Community Internet Improvements
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Bronwyn's Council Preview |
The City Council meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. this Tuesday at city hall. The agenda includes (but is not limited to):
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39. Staff report regarding community internet improvements.
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Last fall, Council directed staff to investigate a number of topics related to improving internet connectivity in Ames. Suggested options at the time ranged from incentivizing a third party to improve our fiber networks, working with current service providers to improve connectivity, or considering the City undertake broadband access as a municipal utility.
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If the City does undertake the deployment of such a network, we could do it either as a retail or wholesale model. In the retail model, the City designs and constructs the system and act as the service provider. In the wholesale model, the City would design and construct the system, but would contract with someone else to provide the service.
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City staff have been approached by a potential new provider, who has expressed interest in creating a network in Ames. This company recently got approval from their board for this $30 million project, but wouldn't proceed if the City of Ames pursues a municipal utility. City staff have also been approached by a consultant with an idea about an investment group looking to build fiber networks.
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Council will need to decide if we proceed with an RFP for a city-owned service or whether we make way for this new provider. In addition, Council will consider some subdivision changes that affect how cable conduit is installed in new developments.
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40. Staff Report on Inclusion Crosswalk at 5th Street and Douglas Avenue.
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The City is considering installing a rainbow crosswalk by the Library. Options to consider include the design (solid colors or bars) and materials used (road paint vs thermal plastic).
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41. Flood Mitigation - River Flooding.
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Since 2013, Council has been pursuing flood mitigation efforts that include improving the conveyance of water under Duff Avenue. We are in our second grant application process through FEMA, the first one having been denied. While we are waiting to hear back on our re-application for the FEMA grant, the property owner at 1008 and 1016 S Duff is requesting we decide whether to buy their property or pursue an easement.
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Non-Agenda Packet: The following items are requests and communications to the council that are not on the agenda. This includes staff reports and communications/request from constituents/developers. By tradition the council can ask city staff for more information (a report), put the item on a future agenda for discussion or just accept the communication (taking no further action). This usually takes place at the end of the meeting during council comments.
Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
At-Large Council Member