Recommendation
Staff recommends the Mayor and Council approve the Twinbrook Station Higgins Place Right of Way License Agreement for the installation, construction, reconstruction, repair, and maintenance of low voltage data/communication lines and authorize the City Manager to execute document(s), in a form satisfactory to the City Attorney for the license agreement.

Discussion
The developer wishes to install and operate low voltage lines that will connect two residential apartment buildings in the Twinbrook Station development located on opposites sides of Higgins Place. These lines will allow central control of their security systems since the buildings are under one management. An overall view of this phase of the project is provided (Attachment A). In addition, a more detailed view of the proposed low voltage lines is provided (Attachment B).

The construction of the first two residential apartment buildings for Twinbrook Station are nearing completion by Twinbrook Commons Residential North, TCRN, (affiliated with JBG Companies). Following discussions over the past year, TCRN made an official request on October 5, 2009 for approval of a right of way use agreement. TCRN requests approval to locate low voltage data security lines within conduit along the southern end of Higgins Place as shown in the attachments. The lines will accommodate the centralized security system for Buildings A and B, which is located in Building A and provide the necessary connection between Buildings A and B. Given that the buildings are under one management, a centralized security system, which ties Buildings A and B together is preferred and provides a safer, more efficient security system. The conduit will be encased in concrete for protection and to minimize damage.

The Right of Way Use agreement will protect all of the City's interests. The agreement will require TCRN to be responsible for all costs and liability associated with the low voltage lines. TCRN's rights may be revoked by the City if determined necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of its residents.

Mayor and Council History
This is the first time this item has been brought before the Mayor and Council.

Next Steps
The City Manager will execute, on behalf of the Mayor and Council of Rockville, a revocable license and maintenance agreement in a form satisfactory to the City Attorney allowing TCRN to use the Higgins Place right-of-way to install and operate low voltage data/communication lines that will connect two residential apartment buildings in the Twinbrook Station development.

Attachments

Department Head:



Craig Simoneau, P.E.; , Director of Public Works
Approved on: 12/31/2009

City Manager:

Scott Ullery, City Manager
Approved on: 12/31/2009