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HomeMy WebLinkAboutred.hill.communications.siteSECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING ON DRAFT ORDINANCE OF THE PITKIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AUTHORIZING THE BOARD TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE U.S FOREST SERVICE FOR THE RED HILL COMMUNICATIONS SITE MEETlNG DATE: AGENDA ITEM TITLE: March 23, 2005 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO AUTHORIZING THE BOARD TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE FOR THE RED HILL COMMUNICATIONS SITE STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR ITEM: Mark Gamrat, Communications Director DESCRIPTION OF ISSUE: Pitkin County has historically used the Red Hill Communications Site property for the Translator Department's TV/FM site. The Red Hill Site is located northwest of Ruedi Dam on top of a mountain ridge in Eagle County. This site overlooks the Frying Pan Valley west to Basalt and Ruedi Reservoir east to Hagerman Pass. The portion of the Frying Pan Road from Basalt to Ruedi Dam is very "spotty" for radio coverage for Basalt Fire Department, Eagle County Sheriff's Office, Pitkin County Sheriff's Office and Pitkin County Road & Bridge. The Frying Pan Valley has high potential for mutual aide among government agencies and this site will be key for tying disparate radio systems together. This site has the potential to solidify radio coverage for all these agencies and any future growth. Government agencies will have the opportunity use the site for voice, data or any future technology that may be introduced. Pitkin County can expand its microwave radio coverage by using this site and l~ing back to the Aspen Pitkin Communications Center. Ruedi Dam has been a focal point in recent years because of 9/11 and a 100-year flood event. If the future ever dictates, this site can be used to link with the Bureau of Reclamation for communication demands. This lease agreement shall terminate one minute after midnight on December 31, 2034. RECOMMENDATION: It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners adopt a motion: Approving on first reading and set for public hcaxing on March 23, 2005 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO AUTHORIZING THE BOARD TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE FOR THE RED HILL COMMUNICATIONS SITE ATTACHMENTS: Ordinance Lease Agreement AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO AUTHORIZING THE BOARD TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE FOR THE RED HILL COMMUNICATIONS SITE Ordinance No. -2005 1. The Unites States Forest Service owns property northwest of Ruedi Dam in Eagle County, Colorado known as the Red Hill Communications Site and more fully described in the lease agreement. 2. Pitkin County has historically used this property as a TV/FM site under the management of the Translator Department. The management of this site is being transferred to the Aspen Pitkin County Comm~mieations Center ("APCCC'). 3. The APCCC strives to constantly improve its communications system for the benefit of Public Safety and the citizens it serves. The area the APCCC covers comprises all of Pitldn County and portions of Eagle and Gunnison Counties. Public Safety communication coverage for these counties is a challenging task without proper communication sites in strategic positions. 4. Pitkin County desires to enter into a lease agreement with the U.S. Forest Service for the Red Hill Communications Site for the purpose of hnpmving its communication system, including improved publ.ic safety communication, expansion of its microwave radio coverage and any future technology that may be introduced. NOW THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED, that the Board of County Commissionem of Pitkin County, Colorado does hereby authorize the Chair to sign on its behalf a Lease Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service for the Red Hill Communications Site. INTRODUCED, FIRST READ AND SET FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 9TM DAY OF MARCH, 2005. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PUBLISHED IN THE WEEKEND EDITION OF THE ASPEN TIMES ON 13TM DAY OF MARCH 2005. APPROVED UPON SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING ON DAY 23~'v DAY OF MARCH 2005. PUBLISHED AFTER ADOPTION IN THE WEEKEND EDITION OF THE ASPEN TIMES ON THE 3t'~ DAY OF APRIL 2005. THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE 30 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION FOLLOWING FINAL ADOPTION BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Ordinance 05- ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COIVIMISSIONERS OF PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO Jeanette Jones, Deputy Clerk By: Patty Kay-Clapper, Chair Date: Communications Director APPROVED AS TO FORM: John M. ~ County Attorney Communicalions Director Ilordsl2OO51r~dlfitl oomm Authorization ID: SOP133 Contact ID: PITCO_COMM Expiration Date: 12/31/2034 Use Code: 815 FS-2700-4a (05/03) OMB 0596-0082 U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE COMMUNICATIONS USE LEASE AUTHORITY: FEDERAL LAND POLICY AND MGMT ACT, AS AMENDED October 21, 1976 PITK1N COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS of 506 E. MAIN STREET, DEPT C, ASPEN, CO, 81611. THIS LEASE, dated this ~ day of ~by and between the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, acting through the Forest Service, Department of Agriculture (hereinafter called the "Un[ted States" or "Forest Service"), as authorized by the Aqt of October 21, 1976, (90 Stat. 2743; 43 U.S.C. 1761, et seq.), and PITKIN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS, its agents, successors, and assigns (hereinafter called the "Lessee"). The United States and the Lessee are jointly referred to herein as the "Parties". As used herein, the "Authorized Officer" refers to the Forest Service official having the delegated authority to execute and administer this lease. Generally, unless otherwise indicated, such authority may be exemised by the Forest Supervisor or District Ranger of the White River National Forest wherein the following described lands are located. The United States, for and in consideration of the terms and conditions contained herein and the payment of the United States of a rental in advance by the Lessee, does hereby grant to the Lessee a lease for the following described lands in the County of Eagle, State of Colorado, Sec. 12, T. 8 S., R. 85W., 6TH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN (hereinafter called the "property"). The Lessee accepts this lease and possession of .the property, subject to any valid existing rights, and agrees not to use the property, or any part thereof, except as a site for only the construction, operation, maintenance, and termination of a Commercial Mobile Radio Service communications facility. ~.~,~ The location of the property is shown generally on the site plan dated /,~ for the Communications Site, which is attached and made part hereof as Exhibit A. - ' ' - The dated and initialed exhibit(s), attached hereto, are incorporated into and made a part of this instrument as fully and effectivaly as if they were set forth herein in their entirety. The parties agree that this lease is made subject to the following terms and conditions. I. TENURE, RENEWAL AND TRANSFERABILITY A. This lease shall terminate at one minute after midnight on December 31, 2034. Termination at the end of the lease term shall occur by operation of law and shall not require any addition notice or documentation by the Authorized Officer. This lease is not renewable; but the Lessee has the right to request a new lease pursuant to Paragraph "C" below. B. The Lessee shall undertake and pursue with due diligence construction and operation that is authorized by this lease. To the extent specified in Exhibit n/a operation shall commence immediately. This lease shall terminate if operation does not commence by that date, unless the parties agree in writing, in advance, to an extension of the commencement date. C. If the Lessee desires a new lease upon termination of this lease, the Lessee shall notify the Authorized Officer accordingly, in writing. The notice must be received by the Authorized Officer at least one year prior to the end of the lease term. The Authorized Officer will determine if the use should continue and, if it is to continue, if a new lease should be issued to the Lessee and under what conditions. The Authorized Officer shall require payment of any amounts owed the United States under any Forest Service authorization before issuance of another authorization. D. This lease is assignable with prior written approval of the Authorized Officer, except when the rental has been waived in whole or part. Renting of space does not constitute an assignment under this clause. II. RENTAL A. The Lessee must pay in advance an annual rental determined by the Authorized Officer in accordance with law, regulation, and polic-y. The annual rental will be adjusted by the Authorized Officer to reflect changes in fair market value, annual adjustments using the Consumer Price Index - Urban (CPi-U), changes in tenant occupancy, or phase-in rental, if applicable. B. Fees for this use have been exempted or waived in full pursuant to 36 CFR 251.57, or revisions thereto, and direction in FSH 2709.11, chapter 30. C. Pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3717, et seq., interest shall be charged on any rental amount not paid within 30 days from the date the rental or rental calculation financial statement specified in this authorization becomes due. The rate of interest assessed shall be the higher of the rate of the current value of funds to the U.S. Treasury (i.e., Treasury tax and loan account rate), as prescribed and published by the Secretary of the Treasury in the Federal Register and the Treasury Fiscal Requirements Manual Bulletins annually or quarterly or at the Prompt Payment Act rate. Interest on the principal shall accrue from the date the rental or rental calculation financial statement is due. In addition, an administrative penalty at a percentage rate prescribed by law or regulation will be assessed for failure to pay any portion of the debt that is more than 90 days past due. This paragraph shall survive the termination or revocation of this lease, regardless of cause. D. Disputed rentals are due and payable by the due date. No appeal of rentals will be considered by the Forest Service without full payment of the disputed amount. III. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LESSEE A. The Lessee is authorized to rent space and provide other services to customers and/or tenants and shall charge each customer/tenant a reasonable rental without discrimination for the use and occupancy of the facilities and services provided. The Lessee shall impose no unreasonable restrictions nor any restriction restraining competition or trade practices. By October 15 of each year, the Lessee shall provide the Authorized Officer a certified statement listing all tenants and customers, by category of use in the facility on September 30th of that year. B. All development, operation and maintenance of the authorized facility, improvements, and equipment located on the property shall be in accordance with stipulations in the communications site plan approved by the Authorized Officer. If required by the Authorized Officer, all plans for development, layout, construction, or alteration of improvements on the property, as well as revisions of such plans, must be prepared by a licensed engineer, architect, and/or landscape architect. Such plans must be approved in writing bythe Authorized Officer before commencement of any work. After completion, as-built plans, maps, surveys, or other similar information will be provided to the Authorized Officer and appended to the communications site plan. C. The Lessee will comply with applicable Federal, State, county, and municipal laws, regulations and standards for public health and safety, environmental protection, siting, construction, operation, and maintenance in exercising the rights granted by this lease. The obligations of the Lessee under this lease are not contingent upon any duty of the Authorized Officer, or other agent of the United States, to inspect the premises. A failure by the United States, or other governmental officials, to inspect is not a defense to noncompliance with any of the terms or conditions of this lease. Lessee waives all defenses of laches or estoppel against the United States. The Lessee shall at all times keep the title of the United States to the property free and clear of all liens and encumbrances. D. Use of communications equipment is contingent upon the possession of a valid Federal Communication Commission (FCC) or Director of Telecommunications Management/Interdepartmantal Radio Advisory Committee (DTM/IRAC) authorization, and the operation of the equipment is in strict compliance with applicable requirements of FCC or IRAC. A copy of each applicable license or authorization shall at all times be maintained by the Lessee 2 for each transmitter being operated. The Lessee shall provide the Authorized Officer, when requested, with current copies of all licenses for equipment in or on facilities covered by this lease. E. The Lessee shall ensure that equipment within his or her facility (including tenant and customer equipment) operates in a manner which will not cause harmful interference with the operation of existing equipment on or adjacent to the communications site. If the Authorized Officer or authorized official of the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) determines that the Lessae's use interferes with existing equipment, the Lessee will promptly take the necessary steps to eliminate or reduce the harmful interference to the satisfaction of the Authorized Officer or FCC official. F. When requested by the Authorized Officer, the Lessee will furnish technical information concerning the equipment located on the property. IV. LIABILITIES A. The Lessee assumes all risk of loss to the authorized improvements. B. The Lessee shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to, the Federal Water Pollution Contrcl Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq., the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability ACt, 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq., and other relevant environmental laws, as well as public health and safety laws and other laws relating to the siting, construction, operation and maintenance of any facility, improvement, or equipment on the property. C. The Lessee shall indemnify, defend, and hold the United States harmless for any violations incurred under any such laws and regulations or for judgments, claims, or demands assessed against the United States in connection with the Lessee's use or occupancy of the property. The Lessee's indemnification of the United States shall include any loss of personal injury, loss of life or damage to property in connection with the occupancy or use of the property during the term of this lease. Indemnification shall include, but is not limited to, the value of resources damaged or destroyed; the costs of restoration, cleanup, or other mitigation; fire suppression or other types of abatement c6sts; third party claims and judgments; and all administrative, interest, and other legal costs. This paragraph sha~l survive the termination or revocation of this lease, regardless of cause. D. The Forest Service has no duty, either before or during the lease term, to inspect the property or to warn of hazards and, if the Forest Service inspects the property, it shall incur no additional duty nor any liability for hazards not identified or discovered through such inspections. This paragraph shall survive the termination or revocation of this lease, regardless of cause. E. The Lessee has an affirmative duty to protect from damage the land, property, and interests of the United States. F. In the event of any breach of the lease by the Lessee, the Authorized Officer may, on reasonable notice, cure the breach for the account at the expense of the Lessee. If the Forest Service at any time pays any sum of money or does any act which will require payment of money, or incurs any expense, including reasonable attorney's fees, in instituting, prosecuting, and/or defending any action or proceeding to enforce the United States rights hereunder, the sum or sums so paid by the United States, with all interests, costs and damages sha~l, at the election of the Forest Service, be deemed to be additional rental hereunder and shall be due from the Lessee to the Forest Service on the first day of the month following such election. V, OTHER PROVISIONS A. Nondiscrimination. The Lessee shall at all times operate the described property and its appurtenant areas and its buildings and facilities, whether or not on the property, in full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all requirements imposed by or pursuant to the regulations issued thereunder by the Department of Agriculture and in effect on the date this lease is granted to the end that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, sex, color, religion or national odgin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any of the programs or activities provided thereon. B. Revocation, Termination and Suspension. 3 1. General. For purposes of this lease, termination, revocation, and suspension refer to the cessation of uses and privileges under the lease. "Revocation" refers to an action by the Authorized Officer to end the lease because of noncompliance with any of the prescribed terms, abandonment, or for reasons in the public interest. Revocations are appealable. "Termination" refers to the cessation of the lease under its own terms without the necessity for any decision or action by the Authorized Officer. Termination occurs automatically when, by the terms of the lease, a fixed or agreed upon condition, event, or time occurs. For example, the lease terminates at expiration. Terminations are not appealable. "Suspension" refers to a revocation which is temporary and the privileges may be restored upon the occurrence of prescribed actions or conditions. Suspensions are appealable. 2. This lease may be suspended or revoked upon breach of any of the conditions herein or upon nonuse. Nonuse refers to a failure to operate the facilities on the property for a period of two (2) years. 3. Except in emergencies, the Authorized Officer shall give the Lessee written notice of the grounds for revocation or suspension and a reasonable time, not to exceed 90 days, to complete the corrective action. After 90 days, the Forest Service is entitled to such remedies as provided herein, 4. This [ease may be revoked at the discretion of the Forest Service when in the public interest. When revoked in the public interest, the Lessee shall be compensated subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Compensation shall be based upon the initial cost of improvements located on the lease, less depreciation as allocated over the life of the improvements as declared by the Lessee's Federal tax amortization schedules. 5. Any discretionary decisions or determinations by the Authorized Officer on revocation or suspension are subject to the appeal regulations at 36 CFR 251, Subpart C, or revisions thereto. 6. In the event the Authorized Officer decides not to issue a new lease, or the Lessee does not desire a new lease, the Authorized Officer and the Lessee shall, within six months prior to the termination date of this lease, agree upon a mitigation plan to restore and stabilize the site. 7. Upon termination or revocation of the authorization, delinquent fees and other charges associated with the authorization will be subject to all rights and remedies afforded the United States pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3711 et seq. Delinquencies may be subject to any or all of the following conditions: a. Administrative offset of payments due the holder from the Forest Service. b. Daiinquencies in excess of 60 days shall be referred to United States Department of Treasury for appropriate collection action as provided by 31 U.S.C. 3711 (g), (1). c. The Secretary of the Treasury may offset an amount due the debtor for any delinquency as provided by 31 U.S.C. 3720, et seq.). In the event this lease is revoked for noncompliance, the Lessee shall remove all structures and improvements within 365 days, except those owned by the United States, and shall restore the site as nearly as reasonably possible to its original condition unless this requirement is otherwise waived in writing by the Authorized Officer. If the Lessee fails to remove all structures or improvements within the prescribed pedod, they shall become the property of the United States and may be sold, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of without any liability to the United States. C. Members of Congress. No member of or Delegate to Congress or Resident Commissioner shall benefit from this lease whether directly or indirectly, except when the lease provides a general benefit to a corporation. D. Reservations. This lease is granted subject to the following reservations by the United States: 4 1. The right to all natural resource products now or hereafter located on the property unless stated otherwise, and the right to utilize or dispose of such resources insofar as the rights of the Lessee are not unreasonably affected. 2. The right to modify the communications site plan as deemed necessary. 3. The right to enter upon the lease and inspect all facilities to assure compliance with the conditions of this lease. 4. The right of the United States to require common use of the property, and the right to authorize use of the properly for compatible uses, including the subsurface and air space. In the event of any conflict between any of the preceding printed clauses or any provisions thereof and any of the following clauses or any provision thereof, the preceding clauses shall control. E. Protection of Habitat of Endanqered, Threatened, and Sensitive Species (X8). Location of areas needing special measures for protection of plants or animals listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, or as sensitive by the Regional Forester under authority of FSM 2670, derived from ESA Section 7 consultation, may be shown on a separate map, hereby made a part of this authorization, or identified on the ground. Protective and mitigative measures specified by the authorized officer shall be the responsibility of the authorization holder. If protection measures prove inadequate, if other such areas are discovered, or if new species are listed as Federally threatened or endangered or as sensitive by the Regional Forester, the authorized officer may specify additional protection regardless of when such facts become known. Discovery of such areas by either party shall be promptly reported to the other party. F. Superseded Authorization (X18). This authorization supersedes a special-use authorization designated: SOP102602. G. Disputes (X96). Appeal of any provisions of this authorization or any requirements thereof shall be subject to the appeal regulations at 36 CFR 251, Subpart C, or revisions thereto. H. Utilitv Installation (R2-B-101). The installation of utilities such as water, sewage, electricity, and natural or liquefied petroleum gas, must conform to national, state, local, and industry standards. I. Noxious Weed Control (R2-D-103). 1. The holder shall be responsible for the prevention and control of noxious weeds and/or exotic plants of concern on the area authorized by this authorization and shall provide prevention and control measures prescribed by the Forest Service. Noxious weeds and exotic plants of concern are defined as those species recognized by White River National Forest and/or Pitkin County in which the authorized use is located. 2. When determined to be necessary by the authorized officer, the holder shall develop a site-specific plan for noxious weed and exotic plant prevention and control. Such plan shall be subject to Forest Service approval. Upon Forest Service approval, the noxious weed and exotic plant prevention and control plan shall become a part of this authorization, and its provisions shall be enforceable under the terms of this authorization. 3. The holder shall also be responsible for prevention and control of noxious weed and exotic plant infestations which are not within the authorized area, but which are determined by the Forest Service to have originated within the authorized area. , the undersigned have IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Forest Service, by its Authorized Officer, has executed this lease on the day and year first written above. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Don G. Carroll, Acting Forest Supervisor Forest Service Department of Agriculture According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no pemons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0596-0082. This information is needed by the Forest Service to evaluate requests to use National Forest System lands and manage these lands to protect natural resources, administer the use, and ensure public health and safety. This information is required to obtain or retain a benefit. The authority for that requirement is provided by the Organic Act of 1897 and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, which authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate rules and regulations for authedzing and managing National Forest System lands. These statutes along with the Term Permit Act, National Forest Ski Area Permit Act, Granger-Thye Act, Mineral Leasing Act, Alaska Term Permit Act, Act of September 3, 1954, Wiidernees Act, National Forest Roads and Trails Act, Act of November 16, 1973, Archaeological Resources Protection Act, and Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation ACt, authorize the Secretary of Agdcolture to issue authorizations for the use and cccopancy of National Forest System lands. The Secretary of Agriculture's regulations at 36 CFR Part 251, Subpart B, establish procedures for issuing these authorizations. The Pdvecy ACt of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) govern the confidentiality to be provided for information received by the Forest Service. Public reporting burden for this collection of information, if requested, is estimated to average 1 hour per response for annual financial information; average I hour per response to prepare or update operation and/or maintenance plan; average 1 hour per response for inspection repods; and an average of 1 hour for each request that may include such things as reports, logs, facility and use information, sublease information, and other similar miscellaneous information requests. This included the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and complating and reviewing the collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden. TopoZone - The Web's Topographic Map Page 1 of 1 0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5k~ 0 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.8 I mi Map center is 39° 22' 14"N, 106° 49' 47"W (NAD27) Ruedi quadrangle Projection is UTM Zone 13 NAD83 Datum M=10.893 G=-1.162 http://www.topozone.com/print.asp?z= 13&n=4359288.00008047&e=342370.999989042&... 12/27/2004