Title
a. Ratify the execution by the Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries (“MCFL”) of a non-standard agreement between the County of Monterey, on behalf of the MCFL, and Columbia Telecommunications Corporation d/b/a CTC Technology & Energy and the State Library of California through its California Library Connect grant program, to approve a grant award of approximately $542,963 to enhance and improve internet connectivity at branch libraries, and
b. Accept the grant award of approximately $542,963 from the State Library, and
c. Accept non-standard indemnification provisions at the recommendation of the Director of MCFL, and
d. Approve and authorize the Director of the MCFL or his or her designee to execute to three (3) future amendments where the combined amendments do not exceed 10% ($54,296) of the original Agreement amount, do not significantly change the scope of services, and do not increase the total not to exceed amount over $597,259.
.Report
RECOMMENDATION/SUMMARY:
a. Ratify the execution by the Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries (“MCFL”) of a non-standard agreement between the County of Monterey, on behalf of the MCFL, and Columbia Telecommunications Corporation d/b/a CTC Technology & Energy and the State Library of California through its California Library Connect grant program, to approve a grant award of approximately $542,963 to enhance and improve internet connectivity at branch libraries, and
b. Accept the grant award of approximately $542,963 from the State Library, and
c. Accept non-standard indemnification provisions at the recommendation of the Director of MCFL, and
d. Approve and authorize the Director of the MCFL or his or her designee to execute to three (3) future amendments where the combined amendments do not exceed 10% ($54,296) of the original Agreement amount, do not significantly change the scope of services, and do not increase the total not to exceed amount over $597,259.
DISCUSSION:
Pursuant to County of Monterey’s Strategic Grant Services Program, the staff of the Monterey County Free Libraries (“MCFL”) applied for and received a grant totaling approximately $542,963 from the California Library Connect project of the California State Library.
This project will enable public libraries to connect to CENIC’s California Research and Education Network, also known as CalREN, the high-speed backbone connecting University of California, California State University, California Community Colleges, and K-12 public schools to the internet. The project further enables libraries to purchase and upgrade applicable hardware and software, along with funding some construction to upgrade buildings and connect equipment. More information on the project can be found here: <https://www.library.ca.gov/services/to-libraries/broadband/>
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed this item as to legal form. Risk Management has reviewed and does not recommend the approval based upon non-standard provisions.
FINANCING:
The funding for this grant is disbursed in draw down requests, with the Library able to expect reimbursement for applicable and authorized expenditures within about 10 business days. Project management from the Library staff, and incidental additional funding is anticipated in the FY 2023-24 Library Department budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Continued enhancement and improvement of connectivity at County libraries benefits communities through public library services, service as an anchor institution for small communities, and through libraries serving as temporary evacuation points, resource distribution hubs, and other disaster services.
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Hillary Theyer, Library Director, (831) 883-7566
Approved by: Hillary Theyer, Library Director, (831) 883-7566
Attachments:
Attachment A: California Library Connect Award Agreement and Certificate of Compliance
Attachment B: Notification of Award