2014.04.07 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for April 7, 2014 Page 6 of 9 Weidt made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve changes in the policy statements as outlined in the revised stormwater management plan. All Ayes. Motion carried. Update on Broadband Committee At its April 1, 2013 meeting, the Council established a committee with residents in the rural areas of Hugo who are underserved in high speed internet connection to work together on a solution. Council Member Klein was appointed as the Chair of this committee. Over the past year, the committee has been working with the City's cable provider Comcast and phone provider Century Link to determine what areas are served and with what speeds. City Administrator Bryan Bear explained that wired service is faster than wireless, and most residents can choose between Comcast and Century Link for service except those in the rural area. Governor Dayton had set a goal of extending broadband service to the entire state by 2015. Staff has been following developments at the legislature on several bills relating to this issue. Bills include $25 million in funding to extend service to unserved and underserved areas, and $450,000 for mapping of the state. Staff has also been in discussion with Washington County and will be meeting with the Office of Broadband. Council Member Klein talked about how cost is a factor and that changes need to be made at the state level. Klein made motion, Petryk seconded, to direct staff reach out to legislators to support funding and policy changes to make internet business more competitive between providers. All Ayes. Motion carried. Update on Library Committee At its September 16, 2013 meeting, Council listened to a presentation by Washington County Library Director Pat Conley and Library Chair Judy Bull on the services provided to Hugo residents and concluded a subcommittee should be established to further evaluate the level of service the City receives. At its October 21, 2014 meeting, Council appointed Council member Haas to the Committee with Council Member Petryk as an alternative. City Administrator Bryan Bear explained that over the past six month, the committee has met several times, including meetings with representatives of the White Bear Lake School District and County Commissioner Fran Miron. Bear said he feels we now have new collaboration between the schools and the library, and coordination is occurring between them. Also being discussed was possible use of the school buildings by the library. The schools are well suited to be used after hours. The County Board is expected to authorize a strategic planning study to determine the future of libraries. Haas stated that he thought it was good that the library was taking a step back and looking at a strategic plan. It is realized that the library needs a new vision. No formal action was taken.