HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/14/2006Municipal Telecommunications Utility (MTU) Board Minutes
November 14, 2006
Board Members Present: Jim Waterbury, Scott Crowley, and Randy Pilkington
(quorum)
Staff Member Present: Linda Craun
Jim Waterbury called the meeting to order. Randy Pilkington moved, Scott Crowley
seconded that the minutes of October 10, 2006, be approved as submitted. Motion
carried.
Scott Crowley moved, Randy Pilkington seconded that the Budget Report be approved as
submitted. Motion carried.
Mark Kittrell from Team Technologies presented a Fiber Partnership Proposal for an
open access fiber network. An informal group called Waterloo Telecom Partners has
been formed (approximately 10 businesses). Representatives of this group who attended
the meeting were Tony Sparks representing Waterloo Schools, Steve Dust representing
Tech Works, and Dan Roling and Rich Eckstein representing Networking Solutions (a
division of Bergan, Paulsen). After the presentation, Mr. Kittrell asked those present to
comment on their reason for joining the group.
Tony Sparks stated Waterloo Schools would like to hook up with Hawkeye and UNI for
distance learning. They are currently hooked up amongst their own buildings through
Mediacom, and distance is through ICN.
Steve Dust stated Tech Works needs access as cheap and flexible as possible for new
businesses. They have a not -for -profit involved in research and development. The very
first tenant will need full access. There is potential for approximately 100 businesses.
Dan Roling representing Networking Solutions stated they would like to bring their
Cedar Falls location to the same capacity as their Waterloo location.
Jim Waterbury asked what the timeline was to construct. Mark Kittrell thought for the
City of Waterloo to request the option for the McLeod IRU could happen in 3 to 6
months. Downtown construction would not happen until the Spring of 2007 considering
RFP's would have to go out and bids let. What would be the cost to build? All IRU's they
would like to have would probably cost about $200,000. However, initially they would
only need approximately 3 to 4 miles, which could run about $50,000.
What would be connected? Team's network currently has 2 switching stations in Cedar
Falls and 3 in Waterloo, plus all local carriers. Users would pay from their business to the
loop.
Randy Pilkington asked what fiber the City of Waterloo needed to install. Mark Kittrell
stated from the Waterloo School Administration Building to Tech Works, across a bridge
and over to Qwest and Sycamore 501. Users would pay the costs. The City of Waterloo
would probably be asked to donate their McLeod fiber at no cost and the rights -of -way.
Construction and developing a Partnership Agreement are the next steps. Doris Kelley
and Bob Heaton need to be brought up to speed. Jim Walsh would need to review and/or
develop a partnership agreement. Board members would need to speak with Mayor
Hurley, with City Council approving any action taken. The Board would need a response
from the current carriers.
Jim Waterbury asked for comments from the carriers present—Mediacom and Qwest. No
comments at this time; they would present to their companies and get back to the Board.
Jim Waterbury requested that they do so within 30 days.
Randy Pilkington moved, Scott Crowley seconded that the meeting be adjourned.
Linda Craun
Secretary