HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/18/2008Municipal Telecommunications Utility (MTU) Board Minutes
April 18, 2008
3:00 p.m.
First Floor Conference Room
Board Members Present: Jim Waterbury, Randy Pilkington, Doris Kelly, Scott Crowley.
Staff Members Present: Nancy Eckert.
Guests: Jim O'Regan, Doug Nix, Lee Grassley, Carl Blake, Steve Schmitt, Mayor Hurley.
Moved by Randy Pilkington, seconded by Scott Crowley that the minutes of November 20,
2007, as submitted, be approved. Motion carried.
Moved by Randy Pilkington, seconded by Scott Crowley that the budget report, as submitted, be
approved. Motion carried.
Jim O'Regan suggested that a community -owned backbone network be installed, which would
allow providers to attach to it and service their customers. A provider could bid to provide
service to an area. They would have to compensate those who installed the backbone. Mr.
O'Regan suggested a private group be put together to raise money to fund a backbone. Mr.
O'Regan would like the MTU Board to fund a design for a backbone.
Doris Kelly now present at 3:35 p.m.
Jim Waterbury noted that the MTU Board already authorized Waterloo Telecom Partners to
install a backbone, and they are in the process of seeking customers. Mr. Waterbury noted that
there are no municipal funds or private funds available. As Waterloo Telecom Partners build the
backbone, they are selling subscriptions, and then those subscribers will own their piece of the
network.
Doris Kelly noted that the MTU Board has an option to use two pair of fibers owned by McLeod
USA. Waterloo Telecom Partners can buy in, invest and build sections to go out, and their costs
would be from customer presence to the backbone. Ms. Kelly noted that the MTU Board joined
in a partnership with Waterloo Telecom Partners to help build the infrastructure. Ms. Kelly
commented that she suggested to the Waterloo Telecom Partners that they put together a
conceptual design of the backbone. Mr. O'Regan noted that he believes Waterloo Telecom
Partners is building a point-to-point, which could eventually become a part of the backbone.
Jim Waterbury gave an update from Mark Kittrell that the city has made formal application to
McLeod for the fiber IRU transfer. Mr. Waterbury noted that according to Mark Kittrell,
Waterloo Telecom Partners has started the work to provide dark fiber connection between the
Grout and the Blacks building.
Municipal Telecommunictins Utility Board
April 18, 2008
Page 2
In answer to comments and questions from Jim O'Regan, Mr. Waterbury suggested that Mr.
O'Regan bring a proposal to the MTU Board and encouraged him to work with Waterloo
Telecom Partners. In answer to a question from Councilperson Steve Schmitt, Mr. Waterbury
noted that Waterloo Telecom Partners and the MTU Board had been meeting for over two years
prior to approval of agreement with them.
Mayor Hurley updated the board on the city's communications system. Mayor Hurley reported
that the city would like to apply for funding from Black Hawk County Gaming to hire a
consultant to analyze the city's communications system, networking, etc. An internal survey was
conducted a few years ago. If awarded funds, the city will send out RFPs for a consultant using
the survey as a base, then hire someone who could build a conceptual design. Doris Kelly
suggested that the city send out RFPs for the consultant prior to applying for the gaming funds so
that they would know approximately how much funds to apply for. Ms. Kelly volunteered to
work with Mayor Hurley and/or staff members on a RFP document.
Jim Waterbury reported that Bob Heaton's term has expired. Mayor Hurley noted that he may
have a name to submit for appointment.
Discussion was held regarding use and management of the city's right of way. Doris Kelly
suggested the right-of-way ordinance be reviewed, particularly management of the city's rights -
of -way and scheduled fees for its use. Jim O'Regan noted that the agreement with Waterloo
Telecom Partners gives them exclusive rights to the right-of-way. Mayor Hurley noted that the
city currently has a right-of-way ordinance that may need to be updated and he will ask the city
attorney for his review.
Jim Waterbury reported that Steve Dust indicated that the business survey will be mailed on May
15, 2008.
It was the consensus of the board to meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. starting
in May.
With no further business before the board, it was moved by Crowley, seconded by Pilkington
that the meeting be adjourned.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk