AGENDA DATE: 7/3/2019
TITLE:
Title
Peters Mountain ECC Tower Modernization
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Authorize the Board of Supervisors chair to sign a letter of support to the State Historic Preservation Office regarding the ECC modernization of the Peters Mountain Emergency Communications tower
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Kamptner, Bessette, Elias, Bowman
PRESENTER (S): Gabe Elias
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The existing tower at Peters Mountain was approved in 2002. More modern communications equipment has been developed since then, requiring an upgrade, but a Memorandum of Agreement from that time (Attachment A) with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Federal Communications Commission prohibits any physical changes to the tower without SHPO approval.
In 2002, there was some concern regarding the original building of the tower on the grounds that its construction would disturb the viewshed of the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District. The simulation attachments (B and C) illustrate the change to the tower's visual impact that the proposed modernization would cause.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Operational Capacity: Ensure County government's ability to provide high quality service that achieve community priorities.
DISCUSSION: The regional (County, City, University) 800 MHz public safety radio capital infrastructure project involves addition to and replacement of major technological components of the 800 MHz radio system. This includes replacement of electronic components at all tower sites, including the tower at Peters Mountain, to improve radio coverage.
Twenty vertical feet would be added to the Peter's Mountain tower to host three new 800 MHz antennas and one additional microwave dish antenna. Three guy wires would be attached to the tower to safely support the extension and equipment. The guy wires would extend 60 feet out from the ...
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