SUBJECT: An Ordinance approving and authorizing a Master Temporary Telecommunications License Agreement for temporary use of City owned property by telecommunications carriers during special events.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve an ordinance authorizing a Master Temporary Telecommunications License Agreement between the City of Houston (Licensor) and future telecommunications carrier(s) (Licensee) for temporary use of City owned property for the installation and use of temporary mobile communications facilities during special events.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION: In light of Houston hosting Super Bowl LI, various telecommunications carriers have approached the City seeking authority to lease city owned property to install their portable tower equipment, also known as "cell on wheels" (COW). The COW is a portable base station used to provide temporary expanded cellular network coverage and/or capacity for short-term demands, such as at special events. These temporary mobile tower systems will assist in alleviating dropped calls as well as provide an increase in data sharing to meet the needs of the fans.
The General Services Department recommends that City Council approve an ordinance establishing a Master Temporary Telecommunications License Agreement (Agreement) for the purpose of allowing telecommunications carriers the right to enter and to lease City owned property to install, remove, replace, maintain, and operate their COW during special events, including Super Bowl LI, that may fall under Chapter 25 of the Code of Ordinances, titled Special Events.
The proposed Agreement will commence upon execution of an Addendum by the Licensee, and provides the following major provisions:
- Special Event -type of event
- Application Fee - as set forth in the Addendum; nonrefundable
- Term -will commence upon the effective date of the Addendum
- License Fee -as set forth in the Addendum and is in addition to the Application Fee
- Utilities - Licensee is responsible for all maintenance and utilities
- Insurance • Licensee is responsible for insurance
- Equipment - includes the radio transmitting and receiving antennas, microwave dishes, tower and base, equipment shelters and/or cabinets and related cables and utility lines
- The Site - shall include space for Licensee's platform, radio cabinets and equipment, and also space for a backup generator
- Licensee shall be responsible for the maintenance, operations and construction of the Antenna Facilities and the tower during the term of the Agreement
- Licensee shall restore the property to substantially the same condition as it existed prior to Licensee's use
The proceeds will be directed to the General Fund