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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/22/2006 � * Telecommunications Advisory Committee City of Apple Va11ey June 22, 2006 6:45 P.M. Municipal Center Minutes l. Call to Order Chair David Westbrook called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. Members Present: Jerry Brown, Dale Rodell, Da�id Westbrook Members Absent: Rollin Bible, Scott Hugstad-Vaa, Jolui Magnusson Others Present: Charles Grawe, Mary Hamann-Roland, John Bergman, Bob Erickson, Ruth Grendahl, Tom Lawell, Nathan Bang, Scott Johnson, Michael Marben, Keith Wassmund, Don Banowetz, Tim McKeen, Kerry Haley, Jack Phillips, John Labs 2. Frontier Communications Presentation on Broadband Initiatives Mr. Banowetz provided a brief description of Frontier as a company and an overview of the services it provides. Mr. McKeen described the strategic network initiative with 23 fiber optic nodes either installed or upgraded within Apple Valley. The end system would reduce the copper loops to 10,000 feet or less. Ms. Haley presented a feasibility study on providing a wireless broadband service in Apple Valley. The study found a very limited number of poles in residential areas, limiting the proposed coverage area to about four and one half square miles, roughly bordered by 140�' Street, 160� Street, Garden View Drive, and Galaxie Avenue. Mr. Bergman expressed concern over the level of choice for telecommunications services. Mr. Banowetz responded that the products and levels of service provided by Frontier are not the same as those provided by Qwest and other providers. Mr. Erickson noted that he has heard requests for a wireless service if it is provided at a low price point. Mr. Westbrook noted that the proposal is for an additional fee for the wireless service and is not a substitute for DLS. He said he did not know why residents would want to pay an additional fee above the DSL fee just for mobility. Mr. Brown asked how long a wireless build out for the entire City would take. Ms. Haley said she did not have that information at this time. Ms. Grendahl asked if the 4.5 square mile proposal was based on any consumer or marketing research. Ms. Haley said the study was based solely on vertical assets or availability of poles on which to mount the antennas. � � 3. Letter on Federal Le islg ation Mr. Grawe noted that there were significant developments in the telecommunications legislation since the draft letter was discussed at the previous meeting. He distributed a revised letter that was on the Council agenda. The members of the Committee indicated they thought the revised language was in keeping with the previous draft and should remain on the Councii agenda for approval. At 7:55 p.m., the members of the Council adjourned to the regular Council meeting and most of the City staff left. Mr. Grawe, Mr. Brown, Mr. Rodell, and Mr. Westbrook remained to ask questions of the Frontier representatives and provide additional comments. 4. Additional Comments and Questions on Frontier Presentation Mr. Rodell and Mr. Brown both expressed their concern that a wireless network provide service to the entire City, not just a four and one half square mile area. Mr. Westbrook asked if Frontier has conducted any market research to gauge the public's interest in the proposed Wi-Fi service and additional fee structure. Mr. Banowetz said a specific study was not done, but that based on other products and programs, they believe there is interest. Ms. Haley noted that Frontier is still attempting to gauge interest in the service by businesses. Mr. Brown said it would be beneficial to know how long it will take to build out the entire City. Mr. Grawe asked when an IP Centrex service might be available in Apple Valley. Mr. Banowetz said the service might be available in 2007. Mr. Grawe noted that the maps shown for the fiber upgrade do not show the eastern third of the City. Mr. McKeen said the upgrade covers the entire City and map only shows node locations. He noted that covered areas could be as far as 10,000 feet from the node. 5. Adjourn MOTION: Mr. Westbrook moved, second by Mr. Brown to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.