HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.28.2021 telecommunications minutesTELECOMMUNICATIONS UTILITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
April 28, 2021
4:00 p.m.
Meeting held electronically via Zoom due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Members present: Batemon, Kajtazovic, Young, and Van Fleet. Absent: Council Liaison Sharon
Juon. Mr. Kurtenbach arrived at 4:03 p.m. after the motion to approve the agenda.
Moved by Batemon seconded by Kajtazovic that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice -
vote Ayes: Four. Motion carried.
Moved by Batemon seconded by Kajtazovic that the minutes of February 24, 2021, as proposed,
be approved. Voice -vote Ayes: Five. Motion carried.
Broadband progress overview.
Steve Nadel, Attorney for the Board, explained that financing has different implications and
requirements depending on uses. At the end of the day, finding the financing is still being reviewed
and worked on by the city. The question is, does the city want to begin working on the backbone
system by use while funding for the utility is being worked out. At this point, the plan is to start
at locations with known uses and funding. This will allow Magellan to continue working on
designs. If and when there is the ability to expand to distributing broadband, the utility would be
required to pay the city for the use of that fiber for distribution.
Ms. Kajtazovic questioned where we are at in identifying funding sources.
Mr. Van Fleet explained that that Magellan would explain funding sources further later in the
agenda.
Steve Nadel explained the general obligation bond process and what questions need to be answered
from a design and funding perspective ahead of possibly pursuing a referendum.
Design phase overview.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, commented that the city is moving forward with design
for the sewer and storm sewer fiber system.
Courtney Violette, Magellan Advisors, explained that it is approximately 75 miles of needed fiber
and 24 miles include existing miles of fiber. They will be coming back to the city with 30, 60, and
90 day reviews as well.
Mr. Kurtenbach questioned how much the police department would be needing for smart city
police car connectivity.
Courtney Violette explained that they have all the po9int data and GIs data that was part of the
initial assessment project but it is not part of the current utility design.
Steve Nadel, Attorney for Board, explained that they have the data. Some of the backbone would
be necessary for the uti8lities but that money is not available as part of this project as they are a
general fund, non -utility operation. The decision now has been to keep the project moving with
existing funding available.
Steve Nadel explained that the 70 some miles of backbone are being designed for utility purposes
but can also be utilized in the future for connectivity in the future. Currently the project is
consistent with utility needs and will be compatible as future use cases are identified for other city
departments and the Telecommunications Utility.
Mr. Young left the meeting at 4:22 p.m.
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Executive summary of the plan.
Courtney Violette, Magellan Advisors, explained that they will have a document for the internal
team to review in the next week or so, then the document will be available to the board then
distribution beyond the board.
Presentation by Magellan Advisors on funding sources.
Jessica Zufolo, Magellan Advisors, provided an overview of federal funding opportunities for
broadband for the City of Waterloo. She explained that several funding sources have been made
available via Federal Coronavirus Relief Funds and Economic Development Administration. EDA
Funding will remain available until September 30, 2022, which means the city has approximately
one year to encourage applications.
Ms. Kajtazovic commented that it is encouraging to see more funding coming from the federal
government.
Jessica Zufolo commented that there is a lot of discussion about an omnibus infrastructure bill that
congress is continuing to discuss. There are a variety of options proposed by the House and Senate
but ultimately she explained that there should be money just not sure how much.
Mr. Kurtenbach questioned about broadband funding in Iowa.
Jessica Zufolo commented that it seems that much of it seems to be geared more toward rural but
needs to do more research.
Mr. Krutenbach commented that he has been working with individuals about expanding that to the
Waterloo area.
Jessica Zufolo commented that she would like to connect to discuss this further with Mr.
Krutenbach.
With no further business before the board, it was moved by Kajtazovic seconded by Kurtenbach
that the meeting be adjourned at 4:44 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Four. Motion carried.
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Kelley Felchle
City Clerk