City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 3, 2020
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
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Consideration of a License Agreement with Verizon Wireless to Install an In- Building Radio Distribution System in City Hall and Market Square Garage Both Located at 301 King Street.
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ISSUE: Consideration of a License Agreement with Verizon Wireless for the installation and maintenance of an In-Building Radio Distribution System at City Hall and Market Square Garage both located at 301 King Street.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council: (1) schedule this proposed lease (attached) for public hearing on Saturday, June 20, 2020, and (2) after the public hearing, authorize the City Manager to enter into a license agreement between the City of Alexandria and Verizon Wireless to install an In-Building Radio Distribution System at City Hall and Market Square Garage in substantial compliance with the attached lease.
BACKGROUND: Verizon Wireless currently leases space from the City on the rooftops of 4480 King Street, 520 King Street, and 105 N. Union Street for cellular antennas and equipment and provides much of the City’s cellular phone equipment and service. The City approached Verizon regarding interest in the installation of an In-Building Radio Distribution System as a part of a new security initiative to provide improved cellular phone coverage throughout City Hall and all levels of the Market Square Garage. The new system is similar in appearance and functionality to the existing in-building wi-fi system used inside City Hall. Unlike the higher-powered cellular antennas located outside on rooftops which are meant to cover much larger areas, the in-building system is a low powered unit like in-building systems used in municipal and federal buildings throughout the country.
The licensee agreement allows Verizon to install equipment using existing infrastructure and conduits to provide improved cellular service inside of City Hall and Market Square Garage. The term of the lease is five (5) years with four (4) five-year renewals at no cost to the City
DISCUSSION: The draft license agreement between the City and Verizon includes the initial license term and four (4) five (5) -year renewals. Each five (5) -year renewal will require both a public hearing and City Council approval unless the agreement is terminated by either party. Both parties have the right to terminate the license upon the annual anniversary of the commencement date of the license provided that written notice is provided six (6) months prior to the end of the current term. This license is beneficial to the City and the public, as wireless coverage for Verizon users inside these facilities will improve while the City increases its security awareness protocol. In particular, the cell phone signals in the lower levels of Market Square Garage will be enhanced substantially, providing garage patrons better 911 access in the event of an emergency. Verizon Wireless has completed the City’s approval process for Radio and Television Reception or Transmission Structures.
FISCAL IMPACT: Verizon will be providing, installing and maintaining this equipment free of charge to the City. Verizon gains additional coverage primarily at City Hall and Market Square garage. The City gains additional coverage and the ability of cell users to call 911 within Market Square Garage, which was a recommendation of the City staff security review last year. This is the most cost-effective means to gain 911 cell access within the garage as these calls are required to be picked up by any carrier. Staff assessed alternatives which would cost the City up to $100,000 to self-install and maintain. This public private partnership solution is at negligible cost to the City. The City will be responsible for insuring the installed equipment as part of the City’s self-insurance reserve.
ATTACHMENT: License Agreement Verizon Wireless and City of Alexandria
STAFF:
Laura B. Triggs, Deputy City Manager
Jeremy McPike, Director, General Services
Alfred Coleman, Deputy Director, General Services
Donna Poillucci, Deputy Director, General Services