HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/20/2009WATERLOO MUNICIPAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS UTILITY BOARD (MTU)
The Board conducted a work session on August 20, 2009. All Board members —Doris Kelley,
Scott Crowley, Randy Pilkington, Dave Buck and Jim Waterbury —were present. Also present
were Frank Magsamen, Steve Dust and Jim Walsh. Geof Grimes facilitated the work session.
The following goals and steps were determined:
BUSINESS SECTOR
GOAL: ACCESS FEDERAL RECOVERY AND 1-JOBS DOLLARS
Plan: Develop tech corridor from Waverly to Iowa City to create critical mass population
Steps:
Develop Regional Taskforce
Members have been selected for first meeting (Cities, Counties, Economic Development,
Universities).
• Determine interest of various partners
• Identify private sector partner
• Have grant application completed by November 2009. I -Jobs grants are available
for public safety.
GOAL: EXPLORE A MUNI WIRELESS SYSTEM (EXPAND TO BUSINESS?)
Plan: Has to start with City system first and then expand beyond that if the need exists.
Steps: Defer to City until they have made the commitment.
GOAL: OPEN DISCUSSIONS WITH NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES WITH MUNI SYSTEMS OR
THAT CAN BENEFIT FROM OPEN ACCESS FIBER
Plan: This is incorporated into first goal.
CITY SECTOR
GOAL: DETERMINE CITY'S INTEREST IN TECHNOLOGY (STEPS I, II, III, IV)
Plan: Convene a meeting in September of:
• Mayor and Council
• Investors (Rick Young, Ross Christensen, etc.)
• Developers (Cardinal, Lockard)
• Telecommunications Board
• Greater Cedar Valley Alliance
Steps 1:Issue a call to action for the council; make it clear that now is the time to determine if they are
interested in moving forward in the telecommunications arena or simply staying where they are,
which will essentially remove the city from contention for job growth.
Meeting must be held early in September. Commission will issue invitation.
City's commitment must be:
• Hire a consultant for the first action step ($40,000 cost)
o Get four strand fiber to city
o Get third party provider
o Agree that current status is not adequate
o Make commitment to regional taskforce
o Make a commitment to e-government
• Outline need for future studies with timeframe to achieve
• Request the City make a commitment to IT and hire a department head with strong skills
and knowledge of the City's potential
• Fund the telecommunications utility board. If council is not interested in items above, there
is no reason for the board to continue.
Step 2: Convene business forum for candidates for mayor and council
• Require public stance of each candidate to expanded telecommunications
• Support those candidates who commit to this
Step 3: Move forward with grant applications for studies
• Jim Waterbury will commit to submitting application to the Isle
• Dave Buck will commit to submitting application to the Community Foundation
Linda Craun
Secretary