TO: Housing Authority Commissioners
FROM: Jennifer Palmer, Executive Director
REPORT BY: Alex Carrasco, Project Manager
SUBJECT: Approval of Agreement with Personal Computing, Inc. (dba Valley Internet) for Calistoga Farmworker Center Wi-Fi Network Installation and Maintenance, and Budget Amendment
RECOMMENDATION
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Approve and authorize the Executive Director to sign Agreement No. 260177B (NCHA) with Personal Computing, Inc. (dba Valley Internet), for the installation, maintenance and management of a new Wi-Fi network for the Calistoga Farmworker Center; and approve a Budget Amendment. (Fiscal Impact $47,463, Housing Authority Fund, Not Budgeted, Discretionary)
[4/5 vote required]
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BACKGROUND
On July 1, 2025, Napa County Information Technology Services (ITS) applied for grant funding from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on behalf of the Napa County Housing Authority (Authority) to pilot a project to procure, install, maintain, and manage a new Wi-Fi network with high speed internet service for all residents of the Calistoga Farmworker Center. The existing network is limited to a small number of users, leading to a digital divide - the gulf between those who have ready access to computers and the internet, and those who do not. Increasing access improves access and opportunities for education, employment, and essential services. On December 19, 2025, ITS notified Napa County Authority staff that the CPUC approved funding in the amount of $28,977 for the installation of network. The grant is predicated on a commitment by the Authority to maintain and manage the network for five years, not charge residents for broadband internet service, and on not raising rents or charge any costs as a direct result of broadband infrastructure improvements received under the grant for a period of 5 years after project completion, for example.
In conjunction with Board of Supervisors' consideration to accept the CPUC grant, staff request execution of ...
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