HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-14 - AGENDA REPORTS - CITYWIDE HIGHSPEED FIBER INTERNETO
Agenda Item: 3
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
.` AGENDA REPORT
NEW BUSINESS
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: October 14, 2025
SUBJECT: CITYWIDE HIGH-SPEED FIBER INTERNET SERVICE
DEPARTMENT: Administrative Services
PRESENTER: Benny Ives
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Determine that the project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to California
Environmental Quality Act Guidelines § 15301, 15303, and 15304, as a Class 1 (Existing
Facilities), Class 3 (New Construction of Small Structures) and Class 4 (Minor Alterations to
Land) categorical exemption.
2. Approve a 20-year, non-exclusive Agreement with three additional, optional and successive,
10-year terms, with Aspire Broadband Holdings, Inc. for access to and use of the City's
right-of-way for fiber optic cable installation and accessory facilities for its network;
inclusive of a lease of certain City -owned dark fiber strands, subject to availability and to
detailed terms set forth in the Agreement.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the Agreement in substantially the form
provided in the City Clerk's reading file, subject to City Attorney approval, with such non -
substantive revisions as approved by the City Manager and City Attorney.
BACKGROUND
For years, City of Santa Clarita (City) residents and businesses alike have expressed their desire
and need for greater choice, access, speeds, and competitive prices for high-speed, fiber -based
Internet service. Since the 2015 launch of the City's five-year strategic plan, known as Santa
Clarita 2020, the City Council identified goals to enhance economic vitality, which included
establishing "a revenue generating program that utilizes existing fiber infrastructure to leverage
resources and potentially promote greater bandwidth access to the community." In the years
since this measure was identified, the City has made significant progress and investments to
position and market Santa Clarita as the premiere destination for new Internet Services Providers
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(ISP) in which to invest.
The first step in this effort was a Broadband Feasibility Study (study) completed in 2018, which
reported on the state of broadband in the City. The study concluded that Santa Clarita has two
predominant ISPs, AT&T and Spectrum, and stated that "service offerings are too expensive, are
too slow, offer poor value for the monthly price, and that there is not enough competition." The
study also made several recommendations, most notably expanding the City's fiber optic
footprint, achieving a connection to a datacenter in Los Angeles, and pursuing a public -private -
partnership to offer high-speed internet access and services to the community.
Leveraging a twenty-year strategy of installing fiber-optic cabling to connect City infrastructure,
such as traffic signals, parks, and other City facilities to enable real-time services and high-speed
access to the Internet, the City is now equipped with more than 100 miles of fiber-optic cabling
that enables City staff to provide timely and responsive government services across twenty City
properties. Subsequently, in June 2019, the City achieved a years -long effort to obtain a dark
fiber connection to One Wilshire, the largest Internet Point -of -Presence and data exchange on the
west coast. In doing so, the City positioned itself to introduce lower barriers of entry to potential
new ISPs that might consider servicing the City with high-speed Internet access and service
utilizing the City's Fiber Optic Network (FON).
To aid in this effort, in August 2020, the City released a Request for Proposal (RFP) called
"Public -Private Partnership to Provide High -Speed Internet Service to Local Businesses." The
RFP was downloaded by 56 entities, with 5 providing proposals. However, with the uncertainty
associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to rising interest rates and economic
concerns beginning in 2021-2022, no agreement was reached. In the years since, the City has
focused on conditioning eligible, new developments with its "Connected City" program to install
`last mile' conduit infrastructure from private developments to a meet -me point in the public
right-of-way for the purpose of connecting them to the City's FON to access high-speed Internet
in the future.
CITYWIDE HIGH-SPEED FIBER INTERNET SERVICE PROJECT
In October 2024, the City was approached by Aspire Broadband Holdings, Inc. (Aspire)
regarding a Citywide High -Speed Fiber Internet Service project to install, own, and operate a
vast, high-speed, fiber-optic network capable of delivering symmetrical (same upload and
download speeds), gigabit speeds at least ten times faster than what many City residents and
businesses currently have access to at their home or business. While select residential areas of
the City have access to fiber -based Internet services from AT&T, the vast majority of Santa
Clarita citizens do not. Residents and businesses without access to fiber are limited to either
cable or DSL, which offer slower upload speeds than download speeds, delivered using shared
bandwidth and capacity. Furthermore, with the continued uptrend in video streaming, online
gaming, and large file downloads, accessing the Internet using fiber optic technology is the way
of the future.
Approximating an investment around $80 million dollars, Aspire would utilize microtrenching
construction to install nearly 1,000 linear miles of fiber-optic infrastructure to reach upwards of
80,000 passings, or customers, at full build -out (see photos attached). In October 2021, the State
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of California passed Senate Bill 378, "Broadband Deployment Acceleration Best Practices Act
of 2021," which required local agencies to allow microtrenching in the public right-of-way for
the installation of underground fiber optic cable. In doing so, the State of California removed the
City's authority to prohibit microtrenching in its right-of-way. However, the City does have
some discretion over standards, specifications, and engineering conditions related to
microtrenching.
The use of microtrenching, as distinguished from traditional deeper trenching, had the effect of
dramatically decreasing the cost of installing new fiber optic networks into existing roadways.
Compared to conventional trenching, microtrenching is much faster and much cheaper because
there is less excavation and less repair work involved. The cost savings from microtrenching has
changed the economics of deploying fiber optic networks.
To reach its full potential, Aspire would lease 675 fiber strand miles along the City's fiber optic
network to expedite its ability to deliver Citywide High -Speed Fiber Internet Service to the
community. Aspire's use of City infrastructure coupled with its intent to build, own, and operate
a robust fiber optic network would essentially fulfill the City's goal of establishing a public -
private -partnership to offer high-speed Internet access and services to the community.
Aspire does not possess a "Certificate of Public Need and Necessity" issued by the California
Public Utilities Commission to officially qualify as a utility, it therefore does not have a
Statewide franchise and right to access local public rights -of -way; however, Aspire may acquire
that access through an agreement with the City, as owner of the public right-of-way (ROW).
The attached Project Agreement (Agreement) with Aspire would grant it non-exclusive,
Citywide access to public ROW coupled with a lease to utilize 675 fiber strand miles of City
fiber to supplement and "light up" its network across Santa Clarita. In consideration for this
access and rights to use City fiber, the City would receive the following direct benefits:
• Ten percent (10%) revenue share of Aspire's gross income for all services provided
within City limits, inclusive of minimum guarantee amounts.
• Zero cost for two (2) 10 Gbps fault -tolerant Internet connections for City operations.
• Up to fifty (50) future fiber optic demand points to connect traffic signals and City -
owned properties or facilities.
• Cash sponsorship of $50,000 per year towards City events and programs.
As significant, businesses and residents would receive the following benefits:
• A new choice in Internet Service Provider
• High-speed Internet service delivered over fiber optic technology
• Range of symmetrical services: 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 2 Gbps, and 5 Gbps
• No limits on data usage
• Thirty -dollar ($30) discount per month for low-income households
• Ten percent (10%) discount for seniors
Aspire's Citywide network would address all of the major shortcomings from the study, most
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notably lack of choice, low speeds, difficult access, and high price (poor value) when compared
to service offering. A sample of Aspire's planned pricing in comparison to existing ISP's is
shown here:
Provider
Connection
Type
Tier
Download
Speed
Upload
Speed
*1st Year
Introductory
Price
*Regular
price
Aspire
Fiber
500 Mbps
500 Mbps
500 Mbps
$60
$70
AT&T
Fiber
500 Mbps
500 Mbps
500 Mbps
$75
$75
Aspire
Fiber
1 Gbps
1 Gbps
1 Gbps
$80
$90
AT&T
Fiber
1 Gbps
1 Gbps
1 Gbps
$75
$90
Aspire
Fiber
2 Gbps
2 Gbps
2 Gbps
$100
$110
AT&T
Fiber
2 Gbps
2 Gbps
2 Gbps
$135
$155
Aspire
Fiber
5 Gbps
5 Gbps
5 Gbps
$180
$190
AT&T
Fiber
5 Gbps
5 Gbps
5 Gbps
$165
$255
AT&T
DSL
Internet 75
75 Mbps
20 Mbps
$70
$70
AT&T
DSL
Internet 100
100 Mbps
20 Mbps
$70
$70
Spectrum
Cable
Advantage
100 Mbps
20 Mbps
$30
$50
Spectrum
Cable
Premier
500 Mbps
20 Mbps
$50
$80
Spectrum
Cable
Gig
1 Gbps
35 Mbps
$70
$100
*Advertised prices shown not including autopay discounts, taxes, fees or equipment fees
*Pricing shown is just a sample based on publicly available information.
1 Gbps = 1,000 Mbps
The City has no control over Aspire's pricing model, which is subject to change and is not fixed
or otherwise regulated by this Agreement. Similarly, the City has no regulatory control over
AT&T's or Spectrum's tier structures or pricing. However, the City is requiring that Aspire offer
a discount for low-income households according to eligibility requirements similar to the Federal
Communications Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program, which was offered to low-
income households during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Aspire will also offer a ten
percent discount to individuals over the age of 65.
As part of the Agreement and in coordination with City staff, Aspire mapped the entire City into
ten areas for purposes of its construction timeline (see attached map). Development of the
mapped areas took several factors into consideration including areas unserved by fiber, areas
with minimal service providers, and areas with low data speeds. Proximity to access the City's
dark fiber assets was also a consideration. At least four areas are forecasted to be built per year,
leading to a total anticipated project construction timeline close to three years to complete the
Citywide build -out.
While Aspire has goals to deploy its network throughout the City, it will prioritize public streets
over private streets. However, Aspire intends to work with owners of private streets to obtain
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their necessary approval to deploy its high-speed, fiber optic services. Aspire has indicated it will
be able to begin construction of its network as early as April 2026.
ABOUT ASPIRE BROADBAND HOLDINGS, INC
Aspire was founded in 2019 by Stephen Weatherford, who began his career in
telecommunications as a field technician and worked his way up through the industry.
Established in Florida as a design -build fiber contracting company, Aspire quickly expanded to
meet growing demand for turnkey outside plant construction and fiber -to -the -home deployments.
In 2023, Aspire expanded into California. To date, Aspire has deployed over 10 million feet of
fiber optic cable, constructed 100,000 plus passings, and supported tens of thousands of
subscriber activations across multiple states.
Aspire is already active in the region, with ongoing projects in Ventura County. This local
presence underscores Aspire's commitment to Ventura and Los Angeles Counties and
demonstrates its ability to successfully deliver public -private partnerships with cities in close
proximity to Santa Clarita. In April 2024, Aspire signed a public -private -partnership agreement
with the City of Moorpark to install, own, and operate a citywide fiber-optic network. Aspire is
on schedule to activate its first customers in the City of Moorpark later this year.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Article 19, Section
15301 (Class 1), Section 15303 (Class 3), and Section 15304 (Class 4). A Class 1 exemption
consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration
of existing public or private facilities, including utility services. A Class 3 exemption consists of
the construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures. A Class 4
exemption consists of minor alterations to land, including minor trenching and backfilling where
the surface is restored. Therefore, the City has determined, based upon information submitted by
Aspire, that there is no substantial evidence that the project would have a significant effect on the
environment and is not subject to any exception to categorical exemptions, 14 CCR §15300.2.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive ten percent of Aspire's gross revenues for all services provided within City
limits, which minimally guarantees the City to receive $50,000 per year beginning in Year 1, and
increasing $50,000 per year thereafter until it reaches $500,000 in Year 10, and will thereafter be
subject to an annual consumer price index adjustment. In total, the City is guaranteed to receive a
minimum of $2,750,000 over the initial ten-year period and $5,000,000 over the subsequent ten-
year period, for a total of $7,750,000 which will be deposited into the General Fund. In addition,
Aspire will provide a cash sponsorship of $50,000 per year beginning in Year 2 and annually
thereafter, for the duration of the contract. Aspire is responsible for paying applicable City fees
per the City's adopted fee schedule, as well as lease payments associated with data center space.
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ATTACHMENTS
Notice of Exemption
Aspire Microtrenching Before and After Photos
Citywide High -Speed Fiber Internet Service Map
Aspire Citywide High -Speed Fiber Internet Project Agreement (available in the City Clerk's
Reading File)
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NOTICE OF EXEMPTION
3.a
TO:
FROM:
[X] County Clerk City of Santa Clarita
County of Los Angeles Community Development
12400 E. Imperial Hwy., Rm. 2001 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite #302
Norwalk, CA 90650 Santa Clarita, CA 91355
[X] Office of Planning and Research
1400 Tenth Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
DATE: October 14, 2025
PROJECT NAME: Citywide High -Speed Fiber Internet Service
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PROJECT APPLICANT: Aspire Broadband Holdings, Inc.
(Contact: Stephen Weatherford; seatherford@aspirebroadband.com)
PROJECT LOCATION: Citywide
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The City of Santa Clarita is approving an Agreement with Aspire Broadband
for access to and use of the City's right-of-way for fiber optic cable installation and accessory facilities
for its network. Aspire proposes to install, operate, and operate a citywide high-speed fiber optic network
to provide internet service. The project includes leasing of the City's existing dark fiber optic strand
infrastructure as well as microtrenching within the existing right-of-way to provide new fiber optic
conduit. The project also includes installation of 27 utility cabinets in various parts of the City, within the
City's right-of-way.
This is to advise that the [ ] Director of Administrative Services [ ] Planning Commission [X] City
Council of the City of Santa Clarita has approved the above project on October 14, 2025. Review of the
project by the Department of Community Development found that the project is exempt from the
provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act.
EXEMPT STATUS: The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Article
19, Section 15301 (Class 1), Section 15303 (Class 3), and Section 15304 (Class 4). A Class 1 exemption
consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of
existing public or private facilities, including utility services. A Class 3 exemption consists of the
construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures. A Class 4 exemption
consists of minor alterations to land, including minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is
restored.
Person or agency carrying out the project: City of Santa Clarita, Administrative Services Department.
This is to certify that the Notice of Exemption with comments/responses and record of project approval is
available for public review at:
City of Santa Clarita
Community Development Department
23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 302
Santa Clarita, California 91355
(661) 255-4330
Contact Person/Title: Andy Olson, Associate Planner
Signature:
Packet Pg. 47
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Aspire Microtrenching Photos
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CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-9-2025
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA — ASPIRE
FIBER -TO -THE -PREMISES (FTTP) PROJECT AGREEMENT
This Fiber -to -the -Premises (FTTP) Project Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into this
day of , 2025 (the "Effective Date") by and between the CITY
OF SANTA CLARITA, a California municipal corporation ("City") and ASPIRE
BROADBAND HOLDINGS INC. a Delaware Corporation ("Aspire"). For the purposes of
this Agreement, City and Aspire may be referred to collectively as the "Parties" or
individually as a "Party."
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Aspire is an internet service provider that desires to install a fiber -to -
the -premises ("FTTP") network within the City's public rights -of -way to provide to City
residents and businesses high speed internet access and other data services that are not
currently classified as telecommunications services; Aspire is not a telephone corporation
or video services provider and does not currently hold any state franchise or state
authorization to use public rights -of -way in California for the provision of any
communications services; and
WHEREAS, the City has the authority to manage public property through its police
power (Cal. Const. art. XI, § 9) and other Constitutional and statutory powers granted to
municipalities, and to regulate encroachments within the City's public rights -of -way
pursuant to Division 1 of Title 13 (Highways) of the Santa Clarita Municipal Code (the
"highway permit ordinance"); and
WHEREAS, the City owns a fiber optic network in the public rights -of -way referred
to as the "City's Fiber Optic Network" which includes lit fiber strands used by the City,
spare dark fiber strands, and ancillary facilities, including City data centers for electronic
equipment; and
WHEREAS, in order to facilitate the deployment of its FTTP network, Aspire
desires the City's authorization: 1) to encroach in, under, and upon the City's public rights -
of -way to install its FTTP network, and 2) to use certain dark fiber strands within certain
segments of the City's Fiber Optic Network and certain physical space within the City's
data centers as well as available network capacity on the City's lit fiber connection to One
Wilshire; and
WHEREAS, in exchange for such rights, Aspire is willing to make substantial
community commitments that will benefit the City and its residents and businesses,
including commitments to build -out its FTTP network City-wide, to offer symmetrical one
(1) gigabit per second (Gbps) and greater high speed internet services, to provide
discounts to low-income residents, to maintain a local presence, and to provide certain
services, facilities and financial compensation to the City.
CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-9-2025
WHEREAS, the City's approval of this Agreement constitutes a discretionary
action under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") and the City has
determined that the project described herein is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant
to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (existing facilities), Section 15303 (new construction
of small structures), and Section 15304 (minor alterations to land), as the installation,
operation, and maintenance of FTTP network facilities will occur within existing public
rights -of -way and easements, involve only minor trenching or surface disturbance with
restoration of surface conditions, and result in no expansion of use or significant
environmental impacts. Further, the City has determined, based upon information
submitted by Aspire, that the project is not subject to any exception to categorical
exemptions, 14 CCR §15300.2-1 and
WHEREAS, the City is willing to grant such rights to Aspire in exchange for
Aspire's community commitments, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement.
AGREEMENT
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements
contained in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Recitals. The facts set forth in the recitals, above, are true and correct, and
are hereby incorporated by this reference.
2. Term of Agreement.
a. Initial Term. This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and
shall expire on the date that is one day prior to the twentieth (20th)
anniversary of the Effective Date ("Initial Term"), unless sooner terminated
as provided herein.
b. Renewal Term(s). Upon expiration of the Initial Term and provided that
Aspire is not in default under this Agreement and Aspire continues to have
all necessary governmental permits, licenses, easements, franchises and
approvals that may lawfully be required by federal, state or local law,
statute, regulation or ordinance, this Agreement may be automatically
renewed for up to three (3) additional, successive, ten (10) year terms (each
a "Renewal Term"); unless either Party provides the other with written notice
of voluntary non -renewal not less than ninety (90) days prior to the
expiration of the Initial Term or any then -current Renewal Term. The "Term"
shall be inclusive of the Initial Term and any Renewal Terms.
3. Nonexclusive Right to Encroach. Aspire has permission to encroach
upon and under its public rights -of -way for the purpose of the installation, maintenance,
and operation of its FTTP network under the terms and conditions set forth herein, subject
to the execution of a master encroachment agreement ("Master Encroachment
Agreement") substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.
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CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-9-2025
4. Lease of City Fiber and Colocation Space; Right to Use Capacity on
City's Lit Fiber Connection. Aspire has the right to lease certain spare strands of fiber
in the City's Fiber Optic Network and certain colocation space and power within certain
City data rooms as well as the right to use certain available capacity on the City's lit fiber
connection to One Wilshire, under the terms and conditions set forth herein, subject to
the execution of a fiber lease agreement ("Fiber Lease") substantially in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit B.
5. Aspire's Community Commitments
a. City -Wide Build -Out Commitment. Aspire will construct a FTTP network
capable of serving all residents and businesses within the City of Santa
Clarita in accordance with this Agreement and the Master Encroachment
Agreement in Exhibit A; except that Aspire will not be required to build
areas of the City that are demonstrated, through verifiable public or provider
data, to already have fiber-optic broadband service available from one (1)
or more existing services providers in the area, or in private communities,
multi -tenant properties, or other locations that require right -of -entry
agreements, easements, or other third -party consents that Aspire is unable
to secure on commercially reasonable terms.
b. Quality of Service Commitment. Aspire covenants to the City that
Aspire's FTTP network within the City of Santa Clarita will be a state of the
art FTTP network backed by technical support that is available to all
customers 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. Further,
in all geographical areas of the City of Santa Clarita served by Aspire, the
FTTP network shall have sufficient capacity and redundancy to provide to
all customers who desire to purchase same Internet access service having
a minimum symmetrical bandwidth and speed of one (1) gigabit per second
(Gbps). Aspire agrees to make lower and higher bandwidth Internet access
services available to customers as well, and to invest in future network
upgrades as necessary during the Term to ensure the network and service
offerings are comparable to that of other providers of fiber services in Los
Angeles County.
c. Discounts for Seniors and Low -Income Residents. Aspire will offer a
monthly discount off of any service tiers Aspire offers within the City of
Santa Clarita in the amount of: (1) ten percent (10%) to seniors over the
age of 65 years; and (2) thirty dollars ($30) to low-income households who
meet the eligibility criteria below. ). Eligibility for the low-income discount
shall be determined using the same criteria and methodology as were used
in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. Aspire further agrees to: (i)
publish the availability of its discounted service on its website, in a manner
that prominently advertises the service where Aspire's other services and
pricing are advertised; (ii) establish a verification process for applicants that
is not onerous to customers; and (iii) manage its program in good faith at all
times
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CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-9-2025
d. Commitment to Local Presence and Community Involvement.
Beginning in 2027, Aspire will invest in the City of Santa Clarita community
throughout the Term of this Agreement, with such investment to include, at
a minimum, payment of a cash sponsorship to the City in the amount of Fifty
Thousand Dollars ($50,000) by July 1 sc of every year. Such investment is
anticipated to be used for activities such as sponsoring or participating in
local events, local charitable organizations, and/or other community
programs.
6. Aspire's Financial Compensation to City
a. Quarterly Fee. Aspire shall pay City, on a quarterly basis, beginning in
2026, a fee known as the "Quarterly Fee" in an amount determined in
accordance with paragraph (b).
b. Calculation. For each calendar quarter, the amount due shall be the
greater of: (i) ten percent (10%) of Gross Revenues; or (ii) one quarter of
the Minimum Annual Guarantee Fees.
c. Definitions. For the purposes of this Agreement: (i) "Gross Revenues"
means all revenue actually received by Aspire that is derived from the
operation of Aspire's FTTP network within the then -current geographic
boundaries of the City of Santa Clarita, including but not limited to receipts
from all customers for internet access and other data services, and leasing
or subleasing any fiber. (ii) "Minimum Annual Guarantee Fees" means:
2026
$50,000
2027
$100,000
2028
$150,000
2029
$200,000
2030
$250,000
2031
$300,000
2032
$350,000
2033
$400,000
2034
$450,000
2035
$500,000
annually after 2035
$500,000
plus CPI
adjustment
made
annually in
accordance
with Sec. 6.h
d. Frequency of Payments. Aspire shall remit Quarterly Fee payments to the
City within forty-five (45) days after the end of each calendar quarter
(quarters ending March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31).
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CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-9-2025
e. Method of Payments; Late Payments. Payments shall be made by ACH
pursuant to the City's written instructions. Failure to make payment in full
when due shall result in a two percent (2%) late fee. Penalty and bank
charges will also be assessed for any payments returned by the bank.
f. Revenue Report. With each Quarterly Fee payment, Aspire shall furnish a
sworn statement or declaration under oath from the Chief Finance Officer
or designee, setting forth the amount and calculation of the payment. The
high-level accounting statement, shall detail all sales to customers of any
kind, including a listing of the number of subscribers in each service tier and
gross revenues from each tier used to calculate the Revenue Share
payments. The City may require Aspire to provide any additional information
reasonably necessary for administration of the Quarterly Fee.
g. Auditable Records. Throughout the Term of this Agreement, and for four
years following termination or expiration, Aspire shall maintain detailed
records of all revenues received in connection with this Agreement. The City
shall have the right to inspect and audit any or all such records during
normal business hours, upon seventy-two hours prior, written notice. In the
event that an audit of the Quarterly Fee payments results in a determination
that an additional payment is due to the City, such additional payment shall
be subject to interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the
date the original payment was due. If the additional payment amount
exceeds five percent (5%) of the amount reported, Aspire shall reimburse
City for all audit costs.
h. Compensation for Colocation Space. Beginning on July 1, 2026, and
annually in advance and on or before July 1 thereafter, Aspire shall pay six
thousand dollars ($6,000) ("Colocation Space Fee") for use of the colocation
space in the City Data Center provided pursuant to the Fiber Lease. If
Aspire occupies the colocation space prior to July 1, 2026, Aspire shall
include in its first payment an additional prorated amount to cover the period
of occupation prior to July 1, 2026. The amount of the Colocation Space
Fee shall increase annually on July 1 by the percentage change in the
Consumer Price Index — All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for Los Angeles -
Long Beach -Anaheim, CA ("CPI Index") published for the month that is
three (3) months preceding the adjustment date compared to the CPI Index
published twelve (12) months before the month that is three (3) months
preceding the adjustment date. Payments to the City shall be made in
accordance with paragraph (e) of this Section.
7. Aspire's Provision of Services and Facilities to the City
a. Internet Access Service. Aspire shall provide the City with two (2)
geographically diverse ten (10) gigabit per second (Gbps) high speed
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CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-9-2025
internet access service at two City locations at no charge, as more fully
described in Exhibit C.
b. Fiber Connections to City Demand Points. Aspire shall provide the City
with fiber optic connections at up to fifty (50) City -designated demand
points, including traffic signals and City -owned properties or facilities at no
charge, upon City request, as more fully described in Exhibit D.
8. Aspire's Representations. Aspire represents, warrants and covenants to the City
the following:
a. Aspire: (i) is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State
of Delaware, and is a duly qualified to transact business and is in good
standing in the State of California; (ii) has the financial, technical and legal
capability to perform its obligations under this Agreement; and (iii) is in
compliance and will remain in compliance during the Term with all
applicable federal, state and local laws and government rules and
regulations.
b. Aspire is not a public utility and does not hold, and to the best of its
knowledge, is not legally required to hold, any certificate of public
convenience and necessity (CPCN), video services franchise issued
pursuant to the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act (DIVCA),
or any other authorization from the California Public Utilities Commission or
the Federal Communications Commission to lawfully perform its obligations
or exercise its rights under this Agreement.
c. Aspire is not currently offering and does not intend to offer
telecommunications, video or cable services within the geographic limits of
the City of Santa Clarita during the Term.
d. Aspire is not claiming and does not intend to claim during the Term any
rights, privileges, or protections under state or federal law as a public utility,
a provider of telecommunications services, a franchised telephone
company under Public Utility Code Sections 7901 and 7901.1, or a holder
of a video services franchise issued pursuant to DIVCA.
e. Aspire will promptly provide written notice to the City: (i) if and when served,
if any state or federal regulator or other person provides a notice, initiates a
lawsuit or proceeding or otherwise challenges or questions the accuracy of
any of the representations in (b), (c), and (d) above; or (ii) if Aspire intends
to voluntarily seek to change its service offerings or regulatory status
described in (b), (c) and (d) above.
f. In the event Aspire is found by any state or federal regulator to not be in
compliance with then current applicable state or federal
telecommunications laws, Aspire will promptly notify the City in writing and
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obtain approvals or authorizations needed to come into compliance with
such laws.
g. Regardless of any voluntary or involuntary change in Aspire's regulatory
status during the Term, Aspire will continue to honor the terms of this
Agreement including but not limited to its commitments to the community
and the City in Sections 5, 6 and 7.
9. Most -Favored Treatment. If, within five (5) years after the Effective Date, City
enters into any agreement with any other provider that does not hold any state
franchise or state authorization to use public rights -of -way in the City, and which
grants similar rights to use City public rights -of -way, fiber and other City facilities
to provide residential or commercial broadband and data services to end users
within the City, City shall ensure that the overall economic terms agreed with the
other provider considered as a whole are materially equivalent to those applicable
to Aspire under this Agreement such that the new provider is not afforded a
competitive advantage. If Aspire believes that materially more favorable economic
terms were agreed to by City and such provider, it shall notify the City in writing
within ninety (90) days of the effective date of such other agreement, and the
Parties to this Agreement shall meet and confer in good faith to negotiate
amendments to this Agreement to achieve materially equivalent economic terms.
In no event will the City be required to refund or to offset against future amounts
due, the value of compensation and benefits already received from Aspire under
this Agreement; and Aspire may not obtain any relief from obligations it may have
under settlements or other contracts with the City via this provision. Further, this
provision shall not apply to agreements with third parties already in effect as of the
Effective Date.
10. Notices. All notices permitted or required hereunder shall be in writing and shall
be given by (i) established national courier service which maintains delivery
records, (ii) hand delivery, or (iii) certified or registered mail, postage prepaid,
return receipt requested. Notices are effective upon receipt, or upon attempted
delivery if delivery is refused or if delivery is impossible because of failure to
provide reasonable means for accomplishing delivery. The notices shall be sent to
the Parties at the following addresses:
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CITY: CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
Attn: City Manager
23920 Valencia Blvd
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
With a copy to:
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
Attn: Information Services Manager
23920 Valencia Blvd
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
ASPIRE: Aspire Broadband Holdings Inc
Attn: Stephen Weatherford
11943 Discovery Ct
Moorpark, CA 93021
11.Indemnification.
a. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Aspire agrees to defend and pay
reasonable attorney's fees and experts' costs, indemnify and hold the City,
its elected and appointed officials, officers, employees, and agents (the
"Indemnified Parties") harmless with respect to any and all claims, stop
notices, judgments, penalties, losses, damages, injuries and liability
including, but not limited to, claims and liability for bodily injury, death,
and/or property damage (collectively, "Losses"), arising out of, related to, or
caused by the acts, omissions, or willful misconduct of Aspire, its officials,
officers, employee, consultants, or contractors related to or in connection
with the exercise of rights and/or performance of obligations under this
Agreement, except to the extent such Losses are caused by the active
negligence or willful misconduct of any of the Indemnified Parties.
b. Third -Party Claims Indemnification. Aspire shall indemnify, defend and hold
harmless the Indemnified Parties from and against any and all third -party
claims, lawsuits, actions, damages, costs or expenses suffered by the City
Indemnified Persons due to or arising out of any claims by or injuries or
damage to persons or property to the extent the same arise out of, are
caused by or due to: (i) Aspire's negligence or willful misconduct in
exercising its rights and performing its obligations under this Agreement;
(ii) Aspire's noncompliance with or Default under this Agreement;
(iii) Aspire's failure to comply with applicable law in connection with its
performance under the Agreement. The City agrees to promptly provide
Aspire with notice of any claim which may result in a third -party
indemnification obligation hereunder. Aspire may defend such claim with
counsel of its own choosing provided that no settlement or compromise of
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any such claim shall occur without the consent of the City, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
c. Further, in the event any third party claim, action or proceeding is
commenced naming any of the City Indemnified Persons as defendant,
respondent or cross defendant arising or alleged to arise from the City's
approval of this project or this Agreement, Aspire shall defend, indemnify,
and hold harmless the City Indemnified Persons from liability, damages,
penalties, costs or expenses in any such claim, action, or proceeding to set
aside, void, or annul such City approval. The City agrees to promptly
provide Aspire with notice of any such claim, action, or proceeding and will
cooperate fully in the defense. If Aspire fails to defend such claim, action,
or proceeding, City may opt to provide its own defense, or to terminate the
Agreement without any liability to Aspire.
12.Insurance. Beginning on the Effective Date, and continuing through the
expiration of the Term, Aspire shall procure and maintain, insurance, as more fully
described in Exhibit E, attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein.
13. Taxes. Aspire will be solely responsible for the payment of any and all taxes,
charges, excises, fees, exactions and assessments, including without limitation
any possessory interest taxes, relating to its construction, operation, placement,
and maintenance of Aspire -owned facilities. Aspire shall not allow or suffer any lien
for any taxes, assessments, charges, excises, fees or excises to be imposed on
or in connection with any City property. In the event that the City receives any tax
or assessment notices on or in connection with the City property related to this
Agreement, the City shall forward the same, together with reasonably sufficient
written documentation that details any increases in the taxable or assessable
amount attributable to Aspire. Aspire acknowledges that notice is and was hereby
given to Aspire, pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 107.6,
that use or occupancy of any public property pursuant to the Agreement may
create a possessory interest which may be subject to the payment of property
taxes levied upon such interest. Aspire shall be solely liable for, and shall pay and
discharge prior to delinquency, any and all possessory interest taxes or other taxes
levied against Aspire's right to possession, occupancy, or use of any public
property pursuant to any right of possession, occupancy or use created by this
Agreement. Aspire further understands and acknowledges that any sublicense or
assignment under this Agreement and any options, extensions or renewals in
connection with this Agreement may constitute a change in ownership for taxation
purposes and therefore result in a revaluation for any possessory interest created
under this Agreement.
14. Prevailing Wages. Aspire is aware of the requirements of California Labor Code
sections 1720, et seq., and 1770, et seq., as well as California Code of
Regulations, Title 8, Section 16000, et seq. (the "Prevailing Wage Laws"). Aspire
shall comply with such Prevailing Wage Laws with respect to any work under this
Agreement which Aspire determines or is determined by the Department of
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CITY DRAFT 10-9-2025
Industrial Relations or by a court to be, a "public works" project under California
law. Aspire shall also defend, indemnify, and hold harmless City, its elected
officials, officers, employees and agents from any claim or liability arising out of
any failure or alleged failure to comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws in
connection with this AGREEMENT. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section shall
not be construed to imply that any work under this AGREEMENT is a public works
project.
15. Letter of Credit. Within 60 calendar days of the Effective Date, Aspire shall
provide to the City a letter of credit as security for its faithful performance of this
Agreement.
a. Amount. The letter of credit shall be in the amount of two hundred and fifty
thousand dollars ($250,000) and meet the following requirements:
(i) Be issued by a bank licensed to do and doing business in
California and acceptable to the City;
(ii) Be irrevocable and in a form acceptable to the City;
(iii) Provide for automatic renewal of the letter unless the bank
has given the City written notice by certified mail at least thirty (30) days
prior to expiration of the letter;
b. Use. The City may draw on the letter of credit if Aspire fails to pay the City
any amounts due, liquidated damages, damages, costs or expenses
incurred by the City by reason of any act or Default of Aspire. The City shall
notify Aspire of the amount and date of the withdrawal.
c. Restoration of Funds. Within thirty (30) Days after the City gives Aspire
written notice that an amount has been withdrawn from the letter of credit,
Aspire must deposit a sum of money sufficient to restore the letter of credit
to the original amount.
16. Default. A "Default" shall be deemed to have occurred under this Agreement under
the following circumstances:
a. in the case of a failure to pay any amount when due under this Agreement,
a Party fails to pay such amount within thirty (30) days after written notice
from the other Party specifying such breach;
b. in the case of any other material breach of this Agreement, a Party fails to
cure such breach within thirty (30) days after written notice from the other
Party specifying such breach, provided that if the breach is of a nature that
cannot reasonably be cured within said thirty (30) day time period, a Default
shall not have occurred so long as the breaching Party has commenced
cure within said thirty (30) day time period and thereafter diligently pursues
cure to completion;
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c. if Aspire files or initiates proceedings, or has proceedings initiated against
it, seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief (such as the
appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other such
official) under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, and the same
is not rescinded or dismissed within thirty (30) days.
17. Remedies.
a. In the event of any Default hereunder, the non -Defaulting Party may do any
one or more of the following: (i) take such actions as it deems reasonably
necessary to correct the Default and charge its costs of cure to the
Defaulting Party; (ii) terminate this Agreement; or (iii) pursue any other
remedies available to it under this Agreement, at law or in equity.
b. In the event of any Default involving Aspire's failure to pay any amounts due
under this Agreement, in addition to other remedies herein, the City may
also draw on the letter of credit to recover such outstanding amounts.
c. In the event of any Default where Aspire fails to complete its FTTP network
buildout within the Construction Period set forth in the Master
Encroachment Agreement, the City's sole remedy will be that Aspire will
pay the City as liquidated damages, the amount that is three -hundred
thousand dollars ($300,000.00 multiplied by the percentage of the
Encroachment Areas that were not built out. For example, if Aspire has built
out its FTTP network in only half of the Encroachment Areas, the liquidated
damages payment would be $150,000. Upon City's receipt of the liquidated
damages payment, Aspire will continue to have the right to build out its
FTTP network in accordance with the Master Encroachment Agreement,
but shall be relieved of its obligation to complete its FTTP network buildout
within the Construction Period set forth therein.
d. In the event Aspire is found by any state or federal regulator to not be in
compliance with then current applicable state or federal
telecommunications laws, and fails to come into compliance with such laws
within a reasonable period as required or allowed by the applicable
regulatory body, the City may suspend performance of its obligations,
terminate the Agreement or require renegotiation to limit the scope of
activities to those that are authorized by law.
18. Effect of Agreement Expiration or Termination for Default.
a. Expiration or Voluntary Non -Renewal. Upon expiration or voluntary non -
renewal of the Agreement, the Parties' rights and obligations under this
Agreement, the Master Encroachment Agreement and the Fiber Lease shall
cease except those specifically identified as surviving in this Agreement, the
Master Encroachment Agreement, and the Fiber Lease and those rights
and obligations such as indemnification that by their nature survive such
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expiration. Unless Aspire demonstrates to the satisfaction of the City that
its continued use of the City's public rights -of -way is authorized under Cal.
Pub. Util. Code Section 7901, or Aspire has another lawful basis for
occupying the City's public rights -of -way (which could be another
agreement with the City if Parties mutually agree), Aspire shall, at its sole
cost and expense within ninety one hundred eighty (1890) days following
such expiration or voluntary non -renewal, remove its facilities and restore
any affected property or public right-of-way to the condition that existed
immediately before the Effective Date, reasonable wear and tear excepted.
Notwithstanding the foregoing removal obligation, in the event the Parties
agree that some or all of Aspire's facilities should nevertheless remain in
place, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith the terms of any transfer,
lease, or continued use by City. Any facilities not removed or subject to a
separate agreement between the Parties within such one hundred eighty
ninety (1890) days, shall be deemed abandoned. Title to any Aspire
facilities that the City authorizes for abandonment shall automatically
transfer to the City without additional consideration. Within thirty sixty (630)
days following the transfer of title, Aspire shall provide the City all GIS data,
KMZ files, as -built drawings and/or any other documentation that evidences
the precise location and configuration of Aspire's abandoned facilities.
b. Termination for Aspire's Default. If the City terminates the Agreement for
Aspire's Default, Aspire shall, at its sole cost and expense within one
hundred eighty ninety (1890) days following such termination, remove its
facilities and restore any affected property or public right-of-way to the
condition that existed immediately before the Effective Date, reasonable
wear and tear excepted. Notwithstanding the foregoing removal obligation,
in the event the Parties agree that some or all of Aspire's facilities should
nevertheless remain in place, the Parties may negotiate in good faith the
terms of any transfer, lease, or continued use by City. Any facilities not
removed or subject to a separate agreement between the Parties within
such ninety (180) days, shall be deemed abandoned. Title to any Aspire
facilities that the City authorizes for abandonment shall automatically
transfer to the City without additional consideration. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the City may, in the City's sole and absolute discretion, authorize
Aspire to abandon some or all facilities in place. Title to any Aspire facilities
that the City authorizes for abandonment shall automatically transfer to the
City without additional consideration. Within thirty sixty (630) days following
the transfer of title, Aspire shall provide the City all GIS data, KMZ files, as -
built drawings and/or any other documentation that evidences the precise
location and configuration of Aspire's abandoned facilities.
c. Payment on Termination or Expiration. Aspire shall file with the City
within one -hundred eighty (180) Days of the date of the termination or
expiration of the Agreement, a financial statement, certified by an
independent certified public accountant, showing the Gross Revenues
received by Aspire since the end of the last calendar quarter for which
payment was made to the City up to the date of termination or expiration of
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the Agreement, together with a final payment of financial compensation
owed to the City for this period, calculated in accordance with Section 6.
The City reserves the right to satisfy any remaining financial obligations of
Aspire to the City by utilizing the funds available in a letter of credit, and/or
other security provided by Aspire.
d. Letter of Credit. If the Agreement expires or terminates for any reason,
the letter of credit in Section 15 shall remain in place and may be terminated
only upon written confirmation by the City that Aspire does not owe monies
to the City.
19. General Terms and Conditions.
a. Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by Aspire without the
City's prior, written consent and such assignee agreeing in writing to the
terms of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the transfer of the
rights and obligations of Aspire to a parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of
Aspire, or to any successor -in -interest or entity acquiring fifty-one percent
(51 %) or more of Aspire's stock or assets will not be deemed an assignment
for the purposes of this Agreement and will not require the City's prior,
written consent provided that Aspire demonstrates to City's reasonable
satisfaction compliance with the following criteria: (i) the proposed
transferee will have a financial strength after the proposed transfer at least
equal to that of Aspire immediately prior to the transfer; (ii) the proposed
transferee assumes in writing all of Aspire's obligations under this
Agreement; and (iii) the experience and technical qualifications of the
proposed transferee in providing telecommunications or similar services
evidences the ability to sustainably operate the network. Any assignment
that is not in compliance with this section will be deemed to be a material
default by Aspire.
b. Governing Law and Venue. This Agreement shall be construed under and
governed by the laws of the State of California without regard for conflicts
of laws principles. Venue for any legal action arising out of this Agreement
shall be the Superior Court for the County of Los Angeles, California, or the
U.S. District Court, Central District, State of California.
c. Entire Agreement. This Agreement supersedes all prior or
contemporaneous negotiations, commitments, agreements (written or oral)
and writings between Aspire and the City with respect to the subject matter
hereof. This Agreement, together with all exhibits constitutes the entire
agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
No modification of this Agreement shall be binding unless in writing and
executed by both Parties. No written or verbal promise, representation or
agreement that is not expressly set forth herein shall be binding or have any
force or effect.
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d. Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of the
obligations in this Agreement.
e. Independent Contractors. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed
to create a partnership, joint venture or agency relationship between the
City and Aspire or any other relationship other than a contractual
relationship as expressly set forth in this Agreement. Neither Party shall in
any manner act or indicate to any third party that is acting as the agent of
the other Party.
f. Prevailing Party. If any legal action is necessary to enforce any provision
hereof or for damages by reason of an alleged breach of any provisions of
this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to receive from the
losing party reasonable costs and expenses in such amount as the court
or arbitrator may adjudge to be reasonable attorney's fees and costs
incurred by the prevailing party in such action or proceeding.
g. Construction of Agreement. Each of the Parties acknowledge that each
Party to this Agreement has been represented by counsel in connection
with this Agreement. Legal or equitable principles that might require the
construction of this Agreement or any provision hereof against the party
drafting this Agreement shall not apply in any construction or interpretation
of this Agreement and is expressly waived. In the event an ambiguity or
question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed
as if drafted jointly by the parties and no presumption or burden of proof
shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of
any of the provisions of this Agreement.
h. No Publicity. Neither Party will issue any press releases or
announcements, or any marketing, advertising or other promotional
materials related to this Agreement or referencing or implying the other
Party or its trade names, trademarks or service marks, without the prior
written approval of the other Party.
Electronic Signatures. Each Party agrees that the electronic signatures of
the Parties are intended to authenticate this writing and to have the same
force and effect as manual signatures. As used herein, "electronic
signature" means any electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or
logically associated with this Agreement and executed and adopted by a
Party with the intent to sign such Agreement, including digital, facsimile or
email electronic signatures.
Force Majeure. In the event either Party is unable to perform any of the
terms of this Agreement by reason of strikes, riots, acts of God (including
but not limited to earthquake, wild fire, epidemics and pandemic) acts of
public enemies, supply chain delays, or other such cause beyond its control,
it shall not be deemed to be in default or have forfeited its rights hereunder
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if it promptly notifies the other Party in writing of the force majeure event
within ten (10) days of its occurrence, and commences and prosecutes such
performance with all deliberate speed upon the cessation of the force
majeure event.
k. No Waiver. The failure of either Party at any time to require performance
by the other party of any provision of this Agreement shall in no way affect
that Party's right to enforce such provisions, nor shall the waiver by either
Party of any breach of any provision of this Agreement be taken or held to
be a waiver of any further breach of the same provision. No provision of
this Agreement may be waived unless such waiver is in writing and signed
by the Party against whom the waiver is to be effective.
Severability. If any term, provision or condition in this Agreement shall, to
any extent, be declared invalid or unenforceable, then, unless such
invalidation would deprive a Party of its essential purpose for entering into
this Agreement, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected
thereby, and each term, provision and condition of this Agreement shall be
valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
m. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously or in
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
n. No Third -Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is made and entered into
for the sole benefit of Aspire and the City. No third party shall be deemed
to have any rights under this Agreement; there are no third party
beneficiaries to this Agreement.
o. Exhibits. The exhibits listed below are incorporated into and made a part
of this Agreement. In the event of a conflict between a term of this
Agreement and any exhibit, this Agreement will prevail.
EXHIBIT A - Master Encroachment Agreement
EXHIBIT B -
Fiber Lease
EXHIBIT C -
Aspire Internet Service SLA
EXHIBIT D -
Future Demand Points / Aspire Dark Fiber SLA
EXHIBIT E -
Insurance Requirements
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and in order to bind themselves legally to the terms
and conditions of this Agreement, each of the signatories hereto warrants and
represents that he or she has been duly authorized to execute this Agreement, and that
this Agreement is binding on such Party in accordance with its terms.
CITY: ASPIRE:
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, ASPIRE BROADBAND HOLDINGS INC.
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a California municipal corporation a Delaware Corporation
By:
Name:
Title:
Date:
Attest:
[Name], City Clerk
By: _
Name:
Title -.—
Date:
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EXHIBIT A
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EXHIBIT A
MASTER ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT
This Master Encroachment Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into this day of
, 2025 (the "Effective Date") by and between the CITY OF SANTA
CLARITA, a California municipal corporation ("City") and ASPIRE BROADBAND
HOLDINGS INC. a Delaware Corporation ("Aspire"). For the purposes of this Agreement, City
and Aspire may be referred to collectively as the "Parties" or individually as a "Parry."
In consideration of the mutual promises and agreements contained in that certain Fiber -to -
the -Premises (FTTP) Project Agreement by and between the Parties with effective date of ,
2025, and in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Term and Termination of Agreement.
The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date hereof and, shall be
coterminous with that certain Fiber -to -the -Premises (FTTP) Project Agreement by and between
the parties (the "Term"), unless earlier terminated for default in accordance with this Agreement.
2. Non -Exclusive Encroachment Right.
a. Grant of Non -Exclusive Encroachment Right. During the Term, Aspire is
granted the non-exclusive right to construct, install, maintain, operate, relocate, and
remove a fiber -to -the -premises ("FTTP") network, including all related facilities,
fiber optic cables, equipment, and infrastructure (collectively, "Aspire -Owned
Facilities") in the designated geographic areas of Santa Clarita with the City's
Highways as defined in Santa Clarita Municipal Code Section 13.04.100
("Encroachment Areas") identified in Exhibit A-1 to provide to City residents and
businesses high speed internet access and other data services that are not currently
classified as telecommunications services under state or federal law. Such non-
exclusive right is subject to this Agreement and the issuance of required
encroachment and building permits and approvals. Aspire shall not proceed with
any work in any Encroachment Areas within the City's Highways without first
obtaining all required permits and authorizations.
b. Build Order and Construction Period. Aspire shall apply for permits and install
Aspire -Owned Facilities in the Encroachment Areas in the Encroachment Area
build order specified in Exhibit A-1. Aspire will begin construction of Aspire -
Owned Facilities within thirty (30) days of City's issuance of the first encroachment
permit for an Encroachment Area, and complete construction in all Encroachment
Areas within 60 months of commencement of the construction in the first
Encroachment Area (the "Construction Period"). The Parties may extend the
Construction Period by mutual agreement up to a total of 24 additional months,
provided that the City may not refuse to agree to extend the Construction Period for
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any period of delay in the construction arising from City's actions and not the fault
of Aspire. For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties acknowledge and agree that the
City's normal processing times for encroachment and other permits do not
constitute a period of delay arising from the City's actions.
c. Build Order Fairness. During the Construction Period, if the City enters into a
similar project agreement with another FTTP provider that does not hold any state
franchise or state authorization to use public rights -of -way in the City, the City shall
require such provider to commence construction of its FTTP network in the same
build order shown in Exhibit A-1 including but not limited to commencing with
Encroachment Areas 1 and 2. Further, such provider shall not be permitted to
initiate construction in any Encroachment Area that Aspire has identified in a
submitted permit application until Aspire has commenced construction in such
Encroachment Area.
3. Limitations and Restrictions
a. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as granting or creating any franchise
rights.
b. This Agreement is not a grant by City of any property interest but is made subject
and subordinate to the prior and continuing right of City to use all the Highways,
including but not limited to, public use as a street and for the purpose of laying,
installing, maintaining, repairing, protecting, replacing and removing sanitary
sewers, water mains, storm drains, gas mains, poles, overhead and underground
electric and telephone wires, electroliers, cable television and other utility and
municipal uses together with appurtenances thereof and with right of ingress and
egress, along, over, across and in said Highways.
c. This Agreement shall not create a vested right of any nature in Aspire to use the
Highways. This Agreement is made subject to all easements, restrictions,
conditions, covenants, encumbrances and claims of title which may affect the
Highways, and it is understood that Aspire, at its own cost and expense, shall obtain
such permission as may be necessary consistent with any other existing rights. No
reference herein to "Highways" shall be deemed to be a representation or guarantee
by City that its interest or other rights to control the use of such property is sufficient
to permit its use for such purposes. It is not a warranty of title or interest in any
Highways. It does not confer rights other than as expressly provided in the grant
hereof, and Aspire shall be deemed to gain only those rights to use as are properly
in City and as City may have the undisputed right and power to give.
d. This Agreement only authorizes Aspire to use the portions of the Highways
specifically described in one or more encroachment permits if and when issued by
the City. It does not require the City to approve any particular encroachment permit
applications, nor does it provide Aspire with any interest in any particular location
within the Highways. This Agreement shall not be deemed to approve any
particular design or installation technique. Certain specific physical design aspects
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of the Aspire -Owned Facilities and detailed approvals of the installation of the
Aspire -Owned Facilities will occur through the issuance of specific permits and
approvals by the City.
e. This Agreement shall be for the non-exclusive use of the Highways. By executing
this Agreement, City does not agree to restrict the use of the Highways in all or any
part of the City by any person in the same business, a related business, or a
competing business as Aspire.
f. Aspire is not authorized to use any City property located outside of the Highways
nor may Aspire use any City -owned infrastructure located within the Highways
without the prior express written agreement of the City.
4. Installation of Aspire -Owned Facilities in Encroachment Areas.
All Aspire -Owned Facilities to be installed, maintained, operated, relocated and removed
under this Agreement shall be underground, provided City may grant written approval for limited
above -ground facilities, such as cabinets, only in separate, individual permits. The precise location
of any Aspire -Owned Facilities to be installed shall be subject to approval by the City Engineer or
their designee, as part of the encroachment permit process. Plans and specifications accurately
depicting the proposed location of all Aspire -Owned Facilities must be submitted with each permit
application. Aspire shall not materially alter, modify, or revise the approved plans or
specifications, including any changes that affect the location, size, or character of the Aspire -
Owned Facilities, without the City's prior written approval. No cabinets proposed to be installed
at a height of 42 inches or greater above travel way elevation will be approved or permitted within
the restricted area of a driveway or intersection, in accordance with the City's Standard Plans for
Line -of -Sight Corner Sight Distance at Driveways or Intersections.
5. Permitting Procedure.
a. Aspire Contact. Aspire shall designate and use a single point of contact who shall
have authority to make decisions on behalf of Aspire required or permitted under
this Agreement concerning all aspects of installation and operation of the Aspire -
Owned Facilities.
b. Encroachment Requirements. Aspire will comply with the City's requirements
in the permit application forms and standards for encroachments within City
Highways, including microtrenching detail as set forth in the City of Santa Clarita
Municipal Code and the Engineering Services Department documents available on
the webpage (https://santaclarita. og v/en ing eering-services, which may be
updated or modified from time to time in the City's sole discretion. Aspire's
"Sample Microtrenching Detail" in Exhibit A-2 is attached, pending City
Engineer's final discretion.
c. Permit Fees; Deposit. Aspire shall pay all application, plan review, permitting,
and inspection services fees set forth in the then -current Engineering Services
Schedule of Fees posted on the City's website. The City may, in its sole discretion,
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CITY DRAFT 10-9-2025
require Aspire to post and maintain a minimum deposit from which such fees and
costs will be withdrawn as City's services are performed, not to exceed eighty
thousand dollars ($80,000) per planned phase as described in Exhibit A-1. Upon
completion of all installation and inspection, any funds remaining will be returned
to Aspire within ninety (90) days.
d. Permit Processing. The City's Engineering Services Department will process all
permit applications, be responsible for the plan checks, inspections, and
communicating with Aspire, its contractors, and representatives. The City
acknowledges and agrees that in order for Aspire to timely perform its obligations
under this Agreement, time is of the essence in connection with permit processing.
Accordingly, City will endeavor to complete plan review or issue a permit within
fourteen (14) calendar days for any initial submittal that is complete and within
seven (7) calendar days for any resubmittal.
6. Performance Security. Prior to commencing construction in any individual
Encroachment Area, Aspire shall provide and maintain security to ensure substantial completion
of the Aspire -Owned Facilities in accordance with approved plans and specifications and
restoration of the Encroachment Area following construction. Such security shall be in the amount
of one million dollars ($1,000,000) per Encroachment Area, and shall be in the form of a
performance bond, letter of credit, or cash deposit, acceptable to City. Upon substantial completion
of construction within any individual Encroachment Area, City shall release the corresponding
security within a reasonable time.
7. Construction Notifications. Aspire shall make the following notifications to each
affected residence and business:
a. Pre -Construction Notices:
At least fourteen (14) calendar days before commencing construction of Aspire -
Owned Facilities in any individual street within the Encroachment Area, Aspire
shall post a door hanger that includes, at minimum, information about what to
expect during construction and contact information for Aspire.
ii. At least seventy-two (72) hours before commencing construction of Aspire -
Owned Facilities, Aspire shall place `No Parking' signs that include, at
minimum, the date(s) of construction, information regarding any parking
prohibitions, and contact information for Aspire, for use by affected
residents and businesses.
b. Post -Construction Notices: Upon completion of construction of Aspire -Owned
Facilities in any individual street within the Encroachment Area, Aspire shall
deliver a post -construction door hanger advising any affected residences and
businesses that construction has been completed.
c. City Notices: Except in the event of an emergency, Aspire shall provide notice to
City at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to any intended access of the Encroachment
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CITY DRAFT 10-9-2025
Area. In the event of an emergency (which shall include any loss of service), Aspire
shall provide notice to City as soon as practicable and if at all possible, prior to
accessing the Encroachment Area.
8. Standard of Care. All work and Aspire operations within the Encroachment Areas,
including any and all entry upon, over, under or along the Highways, must be performed under the
supervision of Aspire and its contractors, in a good and skillful manner, and in compliance with
all applicable standards contained in the Santa Clarita Municipal Code, and any and all applicable
local, state, and federal laws, statutes, codes, orders and regulations, including but not limited to
the then -current California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA-MUTCD), and any
other applicable City or State regulations, and California Public Utilities Commission General
Order 95 and General Order 128. Any and all damage to any property within the Encroachment
Area, including the Highways, resulting from the activities of Aspire must be repaired by Aspire
at Aspire's sole expense, to the condition existing prior to such activities, and to the reasonable
satisfaction of City. The excavation within any Highway by Aspire must be monitored by Aspire
for any lateral movement or other forms of trench failure. Aspire agrees to maintain its Aspire -
Owned Facilities in good operational and safe condition, in good condition as to aesthetic issues
including painting of equipment and refuse removal at work locations within the Encroachment
Areas.
9. Membership In Underground Service Alert. Pursuant to California Government
Code Section 4216.1, Aspire shall become a member of Underground Service Alert -Southern
California and shall field mark, at its sole expense, the locations of its underground Facilities upon
notification in accordance with the requirements of Section 4216 of the State of California
Government Code, as it now reads or may hereinafter be amended. Aspire shall furnish written
proof of such membership to the City Engineer within thirty (30) days of obtaining such
membership (or within 30 days of the date of this Agreement if such membership has been obtained
prior to the date of this Agreement). Repeal or amendment of Government Code Section 4216.1
shall not negate Aspire's obligation to maintain such membership, unless such repeal or
amendment disbands or eliminates Underground Service Alert -Southern California, and shall not
negate any notice requirement to City.
10. Coordination of Work with Other Permittees. Aspire shall coordinate work with
other utilities using the Highways in accordance with this Agreement and any requirements
imposed by any applicable encroachment permit. Aspire shall be solely responsible for any struck
or damaged utilities and shall take precautionary measures to protect all existing utilities. Prior to
excavating near any underground utilities, Aspire shall call Underground Service Alert -Southern
California (USA) at least two (2) full working days (48 hours) in advance at 811. Aspire is
responsible to directly notify any utility company that is not a USA member and provide them the
opportunity to mark their facilities in the field. Aspire shall be solely responsible for verifying the
horizontal and vertical location of all existing underground utilities in the work area by employing
necessary means, including but not limited to USA markings, ground penetrating radar ("GPR"),
and potholing/daylighting. Any utilities struck or damaged shall be repaired or replaced in kind at
the City Engineer's sole discretion and at Aspire's sole expense. In any work area where the City
or other utility provider is unable to identify utility mainlines or services locations, Aspire shall
construct facilities by open cut trench method to minimize the risk of striking utility services. All
0
CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-9-2025
trenches and pot -holes shall be backfilled in accordance with City of Santa Clarita Standards and
Specifications.
11. Operations Center. Aspire's operations center shall be available to City staff 24
hours a day, 7 days a week, regarding problems or complaints resulting from Aspire's activities
and Aspire -Owned Facilities installed pursuant to this Agreement and may be contacted by
telephone at: [ I regarding such problems or complaints. Aspire shall, upon an
emergency notification from City, dispatch a Aspire representative to arrive as needed within one
hour of receipt of the City's call.
12. Relocation of Facilities.
a. Relocations at Aspire's Expense. Whenever City (i) changes the grade, width or
location of any street or improves any street in any manner, including the laying of
any sewer, storm drain, conduits, gas, water, electric or other utility system, or other
pipes owned or operated by City or any other City -controlled public agency or City -
controlled public utility, (ii) constructs any pedestrian tunnels, (iii) moves existing
utilities where Aspire -Owned Facilities are located to an underground location, or
(iv) performs other work and such work will, in the sole opinion of City, render
necessary any change in the position or location of any of the Aspire -Owned
Facilities in or into the Highway, Aspire shall, at its own cost and expense, effect
such change in position or location, in reasonable conformity with the written notice
of City to Aspire, and make reasonable restorations as requested by City, which
shall be subject to all terms and conditions of this Agreement. This provision shall
not apply where Aspire has an easement superior to the subject easement at the time
of such written notice of City and can furnish evidence, when required, of such
superior easement.
b. Notice of Relocation. Aspire will be given not less than ninety (90) days' prior
written notice of any necessary relocation or rearrangement of Aspire -Owned
Facilities that Aspire is required to make hereunder. Such notice will specify in
reasonable detail the work to be performed by Aspire and will specify the time for
completion of the work to be accomplished. In the event City changes the
provisions of any such notice provided to Aspire, Aspire shall have an additional
period of time, not less than ninety (90) days, to accomplish such work, to the extent
reasonably feasible to complete performance of the work within such additional
period of time.
c. Remedy. If Aspire fails or refuses to relocate its affected Aspire -Owned Facilities
located in, on, upon, along, under, over, across or above any Highway or to pave,
surface, grade, repave, resurface or regrade in accordance with the provisions of
this Agreement, City may undertake commercially reasonable efforts to cause the
work to be performed by City or City contractors, and shall maintain itemized
records reasonably documenting the cost and expense associated therewith. Aspire
shall reimburse City for such cost and expense within thirty (30) days after
7
CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-9-2025
presentation to Aspire of the itemized records reasonably documenting such cost
and expense.
d. Expense of Others. Except as provided elsewhere in this Agreement, when
rearrangement of Aspire -Owned Facilities is done for the accommodation of any
third party, the cost of such rearrangement will be borne by such party, not Aspire.
e. Rearrangement of the Facilities of Others. Nothing contained in this Agreement
will be construed to (i) require City to move, alter or relocate any of its
infrastructure, utilities, or other facilities upon said Highways, at its own expense,
for the convenience, accommodation or necessity of any other public utility, person,
firm or corporation, or (ii) require City or any person, firm or corporation now or
hereafter owning a public utility system of any type or nature, to move, alter or
relocate any part of its system upon said streets for the convenience,
accommodation or necessity of Aspire. Likewise, Aspire is under no obligation to
pay for relocation of public utilities or other infrastructure in the Encroachment
Areas that is not owned and controlled by Aspire.
13. Utilities. Aspire will pay for all utilities necessary to operate the Aspire -Owned
Facilities. City will cooperate with Aspire's efforts to obtain utilities from any location provided
by City or the servicing utility. Aspire agrees to obtain utility access from the nearest possible
connection to minimize damage to the Highways, to the extent commercially reasonable and
acceptable to City.
14. As -Built Drawings. Aspire shall maintain accurate maps and improvement plans
of Aspire -Owned Facilities located within City. Prior to the City's release of the performance bond
for any individual phase of the network, Aspire shall provide the City with as -built drawings in
both PDF format and a GIS-compatible format.
15. Contractors. Any contractor or subcontractor used for the construction,
installation, operation, maintenance or repair of the Aspire -Owned Facilities must be properly
licensed under the laws of the state and all applicable local ordinances, and each contractor or
subcontractor shall have the same obligations with respect to its work as Aspire would have under
this Agreement and applicable law if the work were performed by Aspire. Aspire shall be
responsible for ensuring that the work of contractors and subcontractors is performed consistent
with this Agreement and applicable law, shall be responsible for all acts or omissions of contractors
or subcontractors, shall be responsible for promptly correcting acts or omissions by any contractor
or subcontractor, and shall implement a quality control program to ensure that the work is properly
performed. This section is not meant to alter tort liability of Aspire to third parties.
16. Hazardous Materials. Aspire shall not cause or permit the escape, disposal or
release of any Hazardous Materials within, upon or from the License Area, in any manner
prohibited by law. Aspire shall indemnify, defend and hold the Indemnified Parties harmless with
respect to any and all Losses, including but not limited to, all costs of remediation, removal and
disposal, arising out of or related to the release of any Hazardous Materials within the License
Area by License, or any of its employee, agents or contractors. For purposes of this License, the
term "Hazardous Materials" means any substance which is (i) designated, defined, classified or
CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-9-2025
regulated as a hazardous substance, hazardous material, hazardous waste, pollutant or contaminant
under any Environmental Law, as currently in effect or as hereafter amended or enacted, (ii) a
petroleum hydrocarbon, including crude oil or any fraction thereof and all petroleum products, (iii)
PCBs, (iv) lead, (v) asbestos, (vi) flammable explosives, (vii) infectious materials, or (viii)
radioactive materials. "Environmental Laws" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, 42 U.S.C. Sections 9601, et seq., the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, 42 U.S.C. Sections 6901, et seq., the Toxic Substances
Control Act, 15 U.S.C. Sections 2601, et seq., the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49
U.S.C. 5101, et seq., and the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. Sections 1251 et seq., as said laws have
been supplemented or amended to date, the regulations promulgated pursuant to said laws and any
other federal, state or local law, statute, rule, regulation or ordinance which regulates or proscribes
the use, storage, disposal, presence, clean-up, transportation or release or threatened release into
the environment of Hazardous Materials.
17. Assumption of Risk. Aspire shall assume all risk of damage to any and all other
property of Aspire, or any property under the control or custody of Aspire while upon or near the
Highways incident to the use of the Highways. Aspire releases City from any liability, including
claims for damages or extra compensation, arising from construction delays due to any activities
by City.
18. Limitation of City's Liability. Under no circumstances shall City be liable to
Aspire for any loss of service downtime, lost revenue or profits or third -party damages. Aspire
expressly acknowledges that the City is not responsible or liable to Aspire for any claims that arise
in connection with: (i) acts or omissions by persons or entities using the Highways or other areas
adjoining, adjacent to or connected with Aspire -Owned Facilities; (ii) any utility service
interruption; (iii) theft; (iv) burst, stopped or leaking water, gas, sewer, steam or other pressurized
pipes; (v) fires, floods, earthquakes or other force majeure; (vi) any casualty or accident on or
about the Highways or other City property; (vii) any costs or expenses incurred in connection with
any removal or restoration as provided in this Agreement.
19. Indemnification.
a. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Aspire agrees to defend and pay reasonable
attorney's fees and experts' costs, indemnify and hold the City, its elected and
appointed officials, officers, employees, and agents (the "Indemnified Parties")
harmless with respect to any and all claims, stop notices, judgments, penalties,
losses, damages, injuries and liability including, but not limited to, claims and
liability for bodily injury, death, and/or property damage (collectively, "Losses"),
arising out of, related to, or caused by the acts, omissions, or willful misconduct of
Aspire, its officials, officers, employee, consultants, or contractors related to or in
connection with the exercise of rights and/or performance of obligations under this
Agreement, except to the extent such Losses are caused by the active negligence or
willful misconduct of any of the Indemnified Parties.
b. Third -Parry Claims Indemnification. Aspire shall indemnify, defend and hold
harmless the Indemnified Parties from and against any and all third -parry claims,
0
CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-9-2025
lawsuits, actions, damages, costs or expenses suffered by the City Indemnified
Persons due to or arising out of any claims by or injuries or damage to persons or
property to the extent the same arise out of, are caused by or due to: (i) Aspire's
negligence or willful misconduct in exercising its rights and performing its
obligations under this Agreement; (ii) Aspire's noncompliance with or Default
under this Agreement; (iii) Aspire's failure to comply with applicable law in
connection with its performance under the Agreement. The City agrees to promptly
provide Aspire with notice of any claim which may result in a third -party
indemnification obligation hereunder. Aspire may defend such claim with counsel
of its own choosing provided that no settlement or compromise of any such claim
shall occur without the consent of the City, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld, conditioned or delayed.
c. Further, in the event any third party claim, action or proceeding is commenced
naming any of the City Indemnified Persons as defendant, respondent or cross
defendant arising or alleged to arise from the City's approval of this project or this
Agreement, Aspire shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City
Indemnified Persons from liability, damages, penalties, costs or expenses in any
such claim, action, or proceeding to set aside, void, or annul such City approval.
The City agrees to promptly provide Aspire with notice of any such claim, action,
or proceeding and will cooperate fully in the defense. If Aspire fails to defend such
claim, action, or proceeding, City may opt to provide its own defense, or to
terminate the Agreement without any liability to Aspire.
20. Exhibits. The following Exhibits are attached to this Agreement and incorporated
herein by this reference:
EXHIBIT A-1 - Buildout Schedule and Encroachment Areas
EXHIBIT A-2 - Aspire Sample Microtrenching Detail
[signature pages follow]
10
CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-9-2025
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and in order to bind themselves legally to the terms and
conditions of this License, each of the signatories hereto warrants and represents that he or she
has been duly authorized to execute this Agreement, and that this Agreement is binding on such
Parry in accordance with its terms.
CITY:
ASPIRE:
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
ASPIRE BROADBAND HOLDINGS INC.
a California municipal corporation
a Delaware Corporation
By:
By:
Name:
Name:
Title:
Title:
Date:
Date:
Attest:
[Name], City Clerk
11
CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-9-2025
EXHIBIT A-1
ENCROACHMENT AREAS
BELOW: PLANNED BUILD SCHEDULE
Encroachment
Area
Units
HHNMi
Linear
Footage
Linear Miles
Design Starts
Design
Completed
Permit Submit
Permit Received
Polygon 1
10,334
80
682,044
129
101202025
212012026
2J25P026
0152026
Polygon 2
7,356
80
485,496
92
111242025
312312026
3126f2026
5114f2026
Polygon 3
16,916
80
1,116,466
211
111212026
512912026
61312026
71222026
Polygon 4
1 7,345
80
484,770
92
31212026
1 712812026
7/312026
91182026
Polygon 5
7,756
80
511,830
97
81412026
912312026
91282026
1111612026
Polygon 6
8,230
80
543,180
103
913012026
12/7/2026
1211012026
11282027
Polygon 7
6,872
80
453,552
86
121142026
3111/2027
31162027
51412027
Polygon 8
7,497
75
527,789
100
311812027
612112027
6124P027
81122027
Polygon 9
4,119
75
289,978
55
62812027
101202027
1012512027
1211312027
Polygon 10
1,110
73
80,285
15
101272027
112112028
11262028
31152028
Totals
77,534
79.10
5,175,379
980
BELOW: ENCROACHMENT AREA PHASES
V
lY.
Polygon 4
Polygon 6
Polygon 2
Polygon 9
Wsnl. a
Polygon 1
�`auo[ry
Cwb 5anda Clan 8` pan'l — R.t.—'n
Polygon 3 Polygon 7 R �="o h G.1f
Potygon 8
�I
slave xmn '� �
R anh �, Polygon 10
Na:N YI
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Polygon 5� t
y L
+1' Santa C lama
Vbodl-des Park
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�. OAI'm(Do,%rAAh'
12
Vault and Lateral Detail Samples
TUNNELTYPICAL CONSTRUCTION DETAIL 01 TUNNEL TYPICAL CONSTRUCTION DETAIL 02
SCALE: N.T.S. SCALE: N.T.S
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7
SR.CCTION A
0 MICROTRENCH.
G MICROTRENCH.
O TUNNEL UNDER EXISTING CONCRETE SIDE- D TUNNE. UNDER EXIST Nr ;:�LNCRETE SIDE'nv.. I:
WITH WATER JET. WI TH WATER JET.
NS NEW Q DUCT DROP OFF LOCATION COVER WITH �% y NFLL_
NATIVESOIL.
TO EQUAL OR c..v
_CITY OF SANTA CIARITA TYPICAL CONSTRUCTION NOTES:
CATALOG
BROADMAN0 STREETS. NO MT THROUGH CONCRETE
S. THERNO PLASTIC STRIPING i0 BE RESTOREC IN
rmee,monno en wueewee<n. w.a s..E. 1J9/ :I J.
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NCEDTOEEMLOhNDP1111 PVE DH •:TH
,• T.DETAIL 002 N.T.S:..,.... m,��•46� Exp: 09130/2027 c,n�.b ,Wa
M
CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
EXHIBIT B
CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
EXHIBIT B
FIBER LEASE
This Fiber Lease Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into this day of
, 2025 (the "Effective Date") by and between the CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
a California municipal corporation ("City") and ASPIRE BROADBAND HOLDINGS INC. a
Delaware Corporation ("Aspire"). For the purposes of this Agreement, City and Aspire may be
referred to collectively as the "Parties" or individually as a "Party."
In consideration of the mutual promises and agreements contained in that certain Fiber -to -
the -Premises (FTTP) Project Agreement by and between the Parties with effective date of ,
2025, and in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Term and Termination of Agreement. The term of this Agreement shall commence on
the Effective Date hereof and, shall be coterminous with that certain Fiber -to -the -Premises
(FTTP) Project Agreement by and between the parties (the "Term"), unless earlier
terminated for default in accordance with the Agreement.
2. Grant of Right to Use Leased Fibers
a. Grant. Subject to the terms and conditions herein, the City grants to Aspire an
exclusive lease of those dark fiber strands in the City's Fiber Optic Network
installed within the City's Highways which are specifically identified in Exhibit
B-1 (the "Leased Fibers") for the Term.
b. Limitations on Grant. This grant of Leased Fibers is made subject to all
easements, restrictions, conditions, covenants, encumbrances and claims of title
which may affect the City's Fiber Optic Network installed within the City's
Highways. No reference herein to "Highways" shall be deemed to be a
representation or guarantee by City that its interest or other rights to control the use
of such property is sufficient to permit its use for such purposes. It is not a warranty
of title or interest in any Highways. This Agreement does not confer rights other
than as expressly provided in the grant hereof, and Aspire shall be deemed to gain
only those rights to use as are properly in City and as City may have the undisputed
right and power to give. Nothing herein shall be construed as to be a representation,
warranty or covenant of the City's right, title or interest with respect to the terms
and limitations under which is at all times subject and subordinate to, and shall not
be construed to be greater than, any and all agreements, licenses, permits,
regulatory approvals and authorizations, and other rights, consents, and approvals
that are necessary to construct, install, maintain, operate, and repair the City's Fiber
Optic Network.
c. Title; No Encumbrances. The City's Fiber Optic Network, including the Leased
Fibers, shall at all times be and remain the personal property of the City. The Leased
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CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
Fibers do not include any right on the part of Aspire to encumber, pledge, or cause
or permit any security or lien to attach to the Leased Fibers, the City's Fiber Optic
Network, or any other property belonging to the City. Any attempted grant of a
security interest or lien by Aspire in the Leased Fibers, the City's Fiber Optic
Network or other City property shall be null and void. If such lien shall be filed,
Aspire shall discharge same by payment, bond or otherwise, within ten (10) days
subsequent to the date of its receipt of notice thereof from the City.
d. Limited Warranty:. The Leased Fibers are single -mode fiber optic strands and
shall be delivered to Aspire in good working condition and capable of supporting
standard optical transmission. Except as expressly stated herein, the Leased Fibers
are otherwise provided "as is," and the City makes no additional representations or
warranties as to their fitness for Aspire's specific intended purpose..
e. Other City Fiber or Conduit. This Agreement does not allow Aspire to use or
access any of the other fiber optic strands or conduit contained in the City's Fiber
Optic Network other than the Leased Fibers, except with the City's express written
permission.
3. Limitations on Aspire's Use of Leased Fibers. Aspire may use the Leased Fibers for the
purpose of connecting the Leased Fibers to other Aspire -Owned Facilities in order to
provide residential and commercial broadband and related data services; and Aspire may
also sublease or grant a right to use the Leased Fibers, or sell or otherwise permit use by
third parties of capacity carried over the Leased Fibers as a "lit" service; provided that
Aspire may not use the Leased Fibers to provide any services that are currently classified
as telecommunications services or video services under state or federal law. Aspire shall
not use the Leased Fibers in a way that interferes in any way with or adversely affects the
use of the fibers or cable of any other person using the City's Fiber Optic Network.
4. Splicing. Aspire shall (a) have the right and responsibility to perform and immediately
cure its own splicing work with respect to the Leased Fibers and (b) be liable at Aspire's
sole cost and expense for errors, damage, or outages caused by Aspire's splicing work.
Aspire shall be required to obtain the City's written approval prior to splicing any specific
Leased Fiber. All splicing shall be done within Aspire's own vaults/handholes according
to "Aspire's Fiber Specifications" (see Exhibit B-5). Aspire shall utilize fiber jumper cable
to connect to City's Fiber Optic Network. All splicing, testing, maintenance, and repair by
Aspire shall be performed in accordance with the City's then -current "Fiber Splicing and
Testing Standards, Specifications, and Procedures (FSTSSP)"(see Exhibit B-6). Any or all
fiber integration and fiber splicing, including all necessary permitting and payment of
inspection -related costs, must be completed by Aspire in possession of a C-10 license in
good standing with the State of California and in possession of all necessary permits,
licenses, inspections, certificates, or authorizations required by any governing body or
entity. A City representative may elect to be present at the time of the fiber integration
work and shall be notified ten (10) days prior to any work.
5. Non -Exclusive License to Use Ancillary City Facilities. The Parties acknowledge that
the City's Fiber Optic Network includes or will include other users, including the City and
CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
third parties. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Aspire is granted a
non-exclusive license to use City -owned vaults, manholes, hand holes, and other City
property used to access, maintain and operate the City's Fiber Optic Network as reasonably
necessary for Aspire to access the Leased Fibers.
6. Right to Request Additional Fiber Strands Within the Same Segment(s) as the Leased
Fibers. If Aspire is currently using eighty percent (80%) or more of the Leased Fibers in
any given segment identified in Exhibit B-1, and Aspire has plans to increase its fiber use
in said segment beyond one hundred percent (100%) of the Leased Fibers, Aspire may
request from the City the right to use additional fiber strands in that segment. The City
may approve or deny Aspire's request in the City's sole and absolute discretion. If the City
is willing to grant Aspire the right to use same, the Parties shall memorialize the terms and
conditions for Aspire's right to the additional fiber strands by executing a Leased Fiber
Supplement on the form provided as Exhibit B-2 to this Agreement.
7. Right to Request Additional Fiber Strands Within Other Segments of the City's Fiber
Optic Network. At any time and from time to time during the Term, Aspire may request
the right to use additional fiber strands in additional segments of the City's Fiber Optic
Network. The City may approve or deny Aspire's request in the City's sole and absolute
discretion. If the City is willing to grant Aspire the right to use same, the Parties shall
memorialize the terms and conditions for Aspire's right to the additional fiber strands in
the additional segments of the City's Fiber Optic Network by executing a Leased Fiber
Supplement on the form provided as Exhibit B-2 to this Agreement.
8. Maintenance; SLA. As the owner of the City's Fiber Optic Network, the City shall be
responsible for all maintenance and repair of same in accordance with the Service Level
Agreement in Exhibit B-3. Aspire, and not the City, shall be responsible for the repair and
maintenance of all Aspire -Owned Facilities.
9. Right to Use Colocation Space in City's Data Center(s). Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the City shall provide Aspire with colocation space, at the
City's Data Center located at 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California 91355,
for up to three (3) cabinets not to exceed a total square footage of
("Colocation Space"). The Parties may augment the Colocation Space, upon mutual
agreement (which may include additional compensation), to include more square footage
or space at other future City -owned locations identified in Exhibit B-4. Aspire's use of
Colocation Space is subject to the terms set forth in this section:
a. Aspire shall pay the City Colocation Fee as provided in the FTTP Project
Agreement.
b. Aspire shall have 24x7x365 unescorted access to the Colocation Space. The
Colocation Space in the City's Data Center is accessed through a locked card key
access door. Aspire employees and contractors will need authorization from the
City to obtain card keys for access.
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CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
c. Aspire shall use the Colocation Space solely for the purpose of installing,
maintaining, connecting and utilizing Aspire -owned equipment necessary for the
operation of its FTTP network. The Colocation Space shall not be used for storage
of materials or tools or decommissioned or failed equipment or for co -location of
third -party equipment.
d. Aspire shall be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the Colocation Space
and for replacing or repairing, to the reasonable satisfaction of the City, any damage
caused to the Colocation Space or the Data Center arising from Aspire's activities.
e. Aspire shall not interfere, or allow the operation of equipment it uses to interfere,
with the City or any other occupants of the Data Center.
f. Aspire shall be responsible for the security of its equipment including using
appropriate lockable cabinets or racks for housing of equipment or installing a
secure cage.
g. The City will be responsible for the general maintenance of the building such as
lighting and bulb replacement, janitorial services, waste removal and sweeping of
floors to maintain cleanliness, and will provide climate and environmental controls
for the Colocation Space which are suitable for the placement of standard
commercial FTTP network and internet access equipment, with commercial power
backed up by the City's generator. The City will be responsible for ongoing fueling,
operations, maintenance, monitoring, repair, and replacement of the climate and
environmental controls only.
h. Any necessary electrical upgrades shall be paid for by Aspire, which may include
redundant AC power consisting of 2 x 20 Amp feeds at 208/240 Volt per cabinet,
with the power to be backed up by the City's UPS and generator.
No mechanics' lien or other liens shall be filed against the property of the City, or
any improvement thereon, by reason of or arising out of any labor or materials
furnished to Aspire. If such lien shall be filed, Aspire shall discharge same by
payment, bond or otherwise, within ten (10) days subsequent to the date of its
receipt of notice thereof from the City.
j. Except as expressly stated herein, the Colocation Space shall be delivered to Aspire
"as is" and no representation has been made by the City as to the fitness of the
Colocation Space for Aspire's intended purpose.
10. Cooperative Use of Shared Facilities; Liability. Pursuant to the rights granted to Aspire
by this Agreement, the Parties will be sharing use of certain City fiber cable, and associated
facilities during the Term. It is the shared objective of the Parties to minimize, to the extent
reasonably feasible, any interference with or interruption in either Party's use of the
facilities that are the subject of this Agreement. Each of Aspire and the City covenants to
the other Party that it shall exercise its rights and perform its obligations under this
Agreement and in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, in a
5
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CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
manner that reasonably cooperates and coordinates with the other Parry in good faith in
order to accomplish the above stated objective. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained elsewhere in this Agreement should the negligence or willful misconduct of
either Party in exercising its rights or performing its obligations under this Agreement
cause damage to facilities and/or other property belonging to the other Parry, the Parry
responsible for the damage shall bear the costs of the required repair, restoration and/or
replacement; provided however that neither parry shall be liable to the other Parry for any
special, incidental, indirect, punitive or consequential costs, liabilities or damages, whether
foreseeable or not, arising out of, or in connection with such Party's performance of its
obligations under this Agreement.
11. Relocation. In the event that the City is required for any other reason beyond the City's
reasonable control, to relocate or modify any or all of the cable in the City's Fiber Optic
Network on a segment that includes the Leased Fibers, the City's costs for any such work
shall be shared on a pro rata basis with Aspire. The City shall not be responsible for the
costs of, nor shall it be liable for, the removal, relocation or replacement of any Aspire
equipment or other Aspire property on Aspire's side of the demarcation point. If the
relocation or replacement of the cable is requested or caused by a third parry, the City shall
attempt to obtain reimbursement of the City's costs from said third parry. Notice to Aspire
will be provided as soon as reasonably practicable. The City shall not incur liability for
any outage, disruption, degradation, interference, or interruption of any service in
connection with any such removal or relocation. Aspire and City shall cooperate in
performing such relocation or modifications so as to minimize any interference with the
use of the Leased Fibers and the cable and to avoid conflicting physically or otherwise
interfering with joint users of the cable or any other property impacted by the installation,
construction, maintenance or use of the Cable, to the extent reasonably possible. Any such
relocation shall be accomplished consistently with the City's specifications.
12. Capacity on City's Lit Fiber Connection to One Wilshire. The City has the right to use
certain dark fibers connecting the City's Fiber Optic Network to the carrier hotel in
downtown Los Angeles known as One Wilshire (the "One Wilshire Fibers") pursuant to
an agreement with Crown Castle (the "Crown Castle Agreement"). The City has installed
and maintains equipment that has lit the One Wilshire Fibers, is allowed, under the Crown
Castle Agreement, to sell lit capacity on the One Wilshire Fibers. Subject to the terms and
conditions of the Crown Castle Agreement, and in exchange for payment of a monthly
recurring charge of $3,200 to the City, Aspire shall have the right to connect to the One
Wilshire Fibers from Santa Clarita City Hall and use 40 Gbps bandwidth on the One
Wilshire Fibers ("Lit Capacity"). Aspire's right to use Lit Capacity shall be for the Term,
or such shorter period as provided in the next sentence. If the Crown Castle Agreement
expires or terminates for any reason, and the City, in its sole discretion, does not extend or
renew it, this Section 12 shall automatically terminate without any further obligation or
liability by City. The City will provide Aspire with sixty (60) days advance notice of any
anticipated termination.
13. Exhibits. The following Exhibits are attached to this Agreement and incorporated herein
by this reference:
0
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CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
EXHIBIT B-1 -
Leased Fiber Strands
EXHIBIT B-2 -
Supplemental Leased Fiber Form
EXHIBIT B-3 -
City Maintenance SLA
EXHIBIT B-4 -
City Datacenter(s) Colocation Space
EXHIBIT B-5 -
Aspire's Fiber Specifications
EXHIBIT B-6 -
Fiber Splicing and Testing Standards, Specifications, & Procedures
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and in order to bind themselves legally to the terms and
conditions of this License, each of the signatories hereto warrants and represents that he or she
has been duly authorized to execute this Agreement, and that this Agreement is binding on such
Parry in accordance with its terms.
CITY:
ASPIRE:
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
ASPIRE BROADBAND HOLDINGS INC.
a California municipal corporation
a Delaware Corporation
By:
By:
Name:
Name:
Title:
Title:
Date:
Date:
Attest:
[Name], City Clerk
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CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
EXHIBIT B-1
LEASED FIBER STRANDS
<TO BE INSERTED>
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CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
EXHIBIT B-2
SUPPLEMENTAL LEASED FIBERS FORM
LEASED FIBERS FORM NO. 202X-XX Date: Month XX, 202X
This Supplemental Segments of Leased Fibers Form ("Leased Fibers Form") is entered into on
Xnd day of XXXXX, 20XX, and between Aspire ("Aspire") and the CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
("City") with respect to the following:
A. The parties wish to establish a Supplemental Segment(s) of Leased Fibers Form to grant an
exclusive license, subject to the terms and conditions of the Fiber Lease Agreement, for use by Aspire for
the following City Leased Fibers:
AMENDMENT:
1. The "Leased Fibers" attached as Exhibit "B-1" to the Original Agreement shall be augmented
by the following:
Fiber
Location A
Location Z
Descripti
Approx. Route
Route
End Point
End Point
on of
Distance
Identifier
Fiber
[INSERT STREET
[INSERT STREET
ADDRESS]
ADDRESS]
Fiber
[CITY, STATE ZIP
[CITY, STATE ZIP
strands
Route X
CODE]
CODE]
single
ft.
Lat: [INSERT LAT]
Lat: [INSERT LAT]
mode dark
Long: [INSERT
Long: [INSERT
fiber
LONG]
LONG]
2. Additional Terms:
3. Except as otherwise set forth in this form, all other terms and conditions of the Original
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each parry has caused this Modification to be executed on the date
set forth above
ASPIRE
By:
Name: Date:
Title:
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
Los
Name:
Title:
Date:
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CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
EXHIBIT B-3
CITY DARK FIBER AND LIT SERVICE SLA
1. Defined Terms
a. "Routine Maintenance" is all preventive maintenance activities, upgrades and
repairs, including but not limited to those activities outlined in this Exhibit. City shall notify
Aspire at least seven (7) days prior to the date of any planned routine maintenance activity. In the
event that a City -planned activity is canceled or delayed for any reason as previously notified,
City shall notify Aspire at City's earliest opportunity and will comply with the provisions of the
previous sentence to reschedule any delayed activity.
b. "Non -Routine Maintenance" is all efforts and activities in response to an
emergency circumstance which requires restoration. City shall contact Aspire in the event
of accidental or unscheduled service disruption to coordinate emergency repair work and/or to
inform Aspire of the nature, extent, and expected duration of that work. At no time shall the
City reimburse or credit Aspire for any downtime or loss of revenue caused by City's planned
or unplanned, routine or non -routine, maintenance related to City's Fiber Optic Network.
2. General Terms / Notifications
a. City shall provide a means for Aspire to report trouble with the Dark Fiber and Lit
Services to trained and qualified personnel on a twenty-four (24) hours a day, (7) seven days a
week basis, which may include a City contractor or consultant ("Technician"). Aspire shall report
trouble to the City at 661-255-4388. Helpdesk during normal business hours as defined herein and
outside normal business hours in accordance with the escalation list "City Escalation List"
described in this Section 2(c). The normal business hours shall mean and refer to the hours
between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, Mondays through Fridays, except for City
observed holidays. The City shall dispatch a Technician along the Fiber Optic Network to handle
and repair problems reported by Aspire or otherwise discovered by the City.
b. The Technician shall be available for dispatch twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven
(7) days a week. City shall use best efforts to have its Technician at the site requiring a non -
routine maintenance activity within four (4) hours from notification by Aspire or other discovery
by the City, whichever occurs first. In the event that the Dark Fibers are spliced to Third Party
Fiber, Aspire shall dispatch the third party's maintenance personnel to determine if the problem is
on the City's Dark Fibers or the Third Party Fiber network before the City dispatches a Technician
to restore the Dark Fibers; however, the City's four (4) hour response interval described in this
Section 2(b) shall not be deferred or extended due to the time taken by the third party to determine
the location of the problem.
C. Aspire shall utilize the City Escalation List provided by City, to report and seek
immediate initial redress of exceptions noted in the performance of City in meeting maintenance
service objectives. City may update the Operations Escalation List from time to time.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA Escalation Contact List
Tie Contact Title Tel.# I Email Address
r
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CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
1
City Helpdesk
2
Information Services
Manager
d. City shall take workmanlike care to prevent impairment to the signal continuity and
performance of the Dark Fiber. The precautions to be taken by City shall include notification to Aspire.
In addition, City shall reasonably cooperate with Aspire in sharing information and analyzing the
disturbances regarding the Dark Fiber and/or Fiber Optic Network.
e. Routine maintenance work that is reasonably expected to produce any signal
discontinuity must be coordinated between the parties, and performed in accordance with Scheduled
Maintenance Procedures. " Scheduled Maintenance Procedures" or "SMP" means a pre -arranged
period of time reserved for performing certain work on City' s Fiber Optic Network that may impact
communication services. Unless otherwise agreed by Aspire, SMP will be completed after 6:00 p.m.
and before 6:00 a.m., local time. Major Fiber Optic Network work such as fiber rolls and hot cuts will
also be scheduled utilizing SMP.
f. City shall maintain the Dark Fiber in a manner that permits normal operation of the
equipment associated with the Dark Fiber. Such maintenance includes, but is not limited to,
landscaping, weed control, fence repair, smoke detectors, air conditioning, power, and trash
removal.
g. Aspire shall provide and maintain titles and telephone numbers of primary and
secondary contact personnel "Aspire Escalation List" who are trained in trouble -shooting network
problems. These personnel will diagnose potential problems with Aspire's equipment and
determine there are no problems with such equipment prior to making a Non -Routine Maintenance
request to City.
Aspire Escalation Contact List
Tie
r
Contact Title
Tel.#
Email Address
1
2
3
3. Facilities
a. City shall maintain the Dark Fiber in conformance with the Specifications in a
manner that permits normal operation of the Dark Fibers.
b. City shall perform appropriate Routine Maintenance on the Fiber Optic Network in
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CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
accordance with City's then current preventive maintenance procedures that shall not substantially
deviate from industry practice and shall be responsible for correcting dysfunction.
4. Fiber Optic Network
a. City shall maintain the Fiber Optic Network in good and operable condition and shall
repair the fiber in workmanlike manner.
b. City shall perform appropriate routine maintenance on the Fiber Optic Network in
accordance with City's then current preventative maintenance procedures. City's
maintenance procedures shall not substantially deviate from industry practice.
C. City responsibility ends at demarcation point. Testing would take place from
demarcation point A to demarcation location Z.
5. Restoration
a. When restoring a cut fiber, the parties agree to work together to restore all traffic as
quickly as possible. City, upon arriving on the site of the cut, shall determine the best course of
action to be taken to restore the fiber and shall begin restoration efforts as required in the
Agreement.
b. It will be the responsibility of City and Aspire to report to one another
respectively of any known environmental hazards that would restrict or jeopardize any
maintenance work activities in shelters or right of way areas of operations.
C. Upon notification of interruption of fiber service, disrepair, impairment or other
need for repair or restoration of the Dark Fiber and the location of the damaged Dark Fiber, City
shall pursue commercially reasonable efforts to mobilize technicians to achieve necessary repair or
restoration, including, but without limitation, to have maintenance personnel at the affected site
within four (4) hours after receipt of such notice with the required restoration material and
equipment. If Aspire's use of the Dark Fiber is interrupted due to the occurrence of a Force
Maj eure event, the non -performing party will contact the other party and repairs and restoration
will be made as expeditiously aspossible.
d. The requirement for detection of the fault location is "as exact as possible" utilizing
test records, fiber documentation, GPS coordinates and OTDR test results of the affected Dark
Fiber. Subject to the priorities described above, if Aspire's use of the Dark Fiber is interrupted due
to an occurrence of a Force Majeure event, repairs and restoration shall be made as expeditiously
as possible.
e. For purposes of this section, "commercially reasonable efforts" means activities and
performances consistent with prudent utility practice, existing contract provisions for City hourly
employees, preserving Fiber Optic Network integrity, and response times that do not jeopardize the
health and safety of the employees and agents of City and Aspire.
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CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
f City maintenance employees or contractors shall be responsible for correcting or
repairing fiber discontinuity or damage, including, but not limited to, the non -routine repair of the
Dark Fibers. City shall use commercially reasonable efforts to repair the Dark Fiber's traffic -
affecting discontinuity as soon as possible after learning of the discontinuity or the service
affecting situation.
g. City shall maintain sufficient capability to teleconference with Aspire during a non -
routine repair in order to provide continuous communication. Restoration of open fibers on fiber
strands not immediately required for service, the repair shall be scheduled for the next available
SMP.
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CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
EXHIBIT B-4
City Datacenter(s) Colocation Space
Facilities to be used:
City Hall, Transit Maintenance Facility, Canyon Country Community Center
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CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
Exhibit B-5
Aspire's Fiber Specifications
1. Type and Constitution. Single -mode Dark Fibers are made of high grade doped silica core
surrounded by a silica cladding; and coated with a dual layer, UV -cured acrylic -based coating.
Properties
Units
Single
Mode
Single Mode
Enhanced
MetroCor
NZDSF
Glass Geometry
Mode Field Diameter at 1310 nm
(dam)
9.2 t 0.4
9.2 t 0.4
N/A
N/A
Mode Field Diameter at 1550 nm
(dam)
10.4 t 0.8
10.4 t 0.8
8.1 t 0.5
9.2 t 0.8
Fiber Attenuation
Maximum value at 1310 nm
(dB/km)
0.4
0.4
0.5
N/A
Maximum value at 1550 nm
(dB/km)
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
2. Fiber Optic Specification
Bi-directional splice value ("Splice Value") < 0.20 dB at 1550 nm. In exceptional cases, a
Splice Value may be accepted if its value is higher than 0.20 dB at 1550 nm. An exception case is, for
instance, when three (3) re -trials of a splice cannot improve the Splice Value. The Splice Value will be
given by the equation:
(Splice attenuation from A to B) + (Splice attenuation from B to A)
2
(a) Splice attenuation average ("Splice Attenuation Average") < 0.15 dB at 1550 nm. The
Splice Attenuation Average is given by:
E Splice Values
Number of splices in the Route Segment
(b) It is recognized by the Parties that due to the use of ribbon fiber optic cable on some
of the segments, the Splice Value of individual splices may exceed 0.20 dB. However, the Splice
Attenuation Average for any Route Segment as designated in (b) above shall supersede all other
splicing requirements.
3. Connectors
(a) Maximum Connector/pigtail loss. The attenuation contribution of each pigtail with
associated connector is considered to be 1.0 dB, comprised of 0.8 dB connector loss and 0.20 dB
splice loss (pigtail to cable splice).
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CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
4. Fiber Optic Test Parameters
I. Standard Fiber Optic Testing_
(a) Bi-directional OTDR
(i) Span traces will be captured at 1310nm and 1550nm. Traces will be
provided in native format and / or PDF.
(b) Bi-Directional Power Meter.
(i) Bi-Directional power meter results will be furnished with light source
data at 1550nm. Data will be supplied in a excel format with all locations clearly
identified including demarcation details.
11. Additional Fiber Optic Testing (for an additional charge):
(a) Optical Return Loss/Reflectance
(i) The ORL value measures the total light reflected back to the
transmitter caused by the system components of the fiber under test and can degrade
the performance by affecting the stability of the laser; this in turn can create bit errors.
(ii) Specifications — ORL
Vendor and Telcordia specifications regarding Optical Return Loss are as
follows:
Parameter Required Threshold
Optical Return Loss >30 dB
(b) Polarization Mode Dispersion.
(i) PMD is caused by different polarizations of the light pulse traveling
along the fiber at slightly different speeds due to imperfections of size and material
properties along the length of the fiber. This causes the light pulses or waveforms to
spread out or broaden causing possible bit error rate of the transmission signal. The
higher the bandwidth, the shorter the pulse and the increase of importance of testing
prior network turn up.
(ii) Polarization -Mode Dispersion Measurement for Single -Mode Optical
Fibers by Interferometry Method.
(iii) PMD coefficient of the tested fiber should not exceed <0.2 ps/kmv2.
(c) Chromatic Dispersion
(i) Chromatic Dispersion is the broadening or spreading of a pulse of light
due to the nonzero spectral width of a transmission signal. The effects of chromatic
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CITY DRAFT 10-9-25
dispersion can limit the network transmission rate or the length of fiber a signal can
be transmitted before requiring re -generation.
(ii) Specifications — Chromatic Dispersion
(iii) Record the total Chromatic dispersion for the tested span, the value per
kilometer should be within the range specified below.
Type
Dispersion @ 1550nm
SMF (ITU-T 6.652.D)
<18 ps/(nm*km)
ELEAF (ITU-T G.655)
4 ps/(nm*km)
TrueWave RS (ITU-T G.655)
4.5 ps/(nm*km)
TrueWave Classic (early G.655)
2 ps/(nm*km)
DSF (ITU-T G.653)
0 ps/(nm*km)
SMF-LS
-1 ps/(nm*km)
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EXHIBIT B-6
FIBER SPLICING AND TESTING STANDARDS,
SPECIFICATIONS, AND PROCEDURES
1. Fiber and Connector Standards
1.1 Connector Standards
City shall use connectors with a UPC polish. The loss value of any pigtail connector and
any associated fiber jumper or pigtail with matching mode field diameters will not exceed
0.5dB at 1550 nm. The loss value of a connector and its associated jumper with mismatched
mode field diameters should not exceed 0.8 dB.
1.2 Field Splice Standards
All splices shall be fusion splices. The objective for each splice is an averaged loss value
of 0.1 dB or less when measured bi-directionally with an OTDR at 1550 nm. In the event
of damage and subsequent restoration of the Fibers, commercially reasonable efforts will
be made to restore the Fibers to this standard. If after 3 restoration splicing attempts, City
is not able to produce a loss value of 0.1 dB or less bi-directionally at 1550 nm, then 0.5
dB or less bi-directionally at 1550 nm will be acceptable. Fibers not meeting the 0.1 dB or
less specification will be identified as Out of Specification (OOS). Documentation of the
three attempts (reburns) to bring the OOS fiber within specification will be provided.
1.3 Span Loss
It is City's responsibility to ensure proper continuity of all fibers at the fiber level, not just
the pigtail level. Any "frogs" or fibers that cross in the route will be remedied by City. The
attenuation as measured by a light source and power meter shall not exceed the following:
Maximum Allowable Attenuation per Fiber Span = (A * L) + (0.1 * N) + (0.5 * C)
A = 0.3 dB per kilometer (at 1550 nm)
L = Optical length of cable measured in kilometers (from OTDR trace) N = Number of splices
in the span
C = Number of mated connector pairs in the span. The connector loss will not exceed 0.5dB
per mated pair.
1.4 Reflectance
The maximum reflectance per event, as measured by an OTDR, shall not exceed —4OdB.
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CITY DRAFT 10-7-25
2. Naming of Traces
OTDR traces taken for bi-directional testing, and the OTDR traces of the pigtail splice
must be recorded on floppy diskette and provided to Lessee. To name the traces, each
party will provide alpha abbreviations for the sites. The 8-character file name plus 3-
character file extension name should follow this example:
First four letters = source point
Letters 5, 6, 7 = Destination point
Bch letter = wavelength
Extension = fiber number
Examples:
Springfield to Lebanon at 1550 nm, fiber 96 = sgfdlbn5.096
Springfield to Monett pigtail trace on fiber 1 = sgfdmntp.001
NOTE: ALL HEADER INFORMATION ON OTDR TRACE MUST BE
COMPLETED.
3. Test Packages
Aspire shall provide a package containing the following test data for each fiber. All data
provided should be provided to Lessee in digital format.
A. Bi-directional OTDR span traces taken at 1550 nm.
B. An Excel spreadsheet containing the power meter and light source data for both
directions at 1550 nm. Should also include the average for each fiber.
C. A document identifying splice points with OOS test results. Should also include
documentation supporting the three reburn attempts.
D. The test data shall not include any test of third -party connections or any other
connections than the Dark Fiber identified in the applicable Route Order.
E. An electronic GIS map file, such as a KMZ or shapefile, depicting the Route Order.
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CITY DRAFT 10.7.25
EXHIBIT C
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CITY DRAFT 10.7.25
EXHIBIT C
ASPIRE SERVICE INTERNET SERVICE AND SLA
Initial Dedicated Internet Access Circuit. Within approximately one -hundred and eighty
(180) days after the City has granted Aspire access to the colocation space in the City Data
Center, Aspire shall initially provide to the City, at no charge, a dedicated Internet access
circuit having a bandwidth of 10 Gbps / 10 Gbps, with BGP peering for City's IP Address
Block ("Internet Access Service"), which shall continue through the Term of this
Agreement. This initial Internet access circuit shall be delivered to City Hall / City Data
Center, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California 91355.
2. Second Dedicated Internet Access Circuit. No later than the third anniversary of this
Agreement, Aspire shall provide to the City, at no charge, a second 10 Gbps / 10 Gbps
dedicated Internet Access circuit with BPG peering connected with geo-diverse network
and fiber path diversity to ensure fault tolerance of the City's Internet connections. The
second circuit shall be delivered to TMF, 28250 Constellation Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355
or another mutually agreed upon City facility and shall continue through the Term of this
Agreement.
Future Capacity Upgrades. During the Term of this Agreement, if the City's Internet
service needs are not satisfactorily met, then Aspire will, upon request by the City, provide
the City with an additional 10 Gbps of bandwidth to stay ahead of the City's needs.
4. Relocation. The locations at which any of the complimentary Internet access circuits are
provided to the City may be changed at any time and from time to time by mutual
agreement of the Parties.
5. Service Level Agreement. Aspire shall use reasonable efforts to ensure that the Internet
Access Service is available to City 24 hours per day, seven days per week, consistent with
Aspire's Enterprise Service Level Agreement ("SLA").
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CITY DRAFT 10.7.25
EXHIBIT C-1
Internet Supplement & SLAs
1. SCOPE.
This Exhibit C-1 and any additional exhibit(s) attached hereto apply to Internet products
licensed under an order form that specifies Internet as further defined in this Section. This
Supplement shall not apply to other products, including Ethernet, wavelength, dark fiber, or
colocation.
2. ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS.
"Product" means Internet connectivity and Bandwidth provisioned by Aspire at a Location.
Product includes, without limitation, the following types of Products:
"Internet Access" means Internet connectivity and Bandwidth provided via a connection at
Aspire's POP.
"Dedicated Internet Access" means Internet connectivity and Bandwidth provided via a local
access from a Location to Aspire's POP.
"Internet Integrated with SD -WAN" means Internet connectivity at a Location enabling a
software defined wide area network, an application aware, policy driven network, delivered by
an Edge Device (as defined in Exhibit C-3 attached hereto and incorporated by this reference) or
virtual instance of such device at the Location.
"Internet Access with Basic Firewall" means Internet Access with L4 stateful firewall and
static routing capabilities delivered by an Edge Device or virtual instance of such device without
advanced routing or other Managed Internet Router features.
"Dedicated Internet Access with Basic Firewall" means Dedicated Internet Access with L4
stateful firewall and static routing delivered by an Edge Device or virtual instance of such device
without advanced routing or other Managed Internet Router features.
"Managed Internet Router" means Internet Access or Dedicated Internet Access with an L4
stateful firewall for a single Location that includes static and dynamic advanced routing
capabilities that are enabled by an Edge Device or virtual instance of such device at the Location.
Access Port" means the port on Aspire's equipment at the Location which is the point of
attachment and entry into the Network (as defined in the Agreement), and the demarcation point
for the applicable Product.
"Bandwidth" means the amount of data (quantified as "Mbps" or "Gbps") made available to
City.
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CITY DRAFT 10.7.25
"Aspire's POP(s)" means Aspire's point of presence(s) at which Aspire provides interconnectivity
to its networks routes and facilities.
"Frame Delivery Rate" means the monthly average percentage of Internet Protocol ("IP") packets
successfully received from the relevant portion of the Network relative to the number of IP packets
offered to the Network between the Aspire's POPS and Access Port.
"Latency" means the monthly average round-trip transmission time (in milliseconds) for IP
packets to travel on the relevant portion of the Network between the Aspire's POPs and Access
Port. Latency is measured (i) between the Aspire's POPs and Access Port, and (ii) using Aspire's
network management systems or testing hardware. Aspire's network management systems or
testing hardware shall be the sole and conclusive source of measurements for the purposes of
measuring Latency.
"Location" is an address wherein Aspire will hand off product to City.
"Product Availability" means the percentage of minutes during a calendar month that the licensed
Product has not incurred a Product Outage. Product Availability is calculated as follows: (43,200
- total number of minutes of Product Outage during the calendar month) divided by 43,200.
"Product LD" means liquidated damages that City may be eligible to receive in the event of a
Product Outage or Product Performance Failure.
"Product Outage" means any period of time during which the Product is unable to send or receive
data.
"Product Performance Failure" means a failure of the Product to meet any performance
parameters set forth in Section 6.2.2 through 6.2.4 below. Product Performance Failure is not a
Product Outage.
3. SPECIFICATIONS.
The specifications applicable to Products are the performance parameters set forth in
Section 5 below.
4. USE BY CITY.
4.1 The Product provides IP transit service via the Network to the public Internet.
4.2 The Product is configured at designated speeds on a port(s) at the Location utilizing
Aspire's equipment. The selected speed of service, physical handoff type on the City's equipment
to the City, pricing and length of the initial Term shall be set out in the individual order form.
4.3 City shall utilize the Product(s) in compliance with all applicable international,
federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as abide by Aspire's Customer Acceptable
Use Policy, which is posted on Aspire's website at aspirebroadband.com and incorporated herein
by reference.
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CITY DRAFT 10.7.25
4.4 Upon expiration or termination of a Product for any reason, City agrees to return
to Aspire any IP addresses or address blocks assigned to City by Aspire.
5. SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT.
5.1 Product Service Level. Subject to this Section 5, in the event of a Product Outage to
any licensed Product or a Product Performance Failure, City may be entitled to a Product LD in
accordance with the applicable Service Level Objective set forth in Section 5.2 below. A Product
Outage, or Product Performance Failure as the case may be, shall be deemed to begin upon the
earlier of Aspire's actual knowledge of the same or Aspire's receipt of notice from City of the
same, and end when the Product is operational and in material conformance with the applicable
specifications. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Exhibit C-1, the Agreement or
any order form, in no event shall a Product Outage and/or Product Performance Failure and/or any
other defect or failure in the Product be deemed to be or constitute a breach by Aspire of this
Exhibit C-1, the Agreement or any order form. Traffic traversing the public Internet is not subject
or applicable to this Section 5 or this Exhibit C-1.
5.2 Service Level Objectives.
5.2.1 Product Availability.
If the Product Availability in any calendar month is less than the Product Availability
objective set forth in the table below, City shall be entitled to a Product LD equal to the
percentage of the applicable $2,000 set forth in the following table:
Quality Level
Product
Availability
Objective
Measure
ment
Timefra
me
Product LD
Cumulative Duration of
Product Outage(s)
% of $2000
Product
Availability
99.9
%
One
Month
0 to 2 hrs.
0%
>2 hrs. to 4 hrs.
10%
>4 hrs. to 8 hrs.
15%
>8 hrs. to 12 hrs.
20%
>12 hrs. to 24hrs.
25%
> 24 hrs.
30%
5.2.2 Latency.
If the actual monthly average Latency exceeds the number of milliseconds set forth in the
table below and such failure is quality -impacting, City shall be entitled to a Product LD equal to
the percentage of the applicable LD set forth in the following table:
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CITY DRAFT 10.7.25
LATENCY
Domestic US
Product LD
60ms or less
No LD
>60ms
$200
5.2.3 Frame Delivery Rate (Packet Delivery).
If the actual monthly average Frame Delivery Rate is less than the percentages set forth
in the left column of the table below and such failure is quality -impacting, City shall be entitled
to a Product LD equal to the percentage of the applicable MRC set forth in the following table:
FRAME DELIVERY RATE
Domestic US
Product LD
99.5% or greater
No LD
Less than 99.5%
10%
5.3 Product LDs. Product LDs hereunder are calculated as a percentage of the MRC set
forth in the order form, and may not be applied to usage charges, government fees, taxes, or
surcharges, or any third -party charges passed through to City by Aspire. Product LDs hereunder
may be paid only once per any given billing cycle. Product LDs issued to City hereunder shall be
City's sole and exclusive remedy at law or in equity on account of any Product Outage and/or
Product Performance Failure and/or any other defect or failure in the Product. Product LDs will
not be issued to City if City's account with Aspire is in arrears. If an incident affects the
performance of the Product and results in a period or periods of interruption, disruption, failure or
degradation in quality, entitling City to one (1) or more LDs under multiple quality level standards,
only the single highest LD with respect to that incident will be applied, and City shall not be
entitled to LDs under multiple quality level standards for the same incident. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary herein, the above -stated Product LDs shall not apply to off -net Products,
and in the event of any Product Outage or Product Performance Failure of any off -net Product
provided by Aspire to City, Aspire agrees to pass through a LD equal to the LD received by Aspire
from its underlying provider(s) for such Product Outage or Product Performance Failure, in lieu
of the above -stated Product LDs. In no event shall Aspire's total liability for any and all
interruptions, disruptions, failures, and/or degradations in quality (including, without limitation, any
Product Outage or Product Performance Failure) exceed $1,000 for the affected Product.
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CITY DRAFT 10.7.25
5.4 Product LD Request. City must submit a written request to claim a Product LD no
later than thirty (30) days following the event which gives rise to City's right to request the Product
LD. Failure to request an allowance within such period shall constitute a waiver of any claim for
a Product LD.
5.5 Events Excepted From Product LD. Notwithstanding the foregoing, City shall not
receive any Product LD for any Product Outage, Product Performance Failure, failure to meet any
objectives or parameters hereunder, or delay in performing repairs, arising from or caused, in
whole or in part, by any of the following events:
1) City's (including its agents, contractors and vendors) acts or omissions;
2) Failure on the part of City's equipment, City provided optical fiber, City's end user
equipment or City's vendor's equipment;
3) Failure of electrical power not provided by Aspire;
4) Election by City, after requested by Aspire, not to release the Product for testing
and repair;
5) Aspire's inability to obtain access required to remedy a defect in the Product or
restore DDoS Defense;
6) Scheduled maintenance periods;
7) Scheduled upgrade of Product at the request of City;
8) Force Majeure Event;
9) Disconnection or suspension of the Product by Aspire pursuant to a right provided
under this Exhibit C or the Agreement;
10) Failure of any local access circuits or lit services provided by City;
11) Aspire's inability to repair due to utility safety restrictions;
12) Unavailability of required City personnel, including as a result of City's failure to
provide Aspire with accurate, current contact information;
13) Improper or inaccurate network specifications provided by City;
14) Unavailability of required spectrum not due to the fault or negligence of Aspire
when fixed wireless is utilized in the provisioning of the Product;
15) Dropping of Internet traffic pursuant to Section 5.2; and/or
16) City attempting to exceed maximum Bandwidth of City's port connection to the
Network.
6. ADDITIONAL TERMS.
6.1 Disclaimer of Third Party Actions. At times, actions or inactions caused by third
parties (e.g. DDoS attacks and unauthorized network intrusions) can produce situations in which
City connections to the Internet (or portions thereof) may be impaired or disrupted. In addition,
third parties may attempt to intrude into or hack into City's network. Aspire has no control over
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CITY DRAFT 10.7.25
or responsibility for the security of City's network or unauthorized intrusions into and/or
unauthorized uses of City's network and/or IP addresses used by City. Aspire cannot guarantee
that such situations will not occur, and accordingly Aspire disclaims any and all liability resulting
from or related to such events. In the event that City's use of the Product or such third parties is
causing harm to the Network or its operations, Aspire shall have the right to suspend the Product.
Aspire shall restore the Product at such time as it reasonably deems that there is no further harm
or threat to the Network or its operations.
6.2 Network Traffic Samples. Aspire may collect small samples of network traffic for
(i) support and maintenance of product performance, and/or (ii) troubleshooting, prevention or
correction of service impacting incidents or for correcting and defending against malicious and
improper usage of the Network and products (e.g. DDoS attacks, Botnet activity) ("Network
Traffic Samples"). Network Traffic Samples typically include source and destination IP
addresses, source and destination ports, and partial or in some cases full payload data, and may be
stored in a secure system for historic, troubleshooting, or reporting purposes for up to one
year. The collection of Network Traffic Samples is inherent in Aspire providing the
Product. Aspire does not otherwise utilize Network Traffic Samples for any other purpose,
including, but not limited to, collecting data for marketing or sales purposes, or selling or
transferring of data to third parties. Aspire utilizes security best practices and provides reasonable
and adequate protections to the systems that collect and store Network Traffic Samples. Aspire is
unable to decrypt any Network Traffic Samples that are encrypted; therefore, Aspire highly
recommends that City encrypt its network traffic.
Aspire may not utilize, sell, or disclose aggregated data derived from Network Traffic Samples.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Aspire will defend, indemnify, and hold City, its elected
officials, officers, employees and agents free and harmless with respect to claims and liabilities
arising out of the unauthorized disclosure or use of, or access to, Network Traffic Samples ("Data
Breach") caused by or arising out of the negligence, willful misconduct, or breach of this
Agreement by Aspire, or any of its owners, employees, contractors or agents. Aspire will
promptly, but no later than 48 hours after such data breach or disclosure, notify the City thereof
including providing any and all information necessary for the City to protect itself and/or third
parties from further damage and injury. To the extent the Data Breach resulted in the disclosure
of or access to "personal information", as defined in California Civil Code Sec. 1798.140, Aspire
shall make all required notifications to the subjects of such Data Breach, and shall otherwise
comply with Civil Code Sec. 1798.100, et seq. This Section shall survive the termination of this
Agreement.
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CITY DRAFT 10.7.25
EXHIBIT D
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CITY DRAFT 10.7.25
EXHIBIT D
FUTURE CITY DEMAND POINTS
Dark Fiber Supplement & SLA
1. SCOPE.
a. Aspire shall provide notice to the City of its planned routes in the form of a KMZ
file or another format acceptable to City as soon as they are ready.
b. Upon receipt of this information, the City shall review it to determine whether to
add connections to City demand points to the planned route.
The fiber count for such connections shall be
d. The City shall advise Aspire of its decision to participate or not within seven (7)
days of receiving the routes.
e. If the City decides to participate, Aspire shall be responsible for installation subject
to City final inspection/approval of the construction.
f. This Exhibit D applies to Dark Fiber (as defined below) licensed to City under the
Agreement. This Exhibit D shall not apply to other products, including Ethernet, wavelength,
Internet, or colocation.
2. ADDITIONAL TERMS.
The following additional terms and conditions shall apply to the provision of licensed Dark
Fiber.
"Cable" means fiber optic cable with fiber optic filaments contained in any suitable jacketing or
sheath that is already in place, or is yet to be installed, and to which Aspire has or will have access
by ownership, lease, right to use, or otherwise.
"Dark Fibers" means one (1) or more specified strands of dedicated optical fiber within a Cable
without optronics or electricity, subject to the terms of the Agreement.
"Product" means the Dark Fibers that are licensed to City under an order form.
"Location" is an address wherein Aspire will hand off Dark Fibers to City.
"Product Replacement" means a new fiber splice that City may be eligible to receive pursuant to
Section 6 below.
"Product Outage" means a loss of continuity or other material degradation of the Dark Fibers such
that City is unable to utilize the Dark Fibers for transmission of optical signals.
W
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CITY DRAFT 10.7.25
"Route" means the geographic path along which the Cable and Fibers are located.
"Route Segment" means a portion of the Route between any two (2) Locations.
3. SPECIFICATIONS. The specifications applicable to the Dark Fibers are set forth in the
attached Exhibit D-1, incorporated herein by reference.
4. USE OF AND ACCESS TO DARK FIBERS; RELOCATION.
4.1 License. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement and this
Exhibit D, Aspire and City may from time to time execute one (1) or more order forms pursuant
to which Aspire grants to City a license to use the Dark Fibers designated on the order form
following the process described in Section 1 of this Exhibit D. Each order form will specify the
number, identity, type, and route of the Dark Fibers, and the permitted Locations where City may
access the Dark Fibers. Aspire may not be the owner of the Dark Fibers but may instead lease,
license, or acquire a right to use such Dark Fibers from a third party together with the right to sub-
lease the Dark Fibers to Aspire's licensees, including City.
4.2 Limitations on Rights and Obligations. In addition to, and not in limitation of, any
limitations set forth in the Agreement, the Parties agree that:
4.2.1 Use by City. City shall have no right or interest in the Dark Fibers other
than a license to use the Dark Fibers. A license of the Dark Fibers does not convey any ownership
interest in the Dark Fibers or the Cable. City is solely responsible for all optical and other
equipment required to enable City to utilize the Dark Fibers for optical communications.
4.2.2 Use by Aspire. Nothing herein shall be construed as limiting or restricting
Aspire or its affiliates in any manner from using its or their own cables, fibers, or any other
facilities, easements and/or rights of way for the installation of additional fiber optic cables, for
use as telecommunications facilities, or for any other purpose.
4.2.3 Subordination. City understands and agrees that Aspire's ability to grant
City the license to use the Dark Fibers pursuant to this Exhibit D, and to attach, install, construct,
operate, and maintain the Network (as defined in the Agreement) and the Dark Fibers, is at all
times subject and subordinate to, and limited by, the underlying rights, applicable laws, rules,
ordinances, codes, and regulations. By virtue of the Agreement, City shall only have a license to
use the Dark Fibers or related facilities, expressly granted herein, and in no event shall such license
be construed to be greater than the underlying rights to use such Dark Fibers. Aspire shall not be
liable for any acts or omissions by Aspire, its employees or affiliates that interfere with or
otherwise affect City's use of the Dark Fibers to the extent such acts or omissions are required by
the underlying rights, including, without limitation acts or omissions that deny the use of, alter or
remove the Cable.
4.2.4 Sublicensing. City shall not assign, sell, transfer, lease, sublease, license,
sub -license, or otherwise grant a right to use the Dark Fibers to any third party without the prior
written consent of Aspire.
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CITY DRAFT 10.7.25
4.2.5. Access to Dark Fibers. City may access the Dark Fibers only at the
demarcation points specified in the applicable order form. City may not access or take any action
that impacts the Dark Fibers or the Cable at any other locations.
4.3 Relocation.
4.3.1 Relocation Required By Aspire. In the event that Aspire is required by
any underlying service provider, public authorities, or lawful order or decree of a regulatory agency
or court or any other reason beyond Aspire's reasonable control, to relocate or modify any or all
Cable on the Route upon which the Dark Fibers are located, Aspire's costs for any such work shall
be shared on a pro rata basis with City. Aspire shall not be responsible for the costs of, nor shall it
be liable for, the removal, relocation or replacement of any City equipment or other City property
on the City's side of the Demarcation Point. If the relocation or replacement of the Cable is
requested or caused by a third party, Aspire shall attempt to obtain reimbursement of Aspire's
costs from said third party. Notice to City will be provided as soon as reasonably practicable.
Neither Aspire nor any of its affiliates or agents shall incur liability for any Product Outage,
disruption, degradation, interference, or interruption of any Product in connection with any such
removal or relocation. Aspire and City shall cooperate in performing such relocation or
modifications so as to minimize any interference with the use of the Dark Fibers and the Cable and
to avoid conflicting physically or otherwise interfering with joint users of the Cable or any other
property impacted by the installation, construction, maintenance or use of the Cable, to the extent
reasonably possible. Any such relocation shall be accomplished consistently with the
Specifications.
4.3.2 Relocation Requested By City. City may request relocation of the Dark
Fibers. Any such relocation shall be subject to Aspire's approval (which shall be in Aspire's sole
discretion), the execution of an order form, and City's payment to Aspire of such additional
charges as Aspire may require. No relocation or replacement of the Cable or related facilities shall
be performed without the prior written agreement of Aspire, which shall be in Aspire's sole
discretion.
5. TERMINATION AND CONDEMNATION.
5.1 Termination of Route Segment. In addition to, and not in limitation of, any rights
set forth in the Agreement, any Route Segment may be terminated by Aspire without liability
(unless due to a default by Aspire under any applicable Underlying Rights agreement), upon
reasonable notice to City, to the extent Aspire is no longer authorized under the Underlying Rights
to install, construct, maintain, operate, or convey the license to use the Cable or other property as
contemplated by the Agreement. If a Route Segment is terminated pursuant to this Section, Aspire
shall make reasonable efforts to find alternate capacity or facilities owned or controlled by Aspire
to meet City's needs, but under no circumstances shall Aspire be obligated to contract for or to
construct new facilities, or otherwise incur any additional cost or expenses, to replace the Cable or
Dark Fibers on the Route Segments terminated under this Section 5.1.
5.2 Condemnation Proceedings/Termination Rights. If City receives notice of a
proposed taking by eminent domain of any part of the Cable, City will notify Aspire of the
proposed taking within five (5) days of receiving said notice and Aspire will have the option to:
M
CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10.7.25
(i) declare this Agreement null and void and thereafter neither Party will have any liability or
obligation hereunder; or (ii) remain in possession of that portion of the Cable that will not be taken.
With either option Aspire shall have the right to pursue all available remedies at law or equity.
6. SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT.
6.1 MTTR Objectives.
6.1.1 Mean Time to Respond. The "Mean Time to Respond" is the average time
required for Aspire to begin troubleshooting a reported failure. The Mean Time to Respond
objective is two (2) hours from Aspire's receipt of notice of such failure.
6.1.2 Mean Time to Repair. The "Mean Time to Repair" is the average time
required to restore the fibers to an operational condition as defined herein. The Mean Time to
Repair objective is eight (8) hours from Aspire's receipt of notice of such failure.
6.2 Product Outage. Subject to this Section 6, in the event of a Product Outage, City may
be entitled to a Product Replacement as provided in Section 6.3 below. A Product Outage shall be
deemed to begin upon the earlier of Aspire's actual knowledge of the Product Outage or Aspire's
receipt of notice from City of the Product Outage, and end when the fibers are operational and in
material conformance with the applicable specifications. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
in this Exhibit D, in the Agreement or in any order form, in no event shall a Product Outage or
failure to meet any objectives or parameters under this Exhibit D be deemed to be or constitute a
breach by Aspire of this Exhibit D, the Agreement or any order form.
6.3 Service Level Objective. If Aspire fails to repair a Product Outage within eight (8)
hours of notice from City of such Product Outage ("Repair Window"), City may be entitled to a
Product Replacement as follows:
Measurement
Product Replacement for Affected
Timeframe
Product
8 Hours Per Incident
The City may request a new fiber splice, at
its option, to be completed within 48 hours.
6.4 Product Replacements. The number of minutes of separate and discrete Product
Outages will not be cumulated to determine the applicable product Replacement. Product
Replacements hereunder may not be applied to usage charges, government fees, taxes, or
surcharges, or any third -party charges passed through to City by Aspire. Product Replacements
issued to City hereunder shall be City's sole and exclusive remedy at law or in equity on account
of any Product Outage. Product Replacements will not be issued to City if City's account with
Aspire is in arrears. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the above -stated Product
Replacements shall not apply to off -net products, and in the event of a Product Outage or other
failure of any off -net product provided by Aspire to City, Aspire agrees to pass through a
Replacement equal to the Replacement received by Aspire from its underlying provider(s) for such
Product Outage, in lieu of the above -stated Product Replacements.
5
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CITY DRAFT 10.7.25
6.5 Product Replacement Request. City must submit a written request to claim a product
Replacement no later than thirty (30) days following the event that gives rise to City's right to
request the product Replacement. Failure to request a Replacement within such period shall
constitute a waiver of any claim for a product Replacement.
6.6 Events Excepted From Product Replacement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, City
shall not receive any Product Replacement for any Product Outage, failure to meet any objectives
or parameters hereunder, or delay in performing repairs, arising from or caused, in whole or in
part, by any of the following events:
a. City's (including its agents, contractors and vendors) acts or omissions;
b. Failure on the part of City equipment, City provided optical fiber, end user
equipment or City's vendor's equipment;
C. Failure of electrical power not provided by Aspire;
d. Election by City, after requested by Aspire, not to release the Dark Fibers for testing
and repair;
e. Aspire's inability to obtain access required to remedy a defect in a Product,
including lack of access due to utility safety restrictions;
f. Scheduled maintenance periods;
g. Scheduled upgrade of Product at the request of City;
h. Force Majeure Event; or
i. Disconnection or suspension of the Product by Aspire pursuant to a right provided
under this Exhibit D.
no
Exhibit D-1
Fiber Specifications
1. Type and Constitution. Single -mode Dark Fibers are made of high grade doped
silica core surrounded by a silica cladding; and coated with a dual layer, UV -cured acrylic -based
coating.
Properties
Units
Single
Mode
Single Mode
Enhanced
MetroCor
NZDSF
Glass Geometry
Mode Field Diameter at 1310 nm
(dam)
9.2 t 0.4
9.2 t 0.4
N/A
N/A
Mode Field Diameter at 1550 nm
(dam)
10.4 t 0.8
10.4 t 0.8
8.1 t 0.5
9.2 t 0.8
Fiber Attenuation
Maximum value at 1310 nm
(dB/km)
0.4
0.4
0.5
N/A
Maximum value at 1550 nm
(dB/km)
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
2. Fiber Optic Specification
Bi-directional splice value ("Splice Value") < 0.20 dB at 1550 nm. In exceptional
cases, a Splice Value may be accepted if its value is higher than 0.20 dB at 1550 nm. An
exception case is, for instance, when three (3) re -trials of a splice cannot improve the Splice
Value. The Splice Value will be given by the equation:
(Splice attenuation from A to B) + (dice attenuation from B to A)
2
(a) Splice attenuation average ("Splice Attenuation Average") < 0.15 dB at
1550 nm. The Splice Attenuation Average is given by:
E Splice Values
Number of splices in the Route Segment
(b) It is recognized by the Parties that due to the use of ribbon fiber optic cable
on some of the segments, the Splice Value of individual splices may exceed 0.20 dB.
However, the Splice Attenuation Average for any Route Segment as designated in (b)
above shall supersede all other splicing requirements.
3. Connectors
(a) Maximum Connector/pigtail loss. The attenuation contribution of each
pigtail with associated connector is considered to be 1.0 dB, comprised of 0.8 dB connector
loss and 0.20 dB splice loss (pigtail to cable splice).
4. Fiber Optic Test Parameters
I. Standard Fiber Optic Testing:
(a) Bi-directional OTDR
(i) Span traces will be captured at 1310nm and 1550nm. Traces
will be provided in native format and / or PDF.
(b) Bi-Directional Power Meter.
(i) Bi-Directional power meter results will be furnished with
light source data at 1550nm. Data will be supplied in a excel format with all
locations clearly identified including demarcation details.
IL Additional Fiber Optic Testing (for an additional charge):
(a) Optical Return Loss/Reflectance
(i) The ORL value measures the total light reflected back to the
transmitter caused by the system components of the fiber under test and can
degrade the performance by affecting the stability of the laser; this in turn
can create bit errors.
(ii) Specifications — ORL
Vendor and Telcordia specifications regarding Optical Return Loss
are as follows:
Parameter Required Threshold
Optical Return Loss >30 dB
(b) Polarization Mode Dispersion.
(i) PMD is caused by different polarizations of the light pulse
traveling along the fiber at slightly different speeds due to imperfections of
size and material properties along the length of the fiber. This causes the
light pulses or waveforms to spread out or broaden causing possible bit error
rate of the transmission signal. The higher the bandwidth, the shorter the
pulse and the increase of importance of testing prior network turn up.
(ii) Polarization -Mode Dispersion Measurement for Single -
Mode Optical Fibers by Interferometry Method.
(iii) PMD coefficient of the tested fiber should not exceed <0.2
ps/kmv2.
(c) Chromatic Dispersion
(i) Chromatic Dispersion is the broadening or spreading of a
pulse of light due to the nonzero spectral width of a transmission signal. The
effects of chromatic dispersion can limit the network transmission rate or
the length of fiber a signal can be transmitted before requiring re -generation.
(ii) Specifications — Chromatic Dispersion
(iii) Record the total Chromatic dispersion for the tested span, the
value per kilometer should be within the range specified below.
Type
Dispersion @ 1550nm
SMF (ITU-T 6.652.D)
<18 ps/(nm*km)
ELEAF (ITU-T G.655)
4 ps/(nm*km)
TrueWave RS (ITU-T G.655)
4.5 ps/(nm*km)
TrueWave Classic (early G.655)
2 ps/(nm*km)
DSF (ITU-T G.653)
0 ps/(nm*km)
SMF-LS
-1 ps/(nm*km)
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CITY DRAFT 10-7-2025
EXHIBIT E
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CITY DRAFT 10-7-2025
EXHIBIT E
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Aspire will maintain insurance in conformance with the requirements set forth below. Aspire
acknowledges that the insurance coverage and policy limits set forth in this section constitute the
minimum amount of coverage required. Any insurance proceeds available to the City in excess of
the limits and coverage required in this Agreement and which is applicable to a given loss, will be
available to the City.
Aspire shall provide the following types and amounts of insurance:
Insurance procured pursuant to these requirements shall be written by insurers that are admitted
carriers in the State of California and with an A.M. Best rating of A- or better and a minimum
financial size of VII.
Commercial General Liability Insurance using Insurance Services Office (ISO) "Commercial
General Liability" policy form CG 00 01 or the exact equivalent. Defense costs must be paid in
addition to limits. There shall be no cross liability exclusion for claims or suits by one insured
against another. Limits are subject to review but in no event less than $1,000 000 per occurrence
for all covered losses and no less than $2,000,000 general aggregate.
Business Auto Coverage on ISO Business Auto Coverage form CA 00 01 including symbol 1
(Any Auto) or the exact equivalent. Limits are subject to review, but in no event to be less than
$2,000,000 per accident. If Aspire owns no vehicles, this requirement may be satisfied by a non -
owned auto endorsement to the general liability policy described above. If Aspire or Aspire's
employees will use personal autos in any way on this project, Aspire shall provide evidence of
personal auto liability for each such person.
Workers' Compensation on a state -approved policy form providing statutory benefits as required
by law with employer's liability limits no less than $1,000,000 per accident or disease. Aspire
shall submit to City, along with the certificate of insurance, a Waiver of Subrogation
endorsement in favor of Agency, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers.
Excess or Umbrella Liability Insurance (Over Primary) if used to meet limit requirements, shall
provide coverage at least as broad as specified for the underlying coverages. Coverage shall be
provided on a "pay on behalf' basis, with defense costs payable in addition to policy limits. Policy
shall contain a provision obligating insurer at the time insured's liability is determined, not
requiring actual payment by the insured first. There shall be no cross liability exclusion precluding
coverage for claims or suits by one insured against another. Coverage shall be applicable to the
City for injury to employees of Aspire, subcontractors or others involved in the License
Agreement. The scope of coverage provided is subject to approval by the City following receipt
of proof of insurance as required herein. Limits are subject to review but in no event less than
$5,000,000 aggregate.
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General conditions pertaining to provision of insurance coverage by Aspire. Aspire and the City
agree to the following with respect to insurance provided by Aspire:
1. Aspire agrees to endorse the third party general liability coverage required herein to include
as additional insureds City, its officials, employees, and agents, using standard ISO
endorsement CG 2010 and CG 2037, or equivalent, with edition acceptable to the City.
Aspire also agrees to require all contractors, subcontractors, and any one else involved in
any way with the project contemplated by this agreement to do likewise.
2. All insurance coverage maintained or procured pursuant to this agreement shall be
endorsed to waive subrogation against City, its elected or appointed officers, agents,
officials, employees, and volunteers or shall specifically allow Aspire or others providing
insurance evidence in compliance with these specifications to waive their right of recovery
prior to a loss. Aspire hereby waives its own right of recovery against City and shall require
similar written express waivers and insurance clauses from each of its subconsultants
and/or subcontractors.
3. All insurance coverage maintained or procured by Aspire and available or required of
others by Aspire pursuant to this Agreement shall be endorsed to delete the subrogation
condition as to the City, or to specifically allow Aspire or others providing insurance herein
to waive subrogation prior to loss. This endorsement shall be obtained regardless of
existing policy wording that may appear to allow such waivers.
4. It is agreed by Aspire and City that insurance provided pursuant to these requirements is
not intended by any parry to be limited to providing coverage for the vicarious liability of
City, or to the supervisory role, if any, of City. All insurance coverage provided pursuant
to this or any other Agreement (express or implied) in any way relating to City is intended
to apply to the full extent of the policies involved. Nothing referred to here or contained in
any agreement involving City in relation to the project contemplated by this Agreement is
intended to be construed to limit the application of insurance coverage in any way.
5. No liability policy shall contain any provision or definition that would serve to eliminate
so-called "third party action over" claims, including any exclusion for bodily injury to an
employee of the insured or of any contractor or subcontractor.
6. All coverage types and limits required are subject to approval, modification, and additional
requirements by the City, as the need arises. Aspire shall not make any reductions in scope
of coverage (e.g. elimination of contractual liability or reduction of discovery period) that
may affect the City's protection without the City's prior written consent.
7. Proof of compliance with these insurance requirements, consisting of certificates of
insurance evidencing all of the coverages required and an additional insured endorsement
to Aspire's general liability policy, shall be delivered to city at or prior to the execution of
this Agreement. In the event such proof of any insurance is not delivered as required, or in
the event such insurance is canceled or reduced at any time and no replacement coverage
is provided, the City has the right, but not the duty, to obtain any insurance it deems
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necessary to protect its interests under this or any other Agreement and to pay the premium.
Any premium so paid by the City shall be charged to and promptly paid by Aspire or
deducted from sums due Aspire, at the City's option.
8. Certificate(s) are to reflect that the insurer will provide 30 days notice to the City of any
cancellation or reduction of coverage. Aspire agrees to require its insurer to modify such
certificates to delete any exculpatory wording stating that failure of the insurer to mail
written notice of cancellation or reduction of coverage imposes no obligation, or that any
party will "endeavor" (as opposed to being required) to comply with the requirements of
the certificate.
9. Coverage provided by Aspire shall be primary and non-contributory and any insurance
of self-insurance procured or maintained by the City shall not be required to contribute
with it. The limits of insurance required herein may be satisfied by a combination of
primary and umbrella or excess insurance. Any umbrella or excess insurance shall contain
or be endorsed to contain a provision that such coverage shall also apply on a primary and
non-contributory basis for the benefit of City before the City's own insurance or self-
insurance shall be called upon to protect it as a named insured.
10. Aspire agrees to ensure that subcontractors, and any other party involved with the
Agreement who is brought onto or involved in the Agreement by Aspire, provide the same
minimum insurance required of Aspire. Aspire agrees to monitor and review all such
coverage and assumes all responsibility for ensuring that such coverage is provided in
conformity with the requirements of this section. Aspire agrees that upon request, all
agreements with subcontractors and others engaged in the Agreement will be submitted to
the City for review.
11. Aspire agrees not to self -insure or to use any self -insured retentions or deductibles on any
portion of the insurance required herein and further agrees that it will not allow any
contractor, subcontractor, Architect, Engineer, or other entity or person in any way
involved in the performance of work contemplated by this Agreement to self -insure its
obligations to the City. If Aspire's existing coverage includes a deductible or self -insured
retention, the deductible or self -insured retention must be declared to the City. At that time,
the City shall review options with the Aspire, which may include reduction or elimination
of the deductible or self -insured retention, substitution of other coverage, or other solutions.
12. The City reserves the right at any time during the term of the Agreement to change the
amounts and types of insurance required by giving the Aspire thirty (30) days advance
written notice of such change. If such change results in substantial additional cost to the
Aspire, the City will negotiate additional compensation proportional to the increased
benefit to the City.
13. For purposes of applying insurance coverage only, this Agreement will be deemed to have
been executed immediately upon any parry hereto taking any steps that can be deemed to
be in furtherance of or towards performance of this Agreement.
CONFIDENTIAL
CITY DRAFT 10-7-2025
14. Aspire acknowledges and agrees that any actual or alleged failure on the part of the City to
inform Aspire of non-compliance with an insurance requirement in no way imposes any
additional obligations to the City nor does it waive any rights hereunder in this or any other
regard.
15. Aspire will renew the required coverage annually as long as the City, or its employees or
agents face an exposure from operations of any type pursuant to this Agreement. This
obligation applies whether or not the Agreement is canceled or terminated for any reason.
Termination of this obligation is not effective until the City executes a written statement to
that effect.
16. Aspire shall provide proof that policies of insurance required herein expiring during the
term of this Agreement have been renewed or replaced with other policies providing at
least the same coverage. Proof that such coverage has been ordered shall be submitted prior
to expiration. A coverage binder or letter from Aspire's insurance agent to this effect is
acceptable. A certificate of insurance and/or additional insured endorsement as required in
these specifications applicable to the renewing or new coverage must be provided to the
City within five days of the expiration of coverage.
17. The provisions of any Workers' Compensation or similar act will not limit the obligations
of Aspire under this Agreement. Aspire expressly agrees not to use any statutory immunity
defenses under such laws with respect to the City, its employees, officials, and agents.
18. Requirements of specific coverage features or limits contained in this section are not
intended as limitations on coverage, limits, or other requirements nor as a waiver of any
coverage normally provided by any given policy. Specific reference to a given coverage
feature is for purposes of clarification only as it pertains to a given issue, and is not intended
by any party or insured to be limiting or all-inclusive.
19. These insurance requirements are intended to be separate and distinct from any other
provision in this Agreement and are intended by the parties here to be interpreted as such.
20. The requirements in this section supersede all other sections and provisions of this
Agreement to the extent that any other section or provision conflicts or impairs the
provisions of this section.
21. Aspire agrees to be responsible for ensuring that no contract used by any party involved in
any way with the Agreement reserves the right to charge the City or Aspire for the cost of
additional insurance coverage required by this Agreement. Any such provisions are to be
deleted with reference to the City. It is not the intent of the City to reimburse any third
party for the cost of complying with these requirements. There shall be no recourse against
the City for payment of premiums or other amounts with respect thereto.
Aspire agrees to provide immediate notice to City of any claim or loss against Aspire arising out
of the work performed under this Agreement. The City assumes no obligation or liability by such
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notice, but has the right (but not the duty) to monitor the handling of any such claim or claims if
they are likely to involve the City.
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