Meeting_Body
CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 15, 2022
Subject
SUBJECT: CROWN CASTLE FIBER LLC UTILITY COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
AUTHORIZE the Chief Executive Officer to execute the Utility Cooperative Agreement (UCA) between Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Metro (Metro) and Crown Castle Fiber LLC (Crown Castle) (Attachment A).
Issue
ISSUE
As Metro’s rail projects move forward, the team has identified Crown Castle communication systems within the alignment that require utility relocation and/or general utility support. This is Metro’s first interaction with Crown Castle. Therefore, to move forward with the relocations and general utility support coordination, a Utility Cooperative Agreement (UCA) must be set in place between Metro and Crown Castle to memorialize roles and responsibilities. This UCA is prepared in a manner that would accommodate and support other future Metro rail and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects that may require services from Crown Castle.
Background
BACKGROUND
A well-planned utility relocation is critical to rail projects’ cost and schedule. Earlier communication and closer coordination with utility companies allow smoother completion. It is critical to set up Agreements to document delivery commitments, cost-sharing, and a process to resolve disagreements so that work can continue unimpeded. This agreement is needed to enable timely and effective coordination with this utility owner.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
As technology advances, new communication providers constantly install new infrastructure within Metro proposed Project areas. Such as in the case of Crown Castle. The general intent of the UCA would be to cover the current ongoing Projects, starting with the East San Fernando Valley Transit project, as well as future Metro Projects for many years to come. This UCA describes the roles, responsibilities, and obligations of both parties and specifies the procedures which Metro and Crown Castle will follow for elements associated with the planning, designing, and effecting of any Rearrangements of Utility Facilities that are necessary for Metro to construct, operate, maintain and use any of Metro’s transit projects. Metro and Crown Castle agree that each will cooperate with the other in all activities covered by the UCA. Work performed by Crown Castle under this UCA shall be per the work orders to be issued by Metro annually.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
This Board action will have no adverse impacts on safety standards for Metro. The agreement provides direction, following Metro construction safety policies and procedures to ensure that safety is the highest priority during oversight of all phases of design and relocation.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Work Orders will be issued to Crown Castle on an annual basis. Work orders for said Authority commitments created within the UCA parameters shall only be issued by funded projects and must be within each of the project’s respective Fiscal Year or Life of Project (LOP) budgets.
It is the responsibility of the Cost Center Manager, Project Manager(s), and Chief Program Management Officer to budget costs incurred while executing this UCA in the future fiscal years.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
This agreement encompasses multiple future rail and BRT projects, all of which will provide additional high-quality transit to the communities across Los Angeles County. The benefits of this action are to ensure that relocation of Crown Castle infrastructure is relocated in a timely manner in support of multiple future transit projects as well as ensure proper communication and notifications are provided to local residents and businesses within the affected infrastructure relocations. Communication may include, but not limited to, translated information specifically for individuals with limited English proficiency and /or appropriate communication practices for individuals with disabilities.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
The Agreement supports the following strategic goals:
Strategic Goal 1: Provide high-quality mobility options that enable people to spend less time traveling. This UCA applies to all of Metro’s proposed Transit projects which will provide high-capacity transit service in the San Fernando Valley and other communities to come.
Strategic Goal 2: Deliver outstanding trip experiences for all users of the transportation system. Metro’s proposed transit projects will attract bus ridership and improve the trip experience for users of the transportation system.
Strategic Goal 3: Enhance communities and lives through mobility and access to opportunity. With Metro’s proposed transit projects, including bus rapid transit projects, this UCA will help enhance mobility in the community.
Strategic Goal 4: Transform LA County through regional collaboration and national leadership. In collaboration with the elected officials, citizens, and Metro patrons, the execution of this UCA will positively impact Metro’s future transit projects.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board may choose not to execute this UCA, however, not executing this UCA would not solidify each of the parties’ roles and responsibilities and would require Metro to follow standard over-the-counter processes and therefore not benefit from streamlined processes and other administration benefits identified within the UCA. All of which are essential elements from a successful project standpoint.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
After the recommended Board actions are approved, staff will execute the agreement.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Utility Cooperative Agreement; Crown Castle Fiber LLC
Prepared_by
Prepared by::
Eduardo Cervantes, Executive Officer, Third Party Administration, 213-922-7255.
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by:
Bryan Pennington, Chief Program Management Officer, (213) 922-7557
