be in Washington, D.C. the week of April 20, 2015, and we would appreciate meeting with you to discuss this vital matter and other County priorities. Your consideration of this important request is greatly appreciated. erely, MCHAEL D. ANTONOVICH Mayor of the Board HI DAL. SOL Supervisor, First District Q S EILA KUEHL Supervisor, Third District MARK RIDLEY T OMAS Supervisor, Second District 4NABE or, Fourth District PATRICK OGAWA March 27, 2015 ACTING I?\I'CUTIVE 01P1CFR The Honorable Barbara Boxer United States Senate SH -112 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Boxer: MEMBERS OF THE BOARD HILDA L. SOLIS MARK RIDLES -THOMAS SHEILA KUEHL DON KNABE MICHAEL D. ANTONOVIC14 We write with regard to the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) Project which is the most critical emergency preparedness and homeland security need in Los Angeles County. LA-RICS was awarded a $154.6 million grant by the U.S. Department of Commerce which is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2015, and we respectfully urge your support of legislation or potential administrative remedies to extend this grant to ensure the successful completion of this important project. Los Angeles County is the founding member of the LA-RICS Joint Powers Authority. The County and its municipal and local partners are fully committed to the LA-RICS Project to build a regional and reliable next generation communications system that will be used by over 34,000 first responders in Los Angeles County to help protect our 10 million residents. The LA-RICS Project will provide critical direct communication interoperability between law enforcement, fire, and Federal, State and military agencies at the scene of a major disaster such as fires, floods, earthquakes and terrorist incidents. Interoperable, mission -critical communications and data network for first responders is a major finding of the 9/11 Commission Report. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded the LA-RICS Authority a $154.6 million Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). This is the most critical and largest Federal grant for the LA-RICS Project and is essential for the successful construction of the LA-RICS Long Term Evolution (LTE) system that will provide a broadband public safety network for first responders throughout the Los Angeles region. In 2012, NTIA imposed a partial grant suspension on all BTOP recipients, including LA-RICS, prohibiting grant -related equipment purchases and halting the development and procurement of needed equipment for the LA-RICS LTE system. This was to allow the establishment of a nationwide architecture for the Public Safety Broadband Network N COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ,. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS h} ISG.\NL"I'll 11A1IN 11 U,1,0I 1D I1\ISF1L%F10\ SUIT V1'1?.5'1'I'lA(I'Ltd S 1 RLL•'1', R00AI 393 :,z LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 70012 I,'_13) 774 1.11 t • FAX (313) 620-0616 PATRICK OGAWA March 27, 2015 ACTING I?\I'CUTIVE 01P1CFR The Honorable Barbara Boxer United States Senate SH -112 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Boxer: MEMBERS OF THE BOARD HILDA L. SOLIS MARK RIDLES -THOMAS SHEILA KUEHL DON KNABE MICHAEL D. ANTONOVIC14 We write with regard to the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) Project which is the most critical emergency preparedness and homeland security need in Los Angeles County. LA-RICS was awarded a $154.6 million grant by the U.S. Department of Commerce which is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2015, and we respectfully urge your support of legislation or potential administrative remedies to extend this grant to ensure the successful completion of this important project. Los Angeles County is the founding member of the LA-RICS Joint Powers Authority. The County and its municipal and local partners are fully committed to the LA-RICS Project to build a regional and reliable next generation communications system that will be used by over 34,000 first responders in Los Angeles County to help protect our 10 million residents. The LA-RICS Project will provide critical direct communication interoperability between law enforcement, fire, and Federal, State and military agencies at the scene of a major disaster such as fires, floods, earthquakes and terrorist incidents. Interoperable, mission -critical communications and data network for first responders is a major finding of the 9/11 Commission Report. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded the LA-RICS Authority a $154.6 million Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). This is the most critical and largest Federal grant for the LA-RICS Project and is essential for the successful construction of the LA-RICS Long Term Evolution (LTE) system that will provide a broadband public safety network for first responders throughout the Los Angeles region. In 2012, NTIA imposed a partial grant suspension on all BTOP recipients, including LA-RICS, prohibiting grant -related equipment purchases and halting the development and procurement of needed equipment for the LA-RICS LTE system. This was to allow the establishment of a nationwide architecture for the Public Safety Broadband Network N The Honorable Barbara Boxer March 27, 2015 Page 2 created under the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L.112-96). In 2013, NTIA lifted the partial BTOP grant suspension for LA-RICS and extended the grant to September 30, 2015. Los Angeles County appreciates the Department's support of the 2013 extension; however, the current BTOP grant deadline continues to pose a major constraint to a project of this scope and complexity, despite the significant progress made by LA-RICS. The LTE system is currently under construction and consists of 177 sites covering over 4,000 square miles throughout the Los Angeles region. The LA-RICS LTE system is an essential component of a successful nationwide development of the Public Safety Broadband Network to help protect the residents of Los Angeles County and across the country. We, therefore, respectfully urge your support of legislation or potential administrative remedies to extend this critical grant for the LA-RICS Project. Our Board will be in Washington, D.C. the week of April 20, 2015, and we would appreciate meeting with you to discuss this vital matter and other County priorities. Your consideration of this important request is greatly appreciated. 3 Sincerely, � MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH Mayor of the Board HILDA L. SOLIS Supervisor, First District VSE ILA �KU E H Supervisor, Third District MARK RIDLEY-T MAS Supervior, Second District i'KNABE Supervisor, Fourth District eA LA-RICS PATRICK J. MALLON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR April 2, 2015 LOS ANGELES REGIONAL INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AUTHORITY 2525 Corporate Place, Suite 100 Monterey Park, California 91754 Telephone: (323) 881-8291 http://www.la-rics.org LA-RICS Board of Directors Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System Authority (the "Authority") Dear Directors: COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES MARCH 24, 2015 BOARD MEETING UPDATE AND IMPACT; REQUEST FOR DIRECTION FROM AUTHORITY BOARD, AS NEEDED SUBJECT The purpose of this item is to update your Board on the action taken by the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors' at their regular meeting of March 24, 2015, and to allow the Authority's Board to provide direction to staff, as needed, to address public outreach, construction and Union concerns regarding the LA-RICs Project. RECOMMENDED ACTION: It is recommended that your Board: 1. Consider the updates provided by staff regarding the County of Los Angeles board action on March 24, 2015, and the potential impacts to the LA-RICS Project; and 2. Provide direction to staff, as needed, to address public outreach, construction and Union concerns regarding the LA-RICS Project; and 3. Direct the Executive Director to proceed forward with all additional public outreach needed, and delegate authority to the Executive Director to take all necessary actions related to conducting that public outreach. 0 AGENDA ITEM H LA-RICS Board of Directors April 2, 2015 Page 2 Update Regarding March 24, 2015 County Board Agenda Items At the March 24, 2015, Regular Meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the following two items were on the agenda: 1. Site Access Agreements between County of Los Angeles and LA-RICS for construction, installation, operation and maintenance of up to eight (8) additional sites for the Public Safety Broadband Network (PSBN) and up to 23 sites for the Land Mobile Radio System (LMR System). This item requested delegated authority to the CEO or her designee to execute these Agreements. The item was amended (Enclosure 1) to read: a. Send a letter to the Department of Commerce to request an extension of the BTOP grant; b. County's (Washington,) DC Advocates to schedule meetings with members of Congress during County Boards' visit to Washington, DC; C. Delay approval of item 18, with the exception of non -controversial sites until a response on the grant deadline is received, and stop construction at all Los Angeles County Fire stations; d. Provide a report to the County Board in 2 weeks on the issue of co -location by commercial carriers and include recommendations; Request to LA-RICS Authority to: a. Host regional community meetings with cities, residents and employees to discuss project; b. Modify existing construction schedule to proceed with construction at sites without opposition; C. Provide County Board with a report in 30 -days on new and/or alternative revenue sources and models for back-up systems. 2. Set Matter for the County CEO to provide the County Board of Supervisors with an update on the LA-RICS System. The update included: a. Status of construction; b. Number of municipal departures and impact of those on the coverage footprint, interoperability, effectiveness and completeness of system; @ AGENDA ITEM H LA-RICS Board of Directors April 2, 2015 Page 3 c. Municipalities expressing concern with JPA and/or intent to withdraw from JPA; d. Consequences and impact of the municipal departures on the remaining members cost share. Impact on Project The motion/action taken by the Board of Supervisors on March 24, 2015, affects the LA-RICS project in the following manner: PSBN/LTE By stopping construction activity on 75 County Fire sites, the March 24th Board Action heavily impacted our aggressive construction schedule. The table below illustrates the impact of removal of 75 sites from scheduled activities. There are ten (10) County of Los Angeles Fire sites that have completed infrastructure, however, LA-RICS' has cancelled power company scheduled installations and all other phase work at those sites, due to the County Board action. In addition, there are 13 County of Los Angeles Fire sites that were in the process of construction that require safety remediation action. The contractor needs to secure equipment that had been placed at the sites and remediate any condition that would create an operational impact or safety concern. Please refer to Enclosure 2 for remediation action required by site. LMR System Some of the sites identified for early deployment on the LMR System were also impacted by the March 24th County Board action. We had identified 22 sites previously found statutorily exempt that would qualify for expedited environmental review by FEMA thus allowing for early construction and spending of the UASI 2011 and 2012 grants on construction. Removal of County Fire sites reduces number of sites to 11, limiting our ability to fully spend the 2011 and 2012 grants on site construction. If we are unable to return County Fire sites to the early deployment schedule, we will need to request �1� AGENDA ITEM H LA-RICS Board of Directors April 2, 2015 Page 4 FEMA allow us to spend $7,416,364 on non -construction activities such as planning and equipment. NTIA and FirstNet Following the March 24th County Board meeting the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) held calls with the LA-RICS management team to assess project feasibility post County Board action. NTIA requested assessment of sites that could be constructed, what those sites represented in coverage/capacity, and when we anticipate the County Board's release of the County Fire sites for construction. They also questioned if the Board would require zero union, employee and resident opposition and will sites in rural/commercial areas be treated in the same manner as residential sites. We provided NTIA with the information from the above construction schedule and they instructed us to continue to seek information from the County Board. In parallel we have modified our outreach plan to align with the County Board requirements for possible release of County Fire sites. NTIA also requested the status on the Board's letter requesting extension on the performance period of the grant. NTIA informed us if they didn't receive the letter by early next week, they would respond to the Board Motion, denying a request for grant extension. NTIA did not instruct us to cease work on the PSBN project. FirstNet participated in these calls and they did not revoke our Spectrum Manager Lease Agreement. We will continue providing updates to NTIA and FirstNet. Outreach The Authority staff attended over 210 outreach meetings, spending over 12,000 hours on outreach work totaling over $1.4 million dollars (Enclosure 3) over the last 2 years (post contract execution). Of those, 25 were with County Board offices, Chiefs of Staff, Brown Act public meetings, and field office meetings. Next Steps We will be providing your Board the draft outreach plan which will: 1. Address community meetings, notices to residents, notices to city managers, council members and employees of PSBN sites in addition to previously planned outreach meetings and informational sessions. 2. We will request the County Board to identify the outcome required to achieve release of County Fire sites in order to ascertain likelihood of project moving forward. 103 AGENDA ITEM H LA-RICS Board of Directors April 2, 2015 Page 5 3. We will implement the outreach plan in parallel with this request for information from the County Board. We will continue constructing sites at all other non -opposed sites in order to achieve a successful system by August 15, 2015. It should be noted that ceasing construction while we await County Board direction on County Fire sites would result in failure to complete the system within the grant performance period. Respectfully submitted, PATRICK J. MALLON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PJM:SOC:pI X:\1 -Agendas & Minutes (JPA Board of Directors)\01-AGENDAS\2015 Agenda\04-02-15\Agenda Item H -03-24-15 County Board Meeting Update.docx Enclosures c: Counsel to the Authority @ AGENDA ITEM H AGN. NO MOTION BY SUPERVISOR MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH MARCH 24, 2015 Amendment to Item #18: The objective of the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA- RICS), which is to build reliable communication systems dedicated to law enforcement, fire personnel, and secondary responders, is important and universally supported. Equally important are outreach efforts to its current and former members, the impacted employees and residents who rightfully want greater transparency and inclusion in this project. A number of questions and concerns have been expressed by Local 1014 as well as some of the residents which need to be answered and addressed, including any health risks associated with radio-frequency emissions and modeling, aesthetics of the towers and consideration of alternative sites. The Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, currently slated for 177 antenna sites for data communications and the 71 Land Mobile Radio (LMR) system for voice communications cannot be completed successfully without adequate time, resources, and the support of those directly impacted by the construction project. The LTE system, which is underway for construction now, has received $154.6 million in federal funds under the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (B -TOP) grant which expires on September 30, 2015. An extension of that deadline will alleviate the rush to completion and allow LA-RICS, along with the public safety leaders, time to bring greater transparency to the project without compromising the significant resources from the federal government. SOLIS _ RIDLEY-THOMAS KUEHL KNABE ANTONOVICH AGENDA MOTION ITEM H - ENCLOSURE 1 O I, THEREFORE, MOVE that the Board of Supervisors direct the Interim Chief Executive Officer to: 1. Send a 5 -signature letter to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the County's Congressional Delegation to request an extension of the BTOP grant and/or seek potential funding alternatives to the BTOP grant; 2. Direct the County's Washington, DC advocates to work with the Administration and schedule meetings with members of Congress to address this important issue during the Board of Supervisor's annual visit to Washington, DC; 3. Delay approval of item 18 on today's agenda, with the exception of sites unopposed by residents and/or employees, until a response regarding the grant deadline is received and halt construction at all Los Angeles County fire stations; 4. Provide a report to the board in 2 weeks on the issue of co -location by commercial carriers and include recommendations; 1, FURTHER, MOVE that the Board of Supervisors request the Joint Powers Authority to: 1. Host regional community meetings, jointly with the Fire Chief and Sheriff, which include current and former member cities, impacted residents and employees to discuss the project with additional smaller meetings as necessary; 2. Modify the existing construction schedule to proceed with those construction sites which do not have opposition from residents or employees while holding outreach meetings in other areas; and, 3. Provide this Board with a report in 30 days on new and/or alternative revenue sources and models for back-up systems. MDA: amg MR ITEM H - ENCLOSURE 1 03/25/15 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE SITES CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION REQUIRING "MAKE SAFE" COMPLETION Cap foundation anchor studs. Retaining wall foundation in place with protruding rebar, recommended by Authority to complete the LACF061 FS 61 20011 La Puente Road Walnut CA 91789 City of Walnut 1 LA County 70' Monopole/Hose Tower retaining wall. Excess soils need to removed. Heavy equipment and building materials will need to be removed. The site needs to be final cleaned and remove portable toilet. LACF090 FS 90 10115 E Rush St South EI Monte CA 91733 South EI Monte 1 LA County Consolidated Fire 70' Monopole/Hose Tower Cap the towerfoundation anchor studs and backfill and compact dirt area. Cap foundation anchor studs, complete grounding ring and conduit install. Backfill, compact and pour concrete on grade. Heavy LACF038 FS38 3907 W 54th St Los Angeles CA 90043 LA County 2 LA County Consolidated Fire 70' Monopole/Hose Tower equipment and building materials will need to be removed. The site needs to be final cleaned and remove portable toilet. Cap conduits for future. Complete final grade. Heavy equipment and LACF095 FS 95 137 W Redondo Beach Blvd Gardena CA 90248 LA County 2 LA County Consolidated Fire 70' Monopole/Hose Tower building materials will need to be removed. The site needs to be final cleaned and remove portable toilet. I I I g I I I y p / Majority ofconstruction is complete, however the planned handrail LACF065 FS 65 4204 N. Cornell Road Agoura CA 91301 LA County3 LA Count Consolidated Fire 70' Mono ole Hose Tower should be installed to mitigate fall incidents. Heavyequip ment needs Ito be removed as well as portable toilet. Site should be final cleaned. Need to sleeve for conductors and capped conduit. Need to compact loose fill and pour equipment pads on grade. Heavy equipment needs LACF023 FS 23 9548 E Flower St Bellflower CA 90706 City of Bellflower 4 LA County Consolidated Fire 70' Monopole/Hose Tower to be removed as well as building materials. The site needs to be final cleaned and remove portable toilet. Cap foundation anchor studs, complete grounding ring and conduit LACF031 FS31 7521 E Somerset Blvd Paramount CA 90723 Paramount 4 LA County Consolidated Fire 45' Monopole/Hose Tower install. Backfill, compact and pour concrete on grade. Heavy equipment and building materials will need to be removed. The site needs to be final cleaned and remove portable toilet. Backfill dirt, compact and pour back concrete to grade. Heavy LACF096 FS 96 10630 5 Mills Ave WhittierCA 90604 LA County 4 LA County Consolidated Fire 70' Monopole/Hose Tower equipment and building materials will need to be removed. The site needs to be final cleaned and remove portable toilet. 1of2 AGENDA ITEM H - ENCLOSURE 2 oil 2of2 AGENDA ITEM H - ENCLOSURE 2 Cap foundation anchor studs, remove formwork for caisson foundation. Remove caisson spoils. Remove heavy equipment and LACF044 FS 44 1105 S Highland Ave Duarte CA 91010 City of Duarte 5 LA County Consolidated Fire 70' Monopole/Pine building materials. The site needs to be final cleaned and remove portable toilet. .Cap foundation anchor studs. Retaining wall foundation in place with protruding rebar, recommended by Authority to complete the LACF078 FS 78 17021 W Elizabeth Lake Road Lake Hughes CA 93532 LA County 5 LA County 70' Monopole retaining wall. Excess soils need to removed. Heavy equipment and building materials will need to be removed. The site needs to be final cleaned and remove portable toilet. Need to complete grounding, sleeve for conductors and cap conduits forfuture. Pour concrete to final grade. Remove dirt spoils. Heavy LACF085 FS 85 650 E Gladstone St Glendora CA 91740 City of Glendora 5 LA County Consolidated Fire 70' Monopole/Hose Tower equipment needs to be removed as well as building materials. The site needs to be final cleaned and remove portable toilet. Cap foundation anchor studs, complete grounding ring and conduit install. Backfill, compact and pour concrete on grade. Heavy LACF140 FS 140 8723 Elizabeth Lake Road Leona Valley CA 93550 LA County 5 LA County Consolidated Fire 70' Monopole equipment and building materials will need to be removed. Authority recommends completing CMU retaining wall.. The site needs to be final cleaned and remove portable toilet. Cap foundation anchorstuds, complete grounding ring and conduit install. Backfill, compact and pour concrete on grade. Heavy LACF141 FS 141 1124 W Puente Ave San Dimas CA 91773 San Dimas 5 LA County Consolidated Fire 70' Monopole/Hose Tower equipment and building materials will need to be removed. Authority recommends completing CMU retaining wall. The site needs to be final cleaned and remove portable toilet. oil 2of2 AGENDA ITEM H - ENCLOSURE 2 Iq AGENDA ITEM H -ENCLOSURE 3 http://www.dailybreeze.com/government-and-politics/201 50403/f eds-halt-f undi ng -for -la -county -emergency -system Feds halt funding for L.A. County emergency system By The Associated Press DailyBreeze.com LOS ANGELES >> The federal government has suspended $154 million in funding for a troubled Los Angeles County emergency system and ordered work to stop immediately. The feds on Friday suspended a grant covering most costs, saying the project is severely behind schedule. The project envisions a vast communications system that police and firefighters could use during earthquakes and other emergencies. But some cities have dropped out and only 15 of some 200 planned communications towers have been built. Opponents have health concerns about the towers, and the Los Angeles City Council this week voted to stop tower construction at fire and police stations. The feds gave the county until April 13 to come up with a new plan for completing the system. County officials say they'll meet the deadline. Page 1 of 1 Apr 06, 2015 09:48:38AM MDT Carla Morreale From: SunshineRPV@aol.com Sent: Friday, April 03, 2015 1:56 PM To: CC; Doug Willmore; Kit Fox Subject: April 7, 2015 Council Meeting Consent Calendar Item G. LA-RICS April 3, 2015 MEMO from SUNSHINE TO: RPV City Council, Staff and interested parties RE: April 7, 2015 Council Meeting Consent Calendar Item G. LA-RICS What an ugly letter. The City of RPV supports the concept of having a Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System as long as none of our residents can see the infrastructure and it doesn't bother our precious native habitat. Do you really mean that? Neither the Staff Report nor the draft letter actually states the problem of having another antennae at Upper Point Vicente. Is some sort of radiation going to damage the plants, animals and bugs? I have heard some such objections to putting towers near fire stations because of unproved, potential impacts on humans. Is 70 feet too tall like Trumps flag pole? Will the FAA want lights on it that will block our nice dark starry sky? The statement that... The City believes that construction and operation of the proposed antenna tower is likely to have significant adverse impacts upon sensitive species and habitat... just doesn't convince me that the residents of RPV should be deprived of communications among our first responders. Please delete Item G from your Consent Calendar motion of approval. (f7