HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/25/2008 - Workshop Agenda Packet - City CouncilTraditional Values, Progressive Thinking
In the Research Valley
Mayor Councilmembers
Ben White John Crompton
Mayor ProTem James Massey
Lynn McIlhaney Dennis Maloney
City Manager Lawrence Stewart
Glenn Brown David Ruesink
Agenda
College Station City Council
Workshop Meeting
Thursday, September 25, 2008 2:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers, 1101 Texas Avenue
College Station, Texas
Workshop
1. Presentation, possible action, and discussion on items listed on the consent agenda.
2. Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding crime issues and trends impacting the community
as well as the organizational transformation and the implementation of a new policing vision and strategy.
3. Presentation, possible action, and discussion on the implementation of the strong and sustainable
neighborhoods program including enhanced development services, enhanced neighborhood services, and
enhanced code enforcement.
4. Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding the UDO requirements related to single-family
dwelling units.
5. Presentation, possible action and discussion regarding possible revisions to the Park Land Dedication
Ordinance.
6. Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding a proposed wireless plan for the City.
7. Council Calendar
September 29 American Society of Mechanical Engineers at Green room – Wolf Pen Creek, 3:00 p.m.
September 30 Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Bryan Justice Center, 4:00 p.m.
October 2 6th Annual International Faculty and Scholar Welcome BBQ at Veterans Park, 5:00 p.m.
October 3 National Night Out Proclamation at Brazos County Admin. Bldg, 12:00 p.m.
October 4 Kick off Event for City Manager at Post Oak Mall, 10:00 a.m.
October 5 Annual Intercultural Friendship and Dialog Dinner at Pebble Creek Ctry Club, 6:30 p.m.
October 6 2008 Fall Girl’s Softball Opening Ceremonies at Stephen C. Beachy Centrl Park, 6:00 pm
October 7 National Night Out, 5:00 p.m.
October 9 Council Workshop/Regular Meeting, 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
8. Presentation, possible action, and discussion on future agenda items: A Council Member may inquire
about a subject for which notice has not been given. A statement of specific factual information or the
recitation of existing policy may be given. Any deliberation shall be limited to a proposal to place the
subject on an agenda for a subsequent meeting.
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Council Workshop Meeting Thursday, September 25, 2008 Page 2
Traditional Values, Progressive Thinking
In the Research Valley
9. Discussion, review and possible action regarding the following meetings: Arts Council of the Brazos
Valley, Audit Committee, Brazos County Health Dept., Brazos Valley Council of Governments, Brazos
Valley Wide Area Communications Task Force, Cemetery Committee, Design Review Board, Historic
Preservation Committee, Interfaith Dialogue Association, Intergovernmental Committee, Joint Relief
Funding Review Committee, Library Committee, Metropolitan Planning Organization, National League
of Cities, Outside Agency Funding Review, Parks and Recreation Board, Planning and Zoning
Commission, Sister City Association, TAMU Student Senate, Research Valley Partnership, Regional
Transportation Committee for Council of Governments, Texas Municipal League, Transportation
Committee, Wolf Pen Creek Oversight Committee, Wolf Pen Creek TIF Board, Zoning Board of
Adjustments (Notice of Agendas posted on City Hall bulletin board).
10. Executive Session will immediately follow the workshop meeting in the Administrative Conference
Room.
Consultation with Attorney {Gov’t Code Section 551.071}; possible action. The City Council may seek
advice from its attorney regarding a pending or contemplated litigation subject or settlement offer or
attorney-client privileged information. Litigation is an ongoing process and questions may arise as to a
litigation tactic or settlement offer, which needs to be discussed with the City Council. Upon occasion the
City Council may need information from its attorney as to the status of a pending or contemplated litigation
subject or settlement offer or attorney-client privileged information. After executive session discussion, any
final action or vote taken will be in public. The following subject(s) may be discussed:
a. Application with TCEQ for permits in Westside/Highway 60 area, near Brushy Water Supply
Corporation.
b. Sewer CCN permit requests.
c. Water CCN permit requests.
d. Water service application with regard to Wellborn Special Utility District.
e. Bed & Banks Water Rights Discharge Permits for College Station and Bryan
f. Legal aspects of Water Well, permits and possible purchase of or lease of water well sites.
g. Cliff A. Skiles, DVM & C.A. Skiles Family Partnership, Ltd. Water permit applications with the Brazos
Valley Groundwater Conservation District.
h. JK Development v. College Station.
i. Taylor Kingsley v. College Station.
j. State Farm Lloyds as Subrogee of Mikal Klumpp v. College Station.
k. TMPA v. PUC (College Station filed Intervention).
l. City of Bryan suit filed against College Station, Legal issues and advise on Brazos Valley Solid Waste
Management Agency contract, on proposed methane gas contract. Update on legal proceedings for Grimes
County Landfill site and contracts for development of Grimes County site.
Real Estate {Gov’t Code Section 551.072}; possible action The City Council may deliberate the purchase,
exchange, lease or value of real property if deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect
on the position of the City in negotiations with a third person. After executive session discussion, any final
action or vote taken will be in public. The following subject(s) may be discussed:
a. Hotel/Conference Center
Economic Incentive Negotiations {Gov’t Code Section 551.087}; possible action The City Council may
deliberate on commercial or financial information that the City Council has received from a business
prospect that the City Council seeks to have locate, stay or expand in or near the city with which the City
Council in conducting economic development negotiations may deliberate on an offer of financial or other
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Traditional Values, Progressive Thinking
In the Research Valley
incentives for a business prospect. After executive session discussion, any final action or vote taken will be
in public. The following subject(s) may be discussed:
a. Proposed Development generally located southeast of the Intersection of Earl Rudder Freeway and
Southwest Parkway.
11. Action on executive session, or any workshop agenda item not completed or discussed in today’s
workshop meeting will be discussed in tonight’s Regular Meeting if necessary.
12. Adjourn.
APPROVED:
______________________________
City Manager
Notice is hereby given that a Workshop Meeting of the City Council of the City of College Station, Texas
will be held on the 25th day of September, 2008 at 2:00 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1101 Texas
Avenue, College Station, Texas. The following subjects will be discussed, to wit: See Agenda
Posted this 22nd day of September, 2008 at 1:00 pm.
__
E-Signed by Connie Hooks
VERIFY authenticity with ApproveIt
__________________________
City Secretary
I, the undersigned, do hereby certify that the above Notice of Meeting of the Governing Body of the City of
College Station, Texas, is a true and correct copy of said Notice and that I posted a true and correct copy of
said notice on the bulletin board at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, in College Station, Texas, and the City’s
website, www.cstx.gov . The Agenda and Notice are readily accessible to the general public at all times.
Said Notice and Agenda were posted on September 22, 2008 at 1:00 pm and remained so posted
continuously for at least 72 hours proceeding the scheduled time of said meeting.
This public notice was removed from the official board at the College Station City Hall on the following
date and time: _______________________ by ___________________________.
Dated this _____day of _______________, 2008.
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
By____________________________________
Subscribed and sworn to before me on this the ______day of _________________,
___________________Notary Public – Brazos County, Texas
My commission expires:________
This building is wheelchair accessible. Handicap parking spaces are available. Any request for sign
interpretive service must be made 48 hours before the meeting. To make arrangements call (979) 764-3517
or (TDD) 1-800-735-2989. Agendas may be viewed on www.cstx.gov. Council meetings are broadcast live
on Cable Access Channel 19.
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September 25, 2008
Workshop Agenda Item No. 2
Police Department Update
To: Glenn Brown, City Manager
From: Michael A. (Ike) Ikner, Police Chief
Agenda Caption: Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding crime issues
and trends impacting the community as well as the organizational transformation and the
implementation of a new policing vision and strategy.
Recommendation(s): N/A
Summary: It is important for any police chief to provide the council with both a mid-year
and annual summary of trends and issues impacting public safety which affords them a
situational awareness related to the police department’s operations. This presentation will
summarize major crime statistical data and trends from January 1, 2008 through August 31,
2008. Additionally, I will offer my policing vision, strategy and planned organizational
modifications to achieve our public safety mission. Lastly, I will address any questions from
the Council.
Budget & Financial Summary: TBD
Attachments: N/A
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Home of Texas A&M University
September 25, 2008
Workshop Agenda Item No. 3
Implementation of Strong and Sustainable Neighborhoods Program
To: Glenn Brown, City Manager
From: Bob Cowell, AICP, Director of Planning & Development Services
Agenda Caption: Presentation, possible action, and discussion on the
implementation of the strong and sustainable neighborhoods program including
enhanced development services, enhanced neighborhood services, and enhanced
code enforcement.
Recommendation(s): Staff recommends the Council provide direction on
implementation efforts regarding the program.
Summary: In the winter of 2007 and the spring of 2008 staff worked with
stakeholders representing the neighborhoods, TAMU students, TAMU
Administration, property managers, and others to develop a comprehensive
approach to developing and maintaining strong and sustainable neighborhoods.
This effort culminated in a report entitled “Strong and Sustainable Neighborhoods:
An Action Plan for Neighborhood Integrity”. This report outlined four strategies to
address the issues identified. Each of these strategies had a series of actions that
would result in implementation of the plan.
In the spring of 2008 the City Council accepted the report and directed staff to
proceed with its recommendations. Since that time the staff has proceeded with
implementation of the immediate items (organizational restructuring, re-activation
of the party patrol, etc), initiated work on the mid-term items (rental registration,
increased interaction with TAMU, etc) and started the planning work for long-term
items (increased development standards for high-density rental developments, etc).
The purpose of this workshop item is to update Council on the actions taken to date
and to further discuss the implementation of this program.
Budget & Financial Summary: Budget adjustments enabling additional code
officers, police officers, etc. have been included in the City Manager’s FY2009
budget proposal.
Attachments:
1. Strong and Sustainable Neighborhoods Report
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Page 1
Strong and Sustainable Neighborhoods
An Action Plan for Neighborhood Integrity
Introduction
Neighborhood Integrity or perhaps more to the point, the desire for strong neighborhoods
meeting the demand for housing and contributing positively to the quality of life
experienced in College Station, has been at the forefront of community discussions for
some time. Indeed, one could argue that the desire to build and maintain strong
neighborhoods closely integrated with the University was the very basis for the formation
of the city itself.
As the home of Texas A&M University, College Station is home to thousands of
university students. As the University continues its growth and expansion, the community
has the opportunity to accommodate an increasing number of students in off campus
housing. Our challenge is to welcome the increasing number of students while retaining
the strength and vitality of our neighborhoods.
Among the challenges before us are; first our housing stock is aging resulting in
maintenance requirements and often leading to investment ownership and renter
occupation in traditional single family neighborhoods. Second, there are issues which
manifest themselves in our residential neighborhoods as a result increased number of
units being available for rent – parking, trash, poorly maintained housing, and noise.
Third, homeowners view the transition of homes in their neighborhoods into rentals as
intrusive and unwelcome change. Finally, current market conditions will likely see
additional housing constructed to accommodate the student rental market.
Objective of this Action Plan
Strong and Sustainable Neighborhoods – An Action Plan for Neighborhood Integrity has
a threefold objective:
1. Gain an understanding of the issues and present a policy rationale for strong and
sustainable neighborhoods.
2. Identify existing neighborhood integrity efforts employed in the City of College
Station.
3. Recommend specific policy initiative(s) to enhance existing efforts.
Rationale for Strong and Sustainable Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods are the basic building blocks of our city. Neighborhoods are where we
live, raise our families, and socialize with our friends and neighbors. In many ways our
city is only as strong and sustainable as our neighborhoods. Our neighborhoods are a
collection of varying housing types with an increasingly diverse occupancy composition.
There are greater than 34,000 dwelling units (including all housing types except “group
quarters”) in College Station. The majority of these dwelling units are renter occupied,
though the majority of single family homes remain owner occupied.
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In 2000 it was estimated that nearly 75% of the single family homes located in College
Station were owner occupied. Still more than 5,000 single family homes are occupied by
renters. Further, the majority of dwelling units are occupied by non-family households,
that is households functioning as a family but nor related to one another. In 2000 it was
estimated that approximately 60% of all households were composed of non-related
individuals.
College Station citizens have been clear in their desire to promote strong and sustainable
neighborhoods. Throughout the Comprehensive Plan update, citizens voiced their
support for efforts that protect neighborhood integrity. The Comprehensive Plan
Advisory Committee (CPAC) has addressed this specifically through establishing
working goals for the Comprehensive Plan update that state “Strong, unique
neighborhoods…” and “Long-term viability and appeal of established neighborhoods”.
For the purposes of this action plan we have adopted the working goal of
Protect and Strengthen College Station neighborhoods resulting in distinct
neighborhoods that welcome homeowners, renters, students and others, maintain their
viability over time and enhance the overall quality of life for our citizens.
Strong and sustainable neighborhoods are too important to leave to piece-meal solutions
implemented to address what is portrayed as the current crisis. Strong and sustainable
neighborhoods demand the best we have to offer; that is a thoughtful and comprehensive
policy approach that contributes positively to the quality of life for all that call College
Station home.
The City Council directed the City Manager at its November 19, 2007 Council meeting to
proceed with developing a holistic response to issues being confronted by College Station
neighborhoods. Since receiving direction from the Council, the following actions have
been undertaken:
· Convened a 35+ member engagement panel consisting of homeowners, students,
realtors/investors, TAMU administration and city staff
· Conducted two – day long engagement sessions to identify issues and possible
solutions
· Conducted a review of best practices from other major university communities
· Conducted a review of existing codes, ordinances, and organizational practices of the
City of College Station to identify gaps, inconsistencies, and potential areas of
modification
· Established an interactive web page discussing neighborhood integrity
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Challenges Before Us
Given the current and anticipated future environment, the City government is being
called to provide leadership in the critical area of Neighborhood Integrity. The Council
has recognized the need to be proactive articulating through its Strategic Plan several
policy directives and initiatives related to neighborhood integrity. This proposed Plan of
Action attempts to quantify and offer the Council and community specific direction to
move the organization and community towards a positive response to our present and
future conditions.
As we address the challenges presented by enhancing the quality of our neighborhoods,
providing protection to homeowners, and providing a welcoming home to our university
students, we must acknowledge it is a shared responsibility by the entire community –
City government, resident homeowners, students, investor-property mangers, and
University administration. We will not be successful without the full involvement of
each key stakeholder to contribute towards the solution.
The City government must take a leadership role to bring together the key stakeholders.
We must position ourselves to implement strategies and programs to enhance the quality
of life and stabilize neighborhoods in transition. There must be a full recognition that we
have limitations. We must strike a clear balance between actions appropriately belonging
with City government and actions which more appropriately belong to other key
stakeholders.
The proposed Plan of Action should be viewed as a beginning point and not an end unto
itself. The proposed plan presents several key strategies, programs, and actions which
represents our best efforts to understand the problem and offer meaningful responses to
address the identified problems.
Emphasis Areas, Proposed Strategies and Actions
Emphasis Areas
§ Adapt current service delivery system (planning, code enforcement, outreach, etc)
to have a greater orientation toward neighborhoods.
§ Enhanced use of regulatory and enforcement tools currently available to the City
§ Full engagement of all stakeholders in the solution
1.0 Strategy
Improve the capacity of neighborhoods to deal with a myriad of planning and quality of
life issues including those resulting from an aging housing stock and an increase in the
number of rental units.
One of the many challenges we face is the recognition that we have aging housing stock
in the community. As the housing stock ages, it is frequently converted to rental units in
previously owner occupied single family neighborhoods or falls into disrepair. Our
strategy suggests that we should be proactive in addressing this issue through multiple
actions.
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1.1 Action Re-establish the neighborhood planning program and ensure that
the efforts compliment the comprehensive plan and are closely aligned with
City objectives to stabilize and enhance neighborhoods. Our Neighborhood
Planning efforts should focus on developing neighborhood specific strategies
and protections to promote neighborhood stabilization, appearance, public
infrastructure, and compatible land use.
1.2 Action Promote home ownership through various programs managed by
the City for first time home buyers to increase homeownership in targeted
neighborhoods. Home ownership is a key to neighborhood stabilization.
1.3 Action Use adopted property maintenance codes and ordinances to
enhance property maintenance. We need to better use existing legislation to
promote neighborhood pride and appearance.
2.0 Strategy Orient service delivery toward neighborhoods and enhance the City’s
enforcement tools to better address the rental market.
2.1 Action Establish a single point of responsibility in the City organization
oriented to addressing neighborhood issues and coordination of all City
programs. One of the weaknesses identified through this process was the
identification of multiple points of entry into the City processes. This can be
both confusing and time consuming for citizens with legitimate concerns.
2.2 Action Conduct intensive neighborhood enforcement programs in select
neighborhoods for code compliance. This is a multi-functional approach to
address transitional neighborhoods. If a neighborhood association is not
present work to develop an association. Provide education programs as well as
enforcement activities. Bring together key stakeholders to identify needs of
the neighborhood and use the array of tools provided in this plan to address
the concerns.
2.3 Action Promote the formation and registration of neighborhood
associations and enhance their effectiveness. Perhaps one of the best ways that
a neighborhood can partner with the city and others ensuring that
neighborhoods remain strong and sustainable is to form a neighborhood
association and to get it registered with the city. This organizational structure
allows us to address issues in a systematic manner and enables the city to
readily engage neighborhood. Certain services offered by the city can only be
reasonably offered at this level.
2.4 Action Implement Universal Rental Registration Program. All single
family rental properties should be registered at no cost to the property owner.
The registration should be minimally intrusive and should be easy to
complete. The information collected should include a mandatory local point
of contact and the current number and names of tenants on the lease.
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Registrations should be renewed annually and should coincide with the
University calendar. This always creates an opportunity to present
information to tenants about city codes, neighborhood activities, and the
educational programs offered by the city.
2.5 Action Landlords and property investors should be encouraged to adopt
model leases which provide protections to landlords to deal with difficult
situations. The model lease is in place with a number of properties already in
the city with good results. The City and Landlord Associations should through
its education efforts strongly suggest the adoption of the model lease to
provide landlords with the tools to address problem properties.
2.6 Action Enhance development standards. Dense small lot development
(i.e., developments that are susceptible to conversion to rental units) should
have higher development standards including no parking zones concurrent
upon recording of the plat, designated overflow parking areas, mandatory
alleys, off-street parking tied to # of bedrooms, maximum lot coverage, etc.
These standards could be lessened or waived if the development is subjected
to a zoning prohibition against two or more unrelated individuals residing in
the homes.
2.7 Action Improve data collection on neighborhood problems and challenges.
Better use of the city’s web site and GIS to collect data on neighborhood
problems should be implemented. Better collection of data related to
violations, including mapping, data bases, etc. to aid in identifying trends and
“hot spots” to permit proactive action by the City in addressing the issues and
concerns.
3.0 Strategy Educate key stakeholders and community. One of the critical needs is to
provide continuous education of key stakeholders on the need to have strong viable
neighborhoods.
3.1 Action Fully implement the Aggieland Solution program presented by
TAMU student leadership. This is a proactive program which benefits the
entire community.
3.2 Action Work with University Administration to apply the Aggie Code of
Honor and other codes of conduct and behavior to off campus activities. This
will provide an additional support system to assist students in transitioning to
life in the community at large and promote good citizenship.
3.3 Action Work with University Administration to educate students upon
arrival on Campus to understand community standards and expectations.
There is a gap between students understanding local standards and
expectations which can be met during orientation sessions when they arrive on
campus to begin their college work.
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3.4 Action Develop and implement “Howdy Neighbor” program as a direct
outreach by neighborhood associations to welcome new residents to their
neighborhoods. There are several good examples already in place within the
community in which neighborhood associations provide new residents with
informational packets to help them transition into the neighborhood. This
program needs to be expanded and implemented by Neighborhood
Associations.
3.5 Action The City government should develop a comprehensive training and
education program to assist key stakeholders to address the many facets of this
Plan of Action. The city should become the reservoir of materials,
information, and programs to assist students, neighborhood associations,
individual citizens, and landlords to obtain information to assist them in
developing a positive response to Neighborhood Integrity issues.
3.6 Action Establish performance measures that address programmatic
accomplishments, outputs, and outcomes. These measures should be
grounded in this action plan and other adopted Council plans and policies and
should be use to determine the success of the various efforts identified in this
plan.
4.0 Strategy Provide for additional enforcement tools to address Neighborhood
Integrity issues. This plan suggests a number of specific proposals to address
Neighborhood Integrity.
4.1 Action Amend the City code to codify that any property that receives three
verified actions (i.e., written warnings, citations, etc) in a period of one year
(that is the registration cycle) will be considered a nuisance property and
procedures for enforcement as provided by Local Government Code will be
initiated by the City. Failure to have a property properly registered at the time
of a verified complaint shall constitute a verified action in itself. Once a
property has been declared a nuisance property a zero tolerance policy will be
employed for a period of at least one year, meaning that subsequent verified
actions will result in mandatory levying of applicable citations and fines.
4.2 Action Amend the City code to codify host responsibilities for parties in
residential areas. This should clearly outline who is responsible for what and
what the potential consequences will be for failure to meet these expectations.
This information could be made a part of what is delivered to the tenants
during the rental registration process.
4.3 Action Adopt a mediation procedure to resolve areas of disagreement
between various parties involving Neighborhood Integrity issues. The
mediation procedure is suggested by the Aggieland Solution and merits
implementation.
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Unrelated Individuals
A great deal of discussion has centered around the issue of the permitted number of
unrelated individuals allowed to reside in a single dwelling unit. Currently the City
regulates this number at four per unit. It is the staff’s belief that the afore-described
action plan can succeed with or without adjustment in the permitted number of unrelated
individuals. If Council elects to reduce the permitted number of unrelated individuals,
staff continues to recommend all of the identified actions contained in this plan. If
Council elects to reduce the permitted number of unrelated individuals it is recommended
that such a provision apply only to neighborhoods that succeed in securing the support of
at least 60% of the property owners located in a plat or phase of a plat. It is also
important to remember that any such action will not eliminate the non-conforming (or
grandfathered) status of properties currently housing four unrelated individuals.
Conclusions
A real opportunity exists in College Station. An opportunity to demonstrate how a
community can welcome thousands of students, address an aging housing stock, and
build strong and sustainable neighborhoods. This opportunity will not be without its
challenges, but then few things that are worth doing come without challenges. This
opportunity requires a clear focus, tailored solutions, and the commitment of all partners.
Implementation of this action plan will result in strong and sustainable neighborhoods
that continue to make College Station a great place to call home for homeowner, renter,
and student alike!
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September 25, 2008
Workshop Agenda Item No. 4
Discussion of Single-Family Dwelling Units
To: Glenn Brown, City Manager
From: Mayor Ben White
Agenda Caption: Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding the UDO
requirements related to single-family dwelling units.
Recommendation(s): N/A
Summary: N/A
Budget & Financial Summary:
Attachments:
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September 25, 2008
Workshop Agenda Item No. 5
Park Land Dedication Ordinance Presentation
To: Glenn Brown, City Manager
From: Marco A. Cisneros, Director, Parks and Recreation
Agenda Caption: Presentation, possible action and discussion regarding possible
revisions to the Park Land Dedication Ordinance.
Recommendation(s): Staff recommends proceeding with the final production of
possible revisions to the Park Land Dedication Ordinance. Further staff recommends routing
these revisions through the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Planning & Zoning
Commission.
Summary: Ordinance 2997, the current Park Land Dedication Ordinance, was approved
by the City Council on September 13, 2007. The Park Land Dedication Ordinance provides a
means to acquire and develop neighborhood parks in the City and the ETJ. The funds for
these park developments are generated by the development of new residential subdivisions
and must be used for neighborhood park acquisition and/or development with a prescribed
service area as defined by the City’s approved Park Zones.
The ordinance requires a three year review period, and the City Council approved the most
recent changes in September, 2007. However, both acquisition and development costs
associated with park development have increased dramatically over the past few years.
There are also some key policy issues to consider:
· What level of parks and recreation service will be provided for in the future?
· Who will pay for those services?
· Can community parks serve the function of neighborhood parks?
These issues were reviewed and discussed by the Joint Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
and Planning & Zoning Commission Subcommittee June, 2008 as well as a public hearing
was held as a part of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting held in July, 2008.
The major points of discussion at these meetings included:
· The current cost of land
· The cost of park construction
· The need for more community parks in newly developed areas
· The estimated population growth for the City in the next ten years
Budget & Financial Summary: Future budgetary implications are dependent upon
Council direction. Any revisions to the current Park Land Dedication Ordinance will likely
result in some increased funding being available for neighborhood and community parks
land acquisition and/or development. These revisions however do not pay for any of the
increased operations and maintenance costs associated with any of these new parks and
recreation facilities.
Attachments:
1. City of College Station Park Land Dedication Ordinance
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2. June 25, 2008 Joint Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Planning & Zoning
Commission Subcommittee Minutes
3. July 8, 2008 Public Hearing and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Minutes
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ORDINANCE NO. 2997
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9, "SUBDIVISIONS" OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS, BY AMENDING
SECTION 10, "PARK LAND DEDICATION, BY INCREASING FEES, EXTENDING PARK
LAND REQUIREMENTS INTO THE ETJ; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
DECLARING A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION,
TEXAS:
PART 1 : That Chapter 9, "Subdivisions", of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College
Station, Texas, be amended as set out in Exhibit "A", attached hereto and made a
part of this ordinance for all purposes.
PART 2: That if any provisions of any section of this ordinance shall be held to be void or
unconstitutional, such holding shall in no way effect the validity of the remaining
provisions or sections of this ordinance, which shall remain in full force and
effect.
PART 3: That any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this
chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof
shall be punishable by a fine of not less than Twenty Five Dollars ($25.00) nor
more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00). Each day such violation shall
continue or be permitted to continue, shall be deemed a separate offense. Said
Ordinance, being a penal ordinance, becomes effective January 1,2008.
PASSED, ADOPTED and APPROVED this 13'" day of September, 2007.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
CITY SECRETARY MAYOR
APPROVED:
CITY ATTORNEY
O/group/legal/ord~nance/amendmentjorm.doc
Approved by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board on May 9. 2006
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ORDINANCE NO. 2997
EXHIBIT "A"
Page 2
That Chapter 9, "Subdivisions", of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas,
is hereby amended as follows:
1. By amending SECTION 10: "Requirements for Park Land Dedication" by deleting the
entire section and substituting the following:
SECTION 10: Requirements For Park Land Dedication
10-A Purpose
This section is adopted to provide recreational areas in the form of neighborhood park facilities
as a function of subdivision and site development in the City of College Station and its Extra-
Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). This section is enacted in accordance with the home rule powers
of the City of College Station, granted under the Texas Constitution, and the statutes of the State
of Texas, including, but not by way of limitation, Texas Local Government Code Chapter 212
(Vernon 1999; Vernon Supp. 2004-2005) as amended from time to time.
It is hereby declared by the City Council that recreational areas in the form of neighborhood
parks are necessary and in the public welfare, and that the only adequate procedure to provide for
neighborhood parks is by integrating such a requirement into the procedure for planning and
developing property or subdivisions in the City and its ETJ, whether such development consists
of new construction on vacant land or rebuilding and remodeling of structures on existing
residential property.
Neighborhood parks are those parks providing for a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities
and located within convenient distances from a majority of the residences to be served thereby.
The park zones established by the Parks and Recreation Department and shown on the official
Parks and Recreation map for the City of College Station shall be prima facie proof that any park
located therein is within such a convenient distance from any residence located berein. The
primary cost of neighborhood parks should be borne by the ultimate residential property owners
who, by reason of the proximity of their property to such parks, shall be the primary beneficiaries
of such facilities.
Therefore, the following requirements are adopted to effect the purposes stated above and shall
apply to any land to be used for residential purposes:
10-B General Requirements
The City Manager or his designee shall administer this Section 10, Requirements for Park Land
Dedication with certain review, recommendation and approval authorities being assigned to the
Planning and Zoning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board as specified
herein.
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ORDINANCE NO. 2997 Page 3
Dedications shall cover both land acquisition and development costs for neighborhood park land
for all types of residential development. Dedications shall be based on actual dwelling units for
the entire development. Increases or decreases in final unit count prior to final plat will require
an adjustment in fees paid or land dedicated. If the actual number of dwelling units exceeds the
original estimate additional park land shall be dedicated in accordance with the requirements in
this Section 10 with the filing of a final plat.
The methodology used to calculate fees and land dedications is attached hereto as Appendix I
and incorporated and made a part of this ordinance for all purposes.
Fees paid under this Section may be used only for development or acquisition of neighborhood
parks located within the same Zone as the development.
1. Land Dedication
For residential developments the area of land to be dedicated for neighborhood park land
purposes shall be determined by the procedures described in Appendix I.
The total amount of land dedicated for the development shall be dedicated in fee simple by plat:
a. Prior to the issuance of any building permits for multi-family development,
b. Concurrently with the final plat for a single phase development,
c. For a phased development the entire park shall be either platted concurrently with
the plat of the first phase of the development or
d. The developer may provide the City with financial security against the future
dedication by providing a bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or other alternative
financial guarantee such as a cash deposit in the amount equal to the number of
acres park land required. The amount of the financial guarantee is calculated by
multiplying the number of acres of park land required to be dedicated by $24,000
as the estimated value of an acre of land in the proposed subdivision.
The financial guarantee will be released to the developer, without interest, upon the filing of the
final plat for the subsequent phase that dedicates the required park land.
2. Fee in Lieu of Land
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ORDINANCE NO. 2997 Page 4
The amount of the Fee-in-Lieu of Land ("Fee") shall be set at an amount sufficient to cover the
costs of the acquisition of neighborhood park land.
A landowner may elect to meet the requirements of Section 10.B. 1, in whole or in part, by paying
a fee in the amount set forth in Appendix I. Before making this election, for ally required
dedication greater than three (3) acres, or for any development containing floodplain or
greenway, the landowner must:
a. Obtain a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and
b. Obtain approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission pursuant to the Plat
Approval Procedures in Article 3.3 of the Unified Development Ordinance.
For neighborhood park land, the fee shall be calculated using the procedure described in sectioil
10.B. 1 d to value the land, and the procedure shown in Appendix I to calculate the total amount of
the fee which shall be remitted:
Prior to the issuance of any building permits for multi-family development; or
Upon submission of each final plat for single family, duplex or townhouse development.
Fees may be used only for acquisition or development of a neighborhood park facility located
within the same Zone as the development.
The City Manager or his designee is authorized to accept the Fee for dedications of fewer than
three (3) acres where:
There is a sufficient amount of park land existing in the park zone of the proposed
development or
The proposed dedication is insufficient for a Neighborhood Park site under existing park
design standards.
This determination shall be made based on the Recreation, Park & Open Space Master Plan, as
amended from time to time.
3. Park Development Fee
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ORDINANCE NO. 2997 Page 5
In addition to the land dedication, -there shall also be a fee established that is sufficient to develop
the land to meet the Manual of Park Improvements Standards to serve the zone in which such
development is located. This fee and the estimate of neighborhood park improvement costs shall
be computed as shown in Appendix I. The total fee shall be paid upon submission of each final
plat or upon application for a building permit, whichever is applicable.
4. Park Development Option in Lieu of Fee
A landowner may elect to construct the neighborhood park improvements in lieu of paying the
Park Development Fee under the following terms and conditions:
a. A park site plan, developed in cooperation with the Parks and Recreation
Department staff, must be submitted to the City Manager or his designee for
review. A site plan approved by the Director of Parks and Recreation and Parks
and Recreation Advisory Board is required upon submission of each final plat or
upon application for a building permit, whichever is applicable.
b. Within twelve (12) months from the date of said submission or applicatioil the
landowner shall submit detailed plans and specifications in compliance with the
site plan to the City Manager or his designee for review and approval.
c. All plans and specifications shall meet or exceed the Manual of Park
Improvement Standards in effect at the time of the submission.
d. If the improvements are constructed on land that has already been dedicated to
andlor is owned by the City, then the Developer must post Payment and
Performance Bonds to guarantee the payment to subcontractors and suppliers and
to guarantee Developer completes the work in accordance with the approved
plans, specifications, ordinances, other applicable laws and that City has issued a
Certificate of Completion for the improvements.
e. The construction of all improvements must be completed within two (2) years
from the date of the approval of the plans and specifications. A final, one-time
extension of twelve months may be granted by the Administrator upon
demonstration that said improvements are at least 50% constructed.
f. Completion and Acceptance - Park development will be considered complete and
a Certificate of Completion will be issued after the following requirements are
met:
i. Improvements have been constructed in accordance with the Approved
Plans,
ii. All Park Land upon which the improvements have been constructed has
been dedicated as required under this ordinance and
iii. All manufacturers' warranties have been provided for any equipment.
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ORDINANCE NO. 2997 Page 6
g. Upon issuance of a Certificate of Completion, Landowner warrants the impsovelnents for
a period of one (I) year as per the requirements in the Manual of Park Improvements
Standards.
11. The developer shall be liable for any costs required to complete park developlnent if:
i. Developer fails to complete the improvements in accordance with the
Approved Plans
. .
11. Developer fails to complete any warranty work
5. Reimbursement for City Acquired Park Land
The City may from time to time acquire land for parks in or near an area of actual or potential
development. If the City does acquire park land in a park zone, the City may require subsequent
Park Land dedications for that zone to be in Fee-in Lieu-of-Land only. This will be to reimburse
the City for the cost(s) of acquisition. Once the City has been reimbursed entirely for all such
Park Land within a park zone, this Section shall cease to apply.
10-C Prior Dedication or Absence of Prior Dedication
If a dedication requirement arose prior to enactment of this Section 10, that dedication
requirement shall be controlled by the ordinance in effect at the time such obligation arose,
except that additional dedication shall be required if the actual density of structures constructed
upon property is greater than the former assumed density. Additional dedication shall be
required only for the increase in density and shall be based upon the ratio set forth in Section
10.B. (Credit shall be given for land dedicated or fees paid pursuant to prior Park Land
Ordinance Nos. 690,983 or 2546.)
10-D Comprehensive Plan Considerations
The Recreation, Park and Open Space Master Plan is intended to provide the College Station
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board with a guide upon which to base its recommendations.
Because of the need to consider specific characteristics in the site selection process, the park
locatioils indicated on the Plan are general. The actual locations, sizes, and number of parks will
be determined when development occurs. The Plan will also be used to locate desirable park
sites before development occurs, and those sites may be acquired by the City or received as
donations.
Park Zones are established by the City's Comprehensive Plan, in the Recreation, Park and Open
Space Master Plan and are configured to indicate service areas for neighborhood parks. Zone
boundaries are established that follow key topographic features such as major thoroughfares,
streams, city limit and ETJ boundary lines Park Zones may be created or amended by the
Recreation, Park and Open Space Master Plan as dedications or circumstances dictate.
10-E Special Fund; Right to Refund
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ORDINANCE NO. 2997 Page 7
1. All Park Land fees will be deposited in a fund referenced to the park zone involved.
Funds deposited into a particular park zone fund may only be expended for land or
improvements in that zone.
2. The City shall account for all fees-in-lieu-of land paid under this Section with reference
to the individual plat(s) involved. Any fees paid for such purposes must be expended by
the City within five (5) years from the date received by the City for acquisition and/or
development of a neighborhood park as defined herein. Such funds shall be considered to
be spent on a first-in, first-out basis. If not so expended, the landowners of the property
on the expiration of such period shall be entitled to a prorated refund of such sum,
computed on a square footage of area basis. The owners of such property must request
such refund within one (1) year of entitlement, in writing, or such right shall be barred.
10-F Park Land Guidelines and Requirements
Parks should be easy to access and open to public view so as to benefit area development,
enhance the visual character of the city, protect public safety and minimize conflict with adjacent
land uses. The following guidelines and requirements shall be used in designing parks and
adjacent development.
Any land dedicated to the city under this section must be suitable for park and recreation
uses. The dedication shall be free and clear of any and all liens and encumbrances that
interfere with its use for park purposes. The City Manager or his designee shall
determine whether any encumbrances interfere with park use. Minerals may be reserved
from the conveyance provided that there is a complete waiver of the surface use by all
mineral owners and lessees. A current title report must be provided with the land
dedication. The property owner shall pay all taxes or assessments owed on the property
up to the date of acceptance of the dedication by the City. A tax certificate froin the
Brazos County Tax Assessor shall be submitted with the dedication or plat.
2. Consideration will be given to land that is in the floodplain or may be considered
"floodable" even though not in a federally regulated floodplain as long as, due to its
elevation, it is suitable for park improvements. Sites should not be severely sloping or
have unusual topography which would render the land unusable for organized
recreational activities.
3. Land in floodplains or designated greenways will be considered on a two for one basis.
Two acres of floodplain or greenway will be equal to one acre of park land
4. Where feasible, park sites should be located adjacent to greenways and/or schools in
order to encourage both shared facilities and the potential co-development of new sites.
5. Neighborhood park sites should be adjacent to residential areas in a manner that serves
the greatest number of users and should be located so that users are not required to cross
arterial roadways to access them.
6. Sites should have existing trees or other scenic elements.
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ORDINANCE NO. 2997 Page 8
7. Detention 1 retention areas will not be accepted as part of the required dedication, but may
be accepted in addition to the required dedication. If accepted as part of the park, the
detention I retention area design must be approved by the City Manager or his designee
and must meet specific parks specifications in the Manual of Park Improvements
Standards.
8. Where park sites are adjacent to Greenways, Schools existing or proposed subdivisions,
access ways may be required to facilitate public access to provide public access to parks.
9. It is desirable that fifty percent (50%) of the perimeter of a park should abut a public
street.
10-G Consideration and Approval
Any proposal considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission under this Section shall have
been reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board or the City Manager or his designee
as provided herein, and a recommendation given to the Commission. The Commission may
make a decision contrary to the recommendation by a majority vote.
10-H Review of Land Dedication Requirements and Dedication and Development Fee
The City shall review the Fees established and amount of land dedication required at least once
every three (3) years. The City shall take into account inflation as it affects land acquisition and
park development costs as well as changes in the City's existing level of service. Fees are
authorized to be set by resolution of the City Council.
10-I Warranty Required:
All materials and equipment provided to the City shall be new unless otherwise approved in
advance by the City Manager or his designee and that all work will be of good quality, free from
faults and defects, and in conformance with the designs, plans, specifications, and drawings, and
recognized industry standards. This warranty, any other warranties express or implied, and any
other consumer rights, shall inure to the benefit of the City only and are not made for the benefit
of any party other than the City.
All work not conforming to these requirements, including but not limited to unapproved
substitutions, may be considered defective.
This warranty is in addition to any rights or warranties expressed or implied by law.
Where more than a one (1) year warranty is specified in the applicable plans, specifications, or
submittals for individual products, work, or materials, the longer warranty shall govern.
This warranty obligation shall be covered by any performance or payment bonds tendered in
compliance with this Ordinance.
Defective Work Discovered During Warranty Period. If any of the work is found or determined
to be either defective, including obvious defects, or otherwise not in accordance with this
ordinance, the designs, plans, drawings or specifications within one (1) year after the date of the
issuance of a certificate of Final Completion of the work or a designated portion thereof,
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ORDINANCE NO. 2997 Page 9
whichever is longer, or within one (1) year after acceptance by the City of designated equipment,
or within such longer period of time as may be prescribed by law or by the terms of any
applicable special warranty required by this ordinance, Developer shall promptly correct the
defective work at no cost to the City.
During the applicable warranty period and after receipt of written notice from the City to begin
corrective work, Developer shall promptly begin the corrective work. The obligation to correct
any defective work shall be enforceable under this code of ordinances. The guarantee to correct
the defective work shall not constitute the exclusive remedy of the City, nor shall other remedies
be limited to the terms of either the warranty or the guarantee.
If within twenty (20) calendar days after the City has notified Developer of a defect, failure, or
abnormality in the work, Developer has not started to make the necessary corrections or
adjustments, the City is hereby authorized to make the corrections or adjustments, or to order the
work to be done by a third party. The cost of the work shall be paid by Developer.
The cost of all materials, parts, labor, transportation, supervision, special instruments, and
supplies required for the replacement or repair of parts and for correction of defects shall be paid
by Developer, its contractors, or subcontractors or by the surety.
The guarantee shall be extended to cover all repairs and replacements furnished, and the term of
the guarantee for each repair or replacement shall be one (1) year after the illstallation or
completion. The one (1) year warranty shall cover all work, equipment, and materials that are
part of the improvements made under this section of the ordinance.
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ORDINANCE NO. 2997 Page 10
APPENDIX I
PARK LAND DEDICATION FEE METHODOLOGY
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK REOUIREMENTS
I. Land Requirementsfor Neiglzborlzood Parks
The current level of service is one (1) acre per 276 people.
2006 Total Population - 77,261.
2.80 Persons per Household (PPH) for Single Family and 2.28 PPH for Multi-Family
based on Census information for owner and renter occupied units.
Single Family
276 people / 2.80 PPH = 98 DUs
1 Acre per 98 DUs
Multi-Family
276 people / 2.28 PPH= 12 1 DUs
I Acre per 12 1 DUs
11. Neighborhood Park Acquisition Costs (Determines Fee in Lieu of Land)
One (1) acre costs $24,000 to purchase.
Single Family
$24,000 I98 DUs = $245 per DU
Multi-Family
$24,000 / 12 1 DUs = $198 per DU
111. Neighborhood Park Development Costs (Determines Fee for Development)
The cost of improvements in an average Neighborhood Park in College Station is
$5 1 6,450.a
One Neighborhood Park serves 2,207 people, based on a total city population of
77,26 1 being served by 35 parks (count includes neighborhood parks and 6 mini
parks).
It costs $234 per person to develop an average intergenerational neighborhood park.
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ORDINANCE NO. 2997 Page 11
Single Family
$234 x 2.80 PPH = $655 per DU
IV. Total Neighborhood Park Fee:
Single Family
$245 + $655 = $900
Multi-Family
$234 x 2.28 PPH = $533 per DU
Footnote a
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK COST ESTIMATES WINTER 2005
Multi-Family
$198 + $533 =$731
1. Basketball Court
2. 6' Sidewalk @ $5.00 per SF x 4000 LF
3. Handicap Accessible Ramp x 2
4. Bridge (Average 30')
5. Picnic Unit (slab, table, trash can, grill) @ $3,000 x 2
6. Shelter & Slab (2 picnic tables wltrash cans)
7. Area Lights (12' ht.) @ $3,000 x 20
8. 2' x 8' Park Sign (Cylex) and Keystone Planter Bed
9. Benches (painted steel) with slab @ $2,000 x 4
10. Bicycle Rack
1 1. 50 Trees (30-45 gal. installed) w1Irrigation @ $350
1 1. Lawn Irrigation (average area)
12. Drinking Fountain (concrete - handicap accessible, dual height, dog dish)
13. Water Meter 1.5" /
14. Electric MeterIPanel
15. Finish Sodding, Grading & Seeding
16. Drain Lines @ $15 LF (Average 100')
17. Swing Set w1Rubber & Gravel Mix
18. Playground wlconcrete base & Rubber Surfacing
1 9. Playground Shade Cover
20. Galvanized Fence @ $35 LF 2,500'
21. Pond
Sub Total
10% Contingency
Total
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PARKS / PLANNING AND ZONING SUB-COMMITTEE
NOTES
Parks/Planning and Zoning
Sub-committee
June 25, 2008
PARK LAND DEDICATION
12:00 PM, Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Administrative Conference Room
1101 Texas Avenue
College Station, TX 77840
STAFF PRESENT: Marco A. Cisneros, Director, Parks and Recreation; David
Schmitz, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation; Pete Vanecek, Senior Park
Planner; Amanda Putz, Staff Assistant; Jason Schubert, Staff Planner – Planning
and Development Services
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Glenn Schroeder, Marsha Sanford
BOARD PRESENT: Jodi Warner, Chair; Jody Ford; Gary Erwin, Vice Chair
COUNCIL PRESENT: Ben White, Mayor
DISCUSSION: The meeting began at 12:15PM. The discussion began with
everyone introducing themselves. The purpose of the meeting was for the Board
and Commission to come together for a general purpose of looking into Park Land
Dedication. Some of the factors that were included in the discussion were the
park construction costs, park land dedication fees, differences between community
and neighborhood parks and land values. Marco A. Cisneros asked if there was a
need for a task force regarding this issue. The responses were overall that a task
force was not necessary, and public hearings were the answer. Jodi Warner
explained the recent history behind the park land dedication and the fee change.
She explained that the Park Land Dedication fees as they are right now are not
enough for the development of a park. There was discussion concerning the
Greenway / Greenbelt ordinance and if that was input into the Park Land
Dedication Ordinance. However, it was not, and it needs to be discussed
regarding placing it into the Park Land Dedication Ordinance. There was
discussion that some developers are building developments in phases. Then they
are eventually developing more phases, and parks are not placed anywhere near
the development. This is an issue that needs to be addressed. The City may need
to look at the appraised value for proposed park land, so that we can alleviate the
building of many houses on acres with a park no where close by. Marsha Sanford,
Commissioner, said that a 30 day appraisal should be required. The City has to
make sure that we have maintenance costs for all of the parks that we create.
Jodi Warner explained that the developers need an informational meeting to
explaining park land dedication. The developer needs to be shown what they will
27
Parks/Planning and Zoning
Sub-committee
June 25, 2008
2
be given for what they are giving the city. Marsha Sanford commented on the
Existing Residents Should Not Be Taxed to Build New Parks For New
Residents, that was posted on the PowerPoint handout. She commented that the
money is going to have to come from somewhere. She said that she would like to
keep her park maintained. She commented that she does not think that the
citizens would mind that issue either. When developers develop they need to be
better monitored when they do several phases, as to make sure a park gets
incorporated into the plans. Ben White, Mayor, asked why the city could not
monitor the developer’s account and stop several phases from happening without
a park being incorporated. The appraised value has got be put back into the
ordinance, to determine the Park Land Dedication fee. The level of service needs
to be clearly defined. The costs of all amenities need to be clearly stated and
defined, so that the public and developers are aware of the costs associated. Jodi
Warner stated that the Park Land Dedication needs to be on the Council calendar
by the end of the summer 2008. When it comes to Zone monies, the particular
monies that are allocated for a particular park need to be used for that particular
park. The meeting ended at 2:00 PM.
28
29
30
31
32
33
September 25, 2008
Workshop Agenda Item No. 6
City Wireless Plan
To: Glenn Brown, City Manager
From: Ben Roper, IT Director
Agenda Caption: Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding a proposed
wireless plan for the City.
Recommendation(s): Staff recommends approval of the recommendations in the
Wireless Plan.
Summary: Development and implementation of a Wireless Plan for the city was identified
as a Departmental Focus item during the 2007 Council Retreat. This proposed Plan was
developed in response to this direction; and provides a focused and measured approach to
implementing greater wireless access within our community.
The following objectives form the basis of the proposed wireless plan:
· Provide the most bang for the buck
· Establish a framework that can be expanded and grown, if needed
· Interface with and leverages existing infrastructure
· Provide for and encourage partnerships with governmental and non-governmental
entities/organizations
· Offer a unified approach to deploying indoor and outdoor wireless
Budget & Financial Summary: The proposed wireless plan can be implemented using
budget funds in the Wireless Infrastructure project (CO 0704).
Attachments:
Proposed Wireless Plan
34
Executive Summary
Wireless network access has gained tremendous popularity in the last few years. In
many locations, the ability to access the Internet using wireless technology is no longer
a novelty, but an expectation. The City of College Station uses wireless technology in a
number of applications to support operations and service, including providing free
Internet wireless access for patrons of the Larry J Ringer library. Plans for near blanket
wireless access were developed in the 2003 Wireless Plan, but due to several factors,
were not implemented.
While many of the wireless needs identified in the 2003 Plan still exist, there is no
definitive requirement for city-wide wireless access. However, there are specific
instances where wireless technology would provide significant benefit to employees and
citizens. This updated Wireless Plan provides specific recommendations aimed at
meeting the most pressing of these identified needs, including public Internet access
from selected city facilities and designated outdoor hot zones, employee wireless
network access in selected city buildings and designated hot zones, and a pilot wireless
surveillance project in Northgate.
The proposed implementation can be accomplished using the funds available in the
currently budgeted Wireless Infrastructure project (project # CO 0704). An objective of
the plan is to limit annual recurring costs by partnering with industry and local service
providers to achieve cost saving, and targeting service delivery to achieve the greatest
return for investment.
Municipal Wireless
Shortly after 2000, the concept of municipal wireless began to gain prominence
throughout the country. The idea of free or low cost ubiquitous wireless access was
appealing to citizens and officials alike. Many communities adopted the municipal
wireless idea out of frustration with commercial provider’s slow roll out of broadband
services, and the realization that commercial providers would not provide service to
areas judged as not profitable. Many communities also believed that wireless access
would spur economic development and serve to bridge the “digital divide”.
Section 54.202 of the Texas Public Utility Regulatory Act prohibits a municipality from
offering for sale to the public a service offered either directly or indirectly through a
telecommunications provider. This regulation has been interpreted to mean the
municipalities can provide free wireless service, but cannot offer that service for sale to
the public. This makes it extremely challenging in Texas for a municipality to develop a
wireless plan that is self funding. As a result, many municipalities sought to entice
corporate partners to enter into agreements for designing and deploying wireless
networks that would provide the municipality with a designated level of service or
capacity, provide reduced cost or free service to segments of the population or
designated areas, and offer remaining capacity for sale to fund the enterprise.
From 2003 through 2007, numerous Texas cities and municipalities announced plans
for wireless municipal networks and projects, including Corpus Christi, Granbury,
35
Brownsville, Houston, and San Marcos to name a few. One of the most notable of these
projects fell through when EarthLink announced its decision to withdraw further
investments in municipal wireless networks in November 2007 and subsequently
withdrew from its contract with the City of Houston. Since this time, numerous
municipalities throughout the nation have announced the cancellation or delay of
wireless projects. It is worth noting that wireless networks in Corpus Christ and
Granbury were successfully deployed. In both of these instances, the cities established
specific goals, objectives, and services to be delivered. In both instances, the primary
reason for building the network was not to offer free wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access.
History
In 1997 the City of College Station retained the engineering firm of New Signals
Engineering Corporation to develop a comprehensive data/telecommunications network
plan. The plan provided a roadmap that would allow the City to migrate to a higher
performance network and a more reliable topology. Initial implementation stages were
to create local area networks (LANs) and a wide area network (WAN) via a fiber optic
SONET ring that connects the City's "major buildings" with a self healing network
topology. Later stages depended upon a cost/benefit matrix that determined whether
specific edge facilities/equipment should be connected via fiber optic cable, copper
cable, leased lines, or wireless technology.
In 2003, The Office of Technology and Information Services (predecessor to the current
Department of Information Technology) was implementing the final stages of the 1997
network plan, and due to significant advances in wireless technology began
investigating Wi-Fi to extend the city’s network to connect outlying facilities and to
accommodate mobile workers.
Departmental interviews were conducted in April, May and June of 2003 to identify the
city's needs, and to help create a budgetary estimate. Based on these interviews and
the technology available at the time, a wireless plan was developed that called for
placing 2.4 GHz, IEEE 802.11b/g access points (APs) on the radio tower, Greens Point
water tower and the Park Place water tower. The plan also called for multiple support
coverage APs to be installed, principally on fiber-connected traffic signal poles. Due to
multiple factors, including budget and personnel resource constraints, this proposed
wireless plan was not implemented.
City Wireless in Use Today
The city makes use of wireless today in a number of ways and applications. These
include Public Safety voice and data using the Motorola 800 MHz system, the 900 MHz
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, commercial cellular based
voice and data services, a wireless mesh network connecting designated water
locations operating in the 5GHz band, and point to point links to connect remote city
facilities and traffic signals. Additionally, the city provides free wireless internet access
in the Larry J Ringer Library.
36
800MHz System
Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) operate over a FCC licensed 800MHz system
that supports the Motorola Private DataTac Mobile Data System. It utilizes a
single channel, single-site transmitter co-located with the City’s 800MHz Motorola
Smartnet Trunk Radio System at 2221 Earl Rudder Freeway (across from Post
Oak Mall). This system provides generally good radio coverage throughout the
City with reliable serial data transfer at 4800-9600 Bps, depending on the device
used as the MDT. However, coverage is less consistent in the southern edge of
the city limits where much of the City’s growth is occurring. The Police and Fire
Departments together operate approximately 55 Panasonic Toughbook® MDT
workstations mounted in their vehicles. These Public Safety Departments use
the wireless communications function for Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) tasks
such as placing themselves “in service” as well as car-to-car and car-to-dispatch
text messaging. They also use the workstation component for stand alone map
access via hard drives or CD drives. The Electrical Department operates 15
Panasonic Toughbook® laptop computers with Motorola VRM 660 radio modems
providing the data transfer through the laptops’ standard serial port. This
combination allows the users to operate in the vehicle using accessory power
outlets and an external antenna connection as well as in the field using a PRM
660 belt case with integrated battery power and “stubby” antenna. Electrical
crew leaders and other specific field personnel use the laptops to access their
HTE Work Order System, which is hosted on the I5e located at City Hall. The
Panasonic Toughbooks®, and the PRM 660 all utilize Motorola’s proprietary
Radio Data-Link Access Procedure (RD-LAP) for the over-the-air
communications access protocol. Digital Encryption Standard (DES) provides
over-the-air data encryption for security. The serial speeds of 4800-9600Bps are
sufficient for the applications described above. However, both public safety users
and utility users have identified the need for wireless applications that are to
bandwidth intensive to use over the 800 MHz system.
SCADA
The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are used by
Water Services and Electric Departments. This FCC licensed spectrum is used to
by Water Services and Electric Departments to monitor and control field
equipment and devices.
Commercial Cellular Voice and Data
The city makes extensive use of commercial cellular based services for both
voice and data. The city currently has approximately 180 cell phones, 75
Blackberry devices, and 26 wireless data cards used in field applications. The
substantial growth of commercially available broadband service was not
anticipated when the initial city wireless plan was developed in 2003.
Wireless Mesh Network Water Services
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In 2007 the Water Services Department installed a limited wireless mesh system
to connect specific operational sites. This network is configured to operate in
either the unlicensed 5.8 GHz band, or the licensed 4.9 GHz band, and uses
Cisco Aironet 1500 Series APs to support data and video.
Point to Point Links
There are several locations throughout the city where point-to-point wireless links
are in use for specific purposes. Most of these links are used to connect remote
facilities to the city fiber optic network or to support Traffic Control operations.
These links generally operate in the unlicensed frequency bands of either 2.4
GHz or 5.8 GHz.
Larry J. Ringer Library
Beginning in February 2005, free wireless Internet access was made available to
patrons of the Larry J. Ringer library. This service uses Cisco access points and
supports IEEE 802.11 a/b/g wireless standards.
City Network
Since a wireless deployment that would support mobile workers with access to city
applications would require connection to the city’s wired network, it is relevant to
understand the current city network topology. The City completed a twenty mile
singlemode (1310nm/1550nm window) fiber optic ring in 1999, complementing the
existing but limited fiber infrastructure. Subsequently, the City has installed multiple
segments of spur fiber cable to provide high speed connectivity to existing and newly
constructed facilities. The City’s current data network utilizes the ring to connect the four
main nodes (City Hall, Police Department, Utility Service Center, and Utility Customer
Service (IT building) and has grown to approximately 67 miles of aerial and
underground fiber. Each of the main nodes is served by a Fore Systems ASX-1000
ATM core switch with OC-12 SM ring optical modules. At each site, Fore System ES-
3810 10/100 Ethernet edge switches with OC-3 MM links to its respective ASX-1000
provide 10/100 Ethernet connectivity to premises edge devices. In addition, Fore
Systems ES-2810 and Intel 510 switch stacks are uplinked via 100Base-T to these ES-
3810s to provide additional lower cost 10/100 connectivity for lower tier users and edge
devices. There are a total of ten (10) ES-3810s and thirty ES- 2810s/Intel 510s at the
four core sites. Medium and small remote facilities typically utilize spur fiber
infrastructure and discrete Fiber/Copper media converters to provide 100/1000Mbps
Ethernet connectivity to premises edge switches such as the ES-2810s and Intel 510s
(total of approximately twenty). The smallest and/or most remote City facilities are
typically connected to one of the four main nodes via 802.11 wireless bridges, Cable
Modems or digital subscriber line (DSL) leased services.
In 2006 the City replaced its Nortel Option 61 PBX with a Cisco Voice over Internet
Protocol (VoIP) solution. This system also utilizes the same four nodes in a Gigabit
Ethernet ring architecture with multiple route and equipment redundancy features. Due
to the desire for system independence and reliability as well as other factors, the
majority of this network is dedicated to phone service and is not converged with the
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existing data network at the end user level. Instead, a single 100BaseT Ethernet
gateway provides the necessary operational connectivity between the two systems.
The city has a current active project to replace and upgrade the ATM core network with
a fault tolerant, singlemode fiber based backbone that will increase the network
backbone base speed to 10 Gigabit Ethernet at the four main nodes, and to a minimum
speed of 1 Gigabit Ethernet at most other facilities.
Needs Determination
Many of the needs identified in the original wireless plan still exist. Meetings with
internal city departments reiterated the need for the following capability that is not
currently being met:
· Access to Department-specific applications by mobile workers
· Public Safety information to support Police and Fire units that is to bandwidth
intensive to be transmitted over the 800 MHz system; including fingerprint and
photos, criminal history, video, mapping updates.
· Sungard Public Sector (HTE) applications for field workers
· Departmental work order systems
· Code enforcement
· GIS mapping
· Internet access
· Informational kiosks
· SCADA applications
· Utilities
· Traffic signal control
· Security
· Lighting, irrigation, gate control
· Electronic signage control
· Digital still photography
· “Live” video
Streamlining workflow in the field represents an enormous potential reduction in
manpower and increase in productivity. A primary goal of providing wireless access to
the city’s network is enabling employees to remain in the field instead of having to return
to their office to enter data, receive the next job or modify their route as a result of
changing conditions. Using wirelessly enabled PDAs or laptops allows city personnel to
enter information, receive job assignments, plans, or research material or equipment
databases while in the field. The increased availability of high bandwidth cellular service
has served to mitigate or solve the connectivity requirement for some field personnel.
Examples include building inspectors and Emergency Medical Service (EMS)
personnel.
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There are numerous locations throughout the city where there is a demonstrated need
to provide public wireless internet access. These include both in-building and outdoor
locations. Wireless internet access has been repeatedly requested by citizens at City
Hall, by customers and patrons at the Conference Center, by patrons of the various city
parks, and users of various meeting and training rooms in city buildings. The new
meeting and training facility being constructed at College Station Utilities is planned to
have free wireless internet access via cable modem.
Another important application that can be facilitated by a wireless system is automatic
meter reading, which is currently a time-intensive task. A wireless network can
aggregate data from automatic meter reading (AMR) solutions in areas of the city where
the fiber network is not available. This could eliminate or decrease the need for manual
reading, which is not only expensive, but is also a safety risk for meter reading
personnel. Another use of AMR is the real-time monitoring of water and electricity usage
data, creating more visibility into consumption. With real-time monitoring, the city can
determine if a high usage of electricity or water at any given time could be a result of
faults in the system, such as water leakage from broken pipes. A quick response can
improve customer satisfaction with the city’s performance in emergency situations.
Real-time monitoring can also be used to provide detailed usage data to customers,
enabling them to know peak use hours, and may aid in their development of
conservation measures, supporting the city’s Green initiative. Electric Department has
identified AMR as an initiative to explore in their Strategic Business Plan.
A review of the identified needs and requirements does not reveal a single or collective
requirement or set of requirements that would justify the cost of installing a city wide
wireless network. The most compelling argument for city wide access is in support of
public safety (Police, Fire, Emergency Management, and in some instances, Public
Works). Testing performed by the city in late 2007 resulted in satisfactory use of
commercial cellular service to PD vehicles using existing equipment and the addition of
a cellular data card with per vehicle one time costs of $185.00 and annual reoccurring
cost per vehicle of approximately $606.00. This reoccurring cost is primarily for the
monthly wireless data access plan. The result of this testing was provided to PD, but to
date budget constraints have precluded implementation.
In previous discussion with the Police Department, the need to provide enhanced
surveillance in the Northgate area has been discussed. The difficulty and expense of
providing traditional wired access to this area has precluded installation of security
cameras, or other equipment requiring network connectivity. Recent technology
developments in wireless surveillance and mesh technology provide potential solutions
to address the connectivity and security challenges of the Northgate area.
Wireless Technology Overview
Wireless network access means a network that uses radio frequency spectrum for
connectivity in the place of a traditional “wired” network. These wireless networks are
generally referred to as 802.11 networks or Wi-Fi networks. Wi-Fi, often interpreted to
mean wireless fidelity, was pushed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, a trade group that pioneered
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commercialization of the technology. Today Wi-Fi broadly refers to any system that
uses the 802.11 standard. The 802.11 designation comes from the Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The IEEE sets standards for a range of technological
protocols, and it uses a numbering system to classify these standards.
In a Wi-Fi network, computers, or other devices, with Wi-Fi network cards connect
wirelessly to a wireless router. In Wi-Fi networks that provide public Internet access, the
router is connected to the Internet by means of a modem, typically a cable or DSL
modem. For applications used by city employees, the Wi-Fi network will connect to the
city’s wired network, permitting mobile access that ideally will provide employees with
the same applications and connectivity as they have in the office.
Wi-Fi networks may operate at either licensed or unlicensed frequencies. Most wireless
networks that provide personal, business, or free Internet service are unlicensed and
operate at frequencies of either 2.4GHz or 5.8 GHz. Recognizing the need for additional
wireless spectrum to support public safety agencies, in February 2002, the Federal
Communications Commission announced the allocation of 50 megahertz (MHz) of
spectrum in the 4940-4990 MHz band (4.9 GHz band) for fixed and mobile wireless
services and designated the band for use in support of public safety.
Wireless Network Standards
In 1997, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) created the first
wireless local area network (WLAN) standard. They called it 802.11 after the name of
the group formed to oversee its development. Unfortunately, 802.11 only supported a
maximum network bandwidth of 2 Mbps - too slow for most applications. For this
reason, ordinary 802.11 wireless products are no longer manufactured.
802.11b
IEEE expanded on the original 802.11 standard in July 1999, creating the
802.11b specification. 802.11b supports bandwidth up to 11 Mbps, comparable
to traditional Ethernet. 802.11b uses the same unlicensed radio signaling
frequency (2.4 GHz) as the original 802.11 standard. Vendors often prefer using
these frequencies to lower their production costs. Being unlicensed, 802.11b
gear can incur interference from microwave ovens, cordless phones, and other
appliances using the same 2.4 GHz range.
· Pros of 802.11b - lowest cost; signal range is good and not easily
obstructed
· Cons of 802.11b - slowest maximum speed; home appliances and
other devices and networks may interfere on the unlicensed frequency
band
802.11a
While 802.11b was in development, IEEE created a second extension to the
original 802.11 standard called 802.11a. Because 802.11b gained in popularity
much faster than did 802.11a, some believe that 802.11a was created after
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802.11b. In fact, 802.11a was created at the same time. Due to its higher cost,
802.11a is usually found on business networks whereas 802.11b better serves
the home market. 802.11a supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps and signals in a
regulated frequency spectrum around 5 GHz. This higher frequency compared to
802.11b shortens the range of 802.11a networks. The higher frequency also
means 802.11a signals have more difficulty penetrating walls and other
obstructions.
Because 802.11a and 802.11b utilize different frequencies, the two technologies
are incompatible with each other. Some vendors offer hybrid 802.11a/b network
gear, but these products merely implement the two standards side by side (each
connected devices must use one or the other).
· Pros of 802.11a - fast maximum speed; regulated frequencies
prevent signal interference from other devices
· Cons of 802.11a - highest cost; shorter range signal that is more
easily obstructed
802.11g
In 2002 and 2003, WLAN products supporting a newer standard called 802.11g
emerged on the market. 802.11g attempts to combine the best of both 802.11a
and 802.11b. 802.11g supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps, and it uses the 2.4
Ghz frequency for greater range. 802.11g is backwards compatible with 802.11b,
meaning that 802.11g access points will work with 802.11b wireless network
adapters and vice versa.
· Pros of 802.11g - fast maximum speed; signal range is good and not
easily obstructed
· Cons of 802.11g - costs more than 802.11b; appliances may interfere
on the unregulated signal frequency
802.11n
The newest IEEE standard in the Wi-Fi category is 802.11n. It was designed to
improve on 802.11g in the amount of bandwidth supported by utilizing multiple
wireless signals and antennas (called MIMO technology) instead of one. When
this standard is finalized, 802.11n connections should support data rates of over
100 Mbps. 802.11n also offers somewhat better range over earlier Wi-Fi
standards due to its increased signal intensity. 802.11n equipment will be
backward compatible with 802.11g gear.
· Pros of 802.11n - fastest maximum speed and best signal range;
more resistant to signal interference from outside sources
· Cons of 802.11n - standard is not yet finalized; costs more than
802.11g; the use of multiple signals may greatly interfere with nearby
802.11b/g based networks.
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802.16
Wi-Max, also known as 802.16, is a developing standard that looks to combine
the benefits of broadband and wireless. WiMax will provide high-speed wireless
Internet over very long distances, and appears to be ideal for backhaul
requirements. Since the standard is still being developed and few vendors have
developed Wi-Max products, specific applications for this technology are in the
very early stages of development.
Wireless Deployments
Outdoor wireless LAN deployments generally fall into one of three different categories:
hotspots, hot zones, or a pervasive umbrella wireless deployment. Each type
of deployment has its own advantages, disadvantages, and distinct requirements.
Hotspots
Hotspots are characterized by deployment of a single access point. The term is
commonly used to refer to a single wireless LAN access point within a café or
restaurant, but it is also applicable when that access point is deployed outdoors.
Many cities have found that the simplest entry point into an outdoor wireless
network is to create hotspots of coverage outdoors around government buildings-
fire stations, police stations, courthouses, field service depots, and so on-
allowing city personnel to gain high-speed connectivity at various locations
around town without having to return to headquarters.
Hot Zones
Deploying multiple access points to create a single contiguous coverage area
creates a hot zone. Hot zones typically concentrate a wider coverage in dense
areas with a higher capacity to support many users. Downtown business districts,
city government campuses, recreational parks and venues, and harbors or
marinas are all common locations for WLAN hot zones.
Pervasive Wireless Deployments
Pervasive wireless deployments are simply extensions of hot zones across
an entire municipality or a significant portion of it. Aside from the obvious
increase in access points needed with a larger deployment, the main difference
between a hot zone deployment and a pervasive wireless deployment is the
requirement for more backhaul points of broadband connectivity to the edge
access points, allowing data traffic to move more quickly to the Internet and
reducing congestion at the access level.
Because hot zones and pervasive wireless deployments consist of multiple access
points, these deployments must support two requirements:
· Uninterrupted roaming of mobile devices across access points
· Easy backhaul connectivity for the access points
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Similar to an indoor wireless LAN deployment, outdoor wireless deployments require
the infrastructure to support uninterrupted connectivity as a mobile device roams across
an access point boundary.
There are multiple reasons for limiting the requirement for backhaul to each access
point when deploying a hot zone or pervasive Wi-Fi network. Wireless access points
typically have a range of 1000 to 2000 feet outdoors, depending on the density of
buildings, foliage, the presence of other devices or networks operating in the same
frequency range, and other obstacles; as a result, they must be placed fairly close
together to create pervasive coverage. A good average estimate for many suburban
cities is 20 to 25 access points per square mile. The higher the access point is placed,
the better its range will be. Desirable mounting sites include utility poles, water towers,
and the top of city buildings. Existing backhaul at these types of sites is highly unlikely.
And the cost of providing network connectivity to these sites is much higher than pulling
cable inside a building. To address this problem, linking access points over the wireless
medium, also known as mesh networking, allows significant reduction in the number of
backhaul points, dramatically reducing the cost of a hot zone or pervasive wireless
network.
Proposed Wireless Implementation
As previously stated, there is no requirement or set of requirements that makes a
business case for the city to develop and deploy a city wide municipal wireless network.
There are, however, areas that would benefit greatly from wireless access. The
proposed wireless implementation plan meets the following objectives:
· Provides the most bang for the buck
· Establishes a framework that can be expanded and grown, if needed
· Interfaces with and leverages existing infrastructure
· Provides for and encourages partnerships with governmental and non-
governmental entities/organizations
· offers a unified approach to deploying indoor and outdoor wireless
Indoor Wireless – Public Access
There is immediate need and demand to provide public wireless Internet access
within certain city buildings. This need can be met relatively easily and at relatively
low cost by the city funding and installing the infrastructure, and funding the
monthly access costs to connect to the Internet via an Internet service provide
(ISP). This proposal would make free Internet available, but would not require the
city to manage the day-to-day operations of providing public Internet access. The
following city buildings are recommended for initial implementation:
· City Hall (first floor)
· Conference Center
· CSU Meeting and Training Facility (Assembly room and Conference Room)
· Utility Customer Service/IT Building
· Municipal Court Lobby and Courtroom
· Wolf Pen Creek Green Room
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· CCWWTP Training Room
The city could issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) soliciting Internet Service
Providers to provide most favorable rates and service plan to become the city’s
preferred provider. Additionally, the city would benefit by providing a service to the
public.
Funding for the initial equipment needed would be purchased from the Wireless
Infrastructure project (project CO0704). Depending on actual cost, monthly
connection charges for City Hall, Conference Center, and Utility Customer
Service/IT Building could be funded out of the current IT/E-Government operating
budget. The Electrical Department is planning to fund the monthly connection cost
for the new CSU Meeting and Training Facility. Municipal Court would fund the
Municipal Court Lobby and Courtroom monthly connection charge.
Implementation of this part of the wireless plan should be coordinated with the
ATM Network Upgrade project that is beginning. There are substantial potential
cost and resources savings that could be realized by coordinating the integration
of the wireless and wired network.
Indoor Wireless – City Staff Access
There is also demand for city staff to have mobile access to their normal desktop
applications throughout city hall. The infrastructure for this access is partially in
place and could be expanded using Wireless Infrastructure project funds.
Implementation of this portion of the plan does not imply departmental or budget
approval for expanding the number of laptop computers issued to staff.
A laboratory/test network for staff access would be set up in the IT building. This
site would be used as proof of concept and as a test bed for configuration changes
as well as hardware and software upgrades.
Outdoor Wireless – Public Access
There are several locations in the city, both city owned and privately owned, where
there is demand for public internet access in outdoor areas. City owned areas that
lend themselves to the establishment of hot zones include the Wolf Pen Creek
Amphitheater area and Veterans Park. The most notable privately owned area is in
Northgate.
The city was approached in the past by a private company wishing to fund wireless
internet access at Wolf Pen Creek in exchange for advertising rights. The city
should immediately contact this firm to determine if they are still interested in
sponsoring this access, and if so, begin negotiations. The city should also solicit
sponsors for wireless access at Veterans Park and other city parks.
The Northgate area is of interest to both the city and the area merchants. The city
would greatly benefit from increased video surveillance in this area, and merchants
may be interested in providing free or subsidized wireless access to patrons in a
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coordinated fashion. While it is acknowledged that several establishments currently
provide wireless Internet access, there may be benefit in approaching the
Northgate Merchants Association with a proposal to provide area coverage, as an
alternative to each establishment providing access individually. A partnership
between the City and area merchants has the potential for benefiting both parties
with enhanced safety and security and the mounting of video surveillance
equipment and access points on building and infrastructure owned by both parties.
As was previously discussed, due to the expense of implementing a traditional
wired network, the Northgate area is a prime candidate for a wireless mesh
solution that can support both public and private needs.
Outdoor Wireless – City Staff Access
The establishment of hot zones in key areas of the city should be further explored.
There is significant advantage to various city departments to have areas of the city
where employees in the field can go to “connect to the network” without having to
return to the office. Specific examples include hot zones within established police
beats, and areas where code enforcement officers can connect to update
information and file reports. The demand for and location of these designated hot
zones requires further study and meeting with other department representatives.
The other aspects of the proposed wireless plan provide a basis to further develop
and refine this portion of the plan.
Recommendations
The proposed wireless plan builds on previous work done in this area by the city, and
recognizes the advances in technology and changes in the commercial wireless
environment that has occurred in the last five years. The plan provides for significant
movement forward in several areas, while preserving the ability to modify and adjust
course if needed. Current and past investment in infrastructure is heavily leveraged to
provide the most gain for dollars spent. Specific recommendations include:
· Issue a RFP soliciting Internet Service Providers to provide public Internet service
from city facilities.
· Solicit proposals from private firms to provide wireless internet service from city
owned outdoor locations.
· Engage the Northgate Merchants Association to determine their willingness to
cooperate with the city to enhance safety and security in Northgate by installing
wireless video surveillance equipment, and partnering with the city to share
infrastructure cost that could be used to support public wireless internet service.
· Approve the locations identified for indoor wireless internet access and
implementation that is coordinated with the network upgrade project.
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