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COUNTY OF SAN MATEOInter-Departmental Correspondence |
Information Services Department |
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DATE: |
April 16, 2004 |
BOARD MEETING DATE: |
May 4, 2004 |
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TO: |
Honorable Board of Supervisors |
FROM: |
Chris Flatmoe, CIO/Director Information Services |
SUBJECT: |
Radio/Microwave System Site at 700 Crestview (Site 60) |
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Recommendation |
Accept this report on color selection and recommendation for painting of the radio antenna tower in Radio/Microwave System Site 60, located at 700 Crestview Drive, in FY 05-06. |
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Background |
In February 2000, San Mateo County received a conditional use permit from the City of San Carlos to install a radio tower, communication equipment building and propane tank at 700 Crestview Drive. One of the conditions was that "the antenna tower be painted light gray in color and the communications shelter and propane tank shall be painted in earth tones to the satisfaction of Planning Staff" (see Exhibit A). The County provided City of San Carlos Assistant Planner Christian Hovland with ICI `Master Palette' color selections to assist in defining exactly what colors the Planning Department wanted for the tower, shelter and tank. Mr. Hovland took the palette to the site and selected "Silver Quill" for the tower and "Sierra Leone" for the shelter and tank (see Exhibit B). The County painted the tower as instructed by the City of San Carlos Planning Department. |
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Discussion |
In February 2004, Dr. Neil Robinson of 24 Quail Lane approached County Staff working at Site 60. Dr. Robinson suggested that the radio tower should be painted a different color. He thought the lower part of the tower should be green to match the foliage surrounding the tower and that the upper part of the tower should be a color that would blend better with the sky. Dr. Robinson was advised that the City of San Carlos Planning Department selected the current color scheme. Staff further explained that few County radio towers are painted. Those that are painted are repainted on an "as needed" basis rather than a regular maintenance schedule. Under normal circumstances it may be years before the tower at Site 60 is repainted.
Consistent with Dr. Robinson's request to paint the tower in two colors, we would recommend allowing the vegetation at Radio Site 60 to become both more established and more mature before repainting the tower. We would recommend this tower be repainted in FY 05-06 |
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Vision Alignment |
Acceptance of this report supports the County's commitment to responsive, effective, and collaborative government, specifically Goal # 22: County and local governments effectively communicate and collaborate in order to develop strategic approaches on issues affecting the entire County. This report contributes to this goal because of the collaborative effort from the County, the City of San Carlos and neighbors of 700 Crestview Drive to develop an effective solution to this difficult issue. |
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Fiscal Impact |
The estimated cost of repainting the antenna tower at Site 60 is $15,000. |