TITLE
Recommendation to authorize the Department of Development Services to process refunds in the amount of $165,331 to Mobilitie and $13,004 to Verizon, due to the withdrawal of Administrative Review applications for wireless telecommunication facilities at 96 separate sites in Long Beach. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On May 1, 2018, the City Council approved an ordinance transferring the regulation of wireless telecommunication facilities in the public right-of-way from the Department of Development Services to the Department of Public Works. Prior to this action, two wireless service carriers, Mobilitie and Verizon, paid the Department of Development Services application fees for the Administrative Review of wireless telecommunication facilities in the public right-of-way at 96 separate sites. With the transfer of responsibility for this program, these applications have been withdrawn. Therefore, in accordance with Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) Section 21.21.605, Mobilitie is eligible for a refund of $165,331 and Verizon is eligible for a refund of $13,004.
In accordance with LBMC Section 3.48.040, which requires that refunds exceeding $10,000 be approved by the City Attorney and City Council, authorization to process this refund is requested on behalf of Mobilitie and Verizon.
This matter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Michael J. Mais on June 21, 2018 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on June 20, 2018.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 17, 2018, to expedite processing of the refunds.
FISCAL IMPACT
The amount of $178,335 will be refunded from the Development Services Fund (EF 337) in the Development Services Department (DV). There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
LINDA F. TATUM, AICP
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER