HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.2.2022 telecommunications minutes TELECOMMUNICATIONS UTILITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
March 2, 2022
4:00 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Batemon, Kajtazovic, Kurtenbach, Young, Van Fleet, and Council Liaison
Rob Nichols.
Moved by Kurtenbach seconded by Young that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice-
vote Ayes: Five. Motion carried.
Moved by Kajtazoic seconded by Batemon that the minutes of September 22, 2021, as proposed,
be approved. Voice-vote Ayes: Five. Motion carried.
Progresspdate from Magellan Advisors on the broadband project.
Courtney Violette, Magellan Advisors, provided an update on the progress made on the fiber
broadband project. Currently they are working on a fiber backbone design project, which is
focused on building 100 miles of fiber backbone that is designed to connect the sewer and storm
water infrastructure, along with parks, and city facilities. They have been working on the project
since fall 2021 and is 60% complete. The second project is working on fiber to the home. They
completed an initial 30%design at the end of 2021 and are approaching the 60%milestone, target
to hit the milestone is April. The goal is to bring the two project designs into a single project to
create efficiency and ensure there is not any redundancy. The project should be completed late
summer to early fall. Once the 60%milestone for that project is complete they will come back to
the city with an update on cost and next steps for moving forward. The goal is to have construction
on the project begin in 2023 with a three year build cycle. Construction would need to complete
150 miles of fiber per year to stay on target and we would be able to connect homes after the first
year of construction in 2023. If construction starts in spring 2023, they could be complete with
construction in quarter 1 or 2 of 2026. He added that they have been working closely with city
staff on design and have had their staff on site in Waterloo as well.
Mr. Kurtenbach commented that a lot of interdict is still being constructed in the city. He
questioned if that can be used as part of the backbone project.
Courtney Violette explained that some will be used that is owned by the city. Other companies
are also laying fiber and that is not being included in the project.
Ms. Kajtazovic requested an update on financing the project.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, explained that they are working through identifying
funding and researching the legalities of that but assured the board that they are making progress
on funding.
Mr. Young questioned if some of the funding options they are exploring is grant funding.
Mr. Van Fleet explained that they are exploring all funding options.
Rob Nichols, Council Liaison, questioned if the design takes into account community growth.
Courtney Violette explained that open lots within the city are included in the design and areas for
potential growth have plans for how to accommodate that growth. Cabinets would have to be
added to a new housing development and fiber to connect those dwellings would have to be
connected.
Steve Nadel, Board attorney with Ahlers and Cooney, shared that serious progress has been made
to get the project to this state of design. He shared that different financing options present
challenges that he will work
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He added that for different financing options, some add challenges and difficulties. Some pending
legislation exists that is not favorable to the project and he has been working to draft amendments
to hopefully prevent that legislation to being detrimental to the Waterloo project.
Mr. Van Fleet noted that the board will move to meeting quarterly. The next meeting will occur
in June.
With no further business before the board, it was moved by Kurtenbach seconded by Young that
the meeting be adjourned at 4:20 p.m. Voice-vote Ayes: Five. Motion carried.
Kelley Felchle
City Clerk