HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.22.2020.telecommunications minutesTELECOMMUNICATIONS UTILITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
January 22, 2020
3:30 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Kurtenbach, Pilkington, Van Fleet. Absent: Kajtazovic.
Council Liaison Sharon Juon was present for the meeting.
Dave Buck's term on the board has concluded leaving one vacancy.
Moved by Kurtenbach seconded by Pilkington that the Agenda,
Voice -vote Ayes: Three. Motion carried.
Moved by Pilkington seconded by Kurtenbach that the minutes,
Voice -vote Ayes: Three. Motion carried.
2. Discussion of new board member applications.
as proposed, be approved.
as proposed, be approved.
Mr. Van Fleet commented that Dave Buck's term on the board has concluded. Three individuals
have applied for the board position and the Mayor will be making a recommendation to the city
council to appoint a new board member in the coming weeks.
3. Update on activity with Magellan Advisors.
Mr. Van Fleet provided an update to the board on the progress with Magellan Advisors on the
status of the broadband study, explaining that they have recently completed projects in
Davenport and Newton. Their project lead from these projects would be assigned to Waterloo.
Mrs. Juon questioned if the company has all the information they need to complete the study.
Mr. Van Fleet explained that Magellan Advisors has given a list of information needed and Chris
Youngblut with the city's IT Department will be assisting in collecting information for Magellan.
Mr. Kurtenbach questioned the frequency of progress updates.
Mr. Van Fleet explained that the board would receive monthly updates. He added that the project
manager assigned has been great at communicating to date.
4. Discussion of board and city staff roles, and how to build and maintain momentum.
Mr. Van Fleet commented that he wants to ensure that the board continues to move forward with
progress. He noted that in the next five months Magellan would do most of the heavy lifting as
far as completing the study and helping the board understand next steps.
Mrs. Juon commented that having meetings would be beneficial to keep moving the board
forward.
Mr. Kurtenbach commented that setting a regular agenda schedule would be beneficial.
Mr. Van Fleet commented that board members have received city email addresses and
encouraged board members to check these on a regular basis.
Ms. Kajtazovic arrived at 3:42 p.m.
The board discussed the likelihood of grant funding being available to help support future
projects and operations and members agreed that Magellan Advisors would be the ideal resource
to answer this question.
5. Discussion of strategic direction, plans, and goals
Mr. Pilkington commented that a strategic planning session was held with the board when it was
originally established.
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Mr. Van Fleet commented that at the next meeting the board can set strategic goals.
Mr. Kurtenbach questioned one of the strategic goals should include keeping an eye on
legislation proposed in Des Moines.
Mr. Van Fleet commented that a bill has been proposed by the Iowa Legislature that impacts
telecommunication utilities. He added that he would send a copy of the bill to the board
members.
Mr. Kurtenbach commented that it should be the responsibility of all of the board members to
stay informed about upcoming legislation that could impact telecommunication utilities.
Ms. Kajtazovic commented that the Cedar Valley Legislative group will be going to Des Moines
in the coming weeks.
Mr. Pilkington commented that the planning session held by the previous telecommunications
board occurred in 2011. He further read a few of the goals that the committee put together
including assigning an Ex Officio.
6. Discuss and set schedule regular meetings for 2020.
The board discussed different options for establishing a regular meeting schedule. Board
members agreed to meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month in city council chambers at
4:00 p.m.
With no further business before the board, it was moved by Pilkington seconded by Katajovic
that the meeting be adjourned at 3:25 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Four. Motion carried.
R eCCey FeCchfe
Kelley Felchle
City Clerk