CC WORKSESSION 05312007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The current response from Columbia regarding the City's interest in establishing a strategic connectivity plan proposes six project tasks: • Review project goals, objectives, intended outcomes, and schedule. • Develop a business model for connectivity throughout the Community. • Review compatibility of connectivity technologies with City goals and objectives. • Compatibility of NCSS' Networking Study with City's connectivity goals and objectives. The City's connectivity plan as envisioned by Columbia should be predicated on the Council's approval of the recommendation from the previous feasibility study (4/7/06 Section 1.1) that the City of St. Anthony assesses the feasibility of joining a larger regional wireless broadband infrastructure plan, such as one that may be configured by NSCC (3/28/07 Proposal Item #4.) and that conduit and fiber should be installed wherever an opportunity is available. The cost of installing the infrastructure as a stand -alone project has been reported in both reports as one of the impediments to moving forward with the installation of a wireless Internet system within the City. Tom Asp, Columbia Telecommunications Engineer, has advised to staff that at minimum, conduit should always be installed when streets or sidewalks are being reconstructed. Both Mr. Asp and the City Engineer have been asked to provide cost estimates for installing conduit, with and without fiber. ** Another significant issue that should be noted in a connectivity plan, is the City's Right -of -Way permitting requirements. Staff assumes that conduit and fiber will be placed in the City's ROW by contractors and they should be advised that they will be held responsible for securing permits for digging and /or boring in the City's ROW prior to commencing the work. Questions for Council: 1. Is the CTC proposal acceptable to Council? 2. If not acceptable, what direction does Council want to pursue regarding this matter? Attachments: • Strategic Connectivity Plan Proposal — March 28, 2007 * Report not received at the titne of the writing of this staff report. * *Cost estimates were not available at the time of the writing of this staff report but will be reported at the May 31, 2007 Council /Staff worksession. 2007 Wireless Strategic Connectivity Plan.doc