HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.22.2021 telecommunications minutesTELECOMMUNICATIONS UTILITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
September 22, 2021
4:00 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Batemon, Kurtenbach, Young, Van Fleet, and Council Liaison Sharon Juon.
Absent: Kajtazovic.
Moved by Batemon seconded by Kurtenbach that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice -
vote Ayes: Four. Motion carried.
Moved by Kurtenbach seconded by Batemon that the minutes of April 28, 2021 and May 26, 2021,
as proposed, be approved. Voice -vote Ayes: Four. Motion carried.
Moved by Young seconded by Batemon to approve the Board Chair's recommendation to
appoint Rod Duroe to the Broadband Ad Hoc Committee. Voice -vote Ayes: Four. Motion carried.
Mr. Van Fleet explained that he had discussions with Mr. Duroe about joining advisory board. He
is extremely well versed in bonds and banking. Mr. Van Fleet shared that he believes Mr. Duroe
is well qualified to serve on the committee.
Update from Magellan Advisors on the broadband study.
Courtney Violette, Magellan Advisors, provided an update to the board on broadband plan efforts.
City added 40 miles of fiber backbone to the project. Work on this addition will commence at the
beginning of next month. The design phase should be complete by early December.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, explained that another piece of the puzzle is applying
for a grant with US EDA for the additional 40 miles of fiber. She shared that calls are scheduled
with them and hopes to secure additional funding to keep the project moving along. She added
that that the Mayor is holding a state of the city address and invited board members to attend
Mr. Kurtenbach questioned if the board is ahead of the curve with the infrastructure bill coming
out of Washington?
Michelle Weidner explained that staff are keeping an eye on the bill but that we will need to see
what the law says when it passes to determine if we will be eligible to receive funds. She shared
that it is truly exciting that the board has covered a lot of territory and is in position to capitalize
on available funding that has come available.
Mr. Batemon questioned if the city is still moving forward on including fiber to home in backbone
design?
Courtney Violette confirmed.
With no further business before the board, it was moved by Young seconded by Kurtenbach that
the meeting be adjourned at 4:26 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Four. Motion carried.
Kett y 'Fe(chCe
Kelley Felchle
City Clerk