HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/28/2006Municipal Telecommunications Utility (MTU) Board Minutes
November 28, 2006
Board Members Present: Jim Waterbury, Doris Kelley, and Randy Pilkington
(quorum)
Staff Members Present: Jim Walsh and Linda Craun
Mark Kittrell from Team Technologies presented (for a second time) the Fiber
Partnership Proposal for an open access fiber network. The web site for Waterloo
Telecom Partners is up and running(www.waterlootelecompartners.com). The
partnership would be not -for -profit. Capital invested by initial funders would be returned
to them on a pro-rata basis until the investment was paid in full. Funding is already
committed for the downtown loop.
There was discussion about connecting businesses between Waterloo and Cedar Falls.
There is no problem connecting businesses within the City of Waterloo itself. However,
there is more involved connecting between the two communities. Because this is a
concern, the Board needs to include CFU as a local carrier.
Doris Kelley would like the City to consider buying the McLeod fiber. Jim Walsh stated
McLeod has the right of first refusal. Ms. Kelley would still like to find out if it could be
bought and what the cost would be. If McLeod is willing to sell the fiber, she doesn't
want the City to pass up the opportunity.
There was discussion on the costs of dark fiber and construction. Figures were given of
$1.00 per foot for dark fiber and fifteen to twenty-five cents per foot annually. New
construction would run between $5.00 and $15.00 per foot. Mark Kittrell stated they are
looking for at least 100 pair in the downtown area. He felt the total downtown loop could
be constructed for under $100,000. The Board wants to look at long-term growth and err
on the side of too many fibers rather than not enough. Also, there should be an agreement
that the City would install conduit every time the ground is dug up.
Jim Walsh and Mark Kittrell will work on drafting a 28E agreement. Mark Kittrell stated
they would like construction between Tech Works and Waterloo Community Schools
Administration Building to be done by summer. Mr. Kittrell will put together a timetable
of what needs to be done. He will also contact MidAmerican if there is a need to attach to
their poles.
Jim Waterbury will meet with Mayor Hurley to brief him regarding this whole concept.
He will also meet again with Steve Dust from Cedar Valley Alliance concerning the
business survey.
Linda Craun
Secretary