The ordinance under consideration makes wholesale changes to Chapter 122 of the Municipal Code.  This chapter addresses the procedures and licensing requirements for underground cables and conduits that are installed within our street rights-of-way by non-franchise utility companies.  The changes that are proposed will revise and expand this chapter so that it also addresses the installation of small wireless facilities (SWF) in the R/W.  These are also known as small cell towers and are typically installed on the top portion of a street light pole or utility pole.  The additions to Chapter 122 generally address three issues that are resident to the small wireless facilities:   

1.  Fees:  According to Federal mandate, the fees that the city can charge for permitting the SWF's are set at $500 for five units, and $50 for each additional installation. 

2.  Shot Clock:  Also according to Federal mandate, the city must respond to a permit request within 90 days. 

3.  Architectural Standards:  The city has the right to require the SWF's to match the character, color and dimensions of the existing, nearby poles. 

Due to recently set Federal requirements, this ordinance should be approved by April 15th to allow the city to review the architectural features of a SWF installation.  Staff thus recommends approval of this ordinance change. 

Recommend council accept the first consideration of Ordinance 1970.  Staff further recommends that the requirement for subsequent readings of the second and third considerations be waived and Ordinance 1970 be considered for final approval at this time.

Action: Consider motion to approve first consideration of Ordinance 1970.

Action: Consider motion to accept staff recommendation to suspend the rule that all ordinances must be considered on three different days and accept second and third consideration of ORDINANCE 1970, sending it on its final passage and publication as required by law.