FiberNet Advisory Board Minutes 08-16-2016MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING — FIBERNET MONTICELLO ADVISORY BOARD
Tuesday, August 1611, 2016
Boom Island Room, Monticello Community Center
Present: Charlotte Gabler, Jon Morphew, Dennis Sullivan
Others: Jeff O'Neill, Rachel Leonard
Absent: Brian Stumpf, Jacob Kramer
1. Call to Order
Charlotte Gabler called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
2. Additions to Agenda
Protocol for contacting FiberNet with questions.
3. Approval of June 2016 Meeting Minutes
JON MORPHEW MOVED TO APPROVE THE JUNE 14, 2016 REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES. DENNIS SULLIVAN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 3-0.
4. Discussion of the FiberNet Governance Model
Jeff O'Neill introduced the item and outlined how changes to FiberNet in 2016 necessitated
a review of the city code section related to FiberNet. Most significantly, the changes appear
to have reduced the need for the advisory board. Staff reviewed the language in the code and
made a series of changes per the recommendation of the city attorney. Rachel Leonard
explained the proposed changes, which include keeping the language about creating
FiberNet, the management parameters, and the reservation of City Council power over the
utility. Staff proposed to strike the sections of the code outlining the creation, function, and
powers of the advisory board.
CHARLOTTE GABLER MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE CHANGES AND FOR
STAFF TO BRING THEM TO THE AUGUST 22, 2016 CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
DENNIS SULLIVAN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 3-0.
5. Discussion of membership in the MN Public Broadband Alliance
Jeff O'Neill provided an overview of the history and purpose of the MN Public Broadband
Alliance. He outlined how the costs of the organization are covered by the annual dues of
member networks; the cost for 2016 is $5,000.00. City Council tabled the decision about
whether to pay in 2016 until the new management could be selected and consulted. Arvig
has indicated they do not see value in the organization for them. Mr. O'Neill requested a
recommendation from the advisory board to council for an upcoming decision.
Mr. O'Neill also stated he sees value in the organization, but understands the cost of the
annual dues is hard to justify. Charlotte Gabler agreed. She said she thinks the city should
only continue with the alliance if the payment can be reduced to $1,000 or $1,500- perhaps
not as a full member but as a "friend" or "strategic partner." Jon Morphew disagreed; he
pointed out Arvig has different lobbying objectives, and he stated he felt the organization
could still be useful to the city. Dennis Sullivan agreed. He said he felt there was still merit
in belonging to the organization.
DENNIS SULLIVAN MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE FULL MEMBERSHIP IN THE
MN PUBLIC BROADBAND ALLIANCE. JON MORPHEW SECONDED THE
FiberNet Advisory Board Minutes: 08/16/16
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 2-1. CHARLOTTE GABLER VOTED IN OPPOSITION
BECAUSE OF THE COST OF THE FULL MEMBERSHIP.
6. Added Items
Charlotte Gabler requested to talk about protocol for contacting FiberNet now that there's
new management. Jeff O'Neill explained that if a member of City Council or the advisory
board is having trouble as a customer, he or she should call the normal tech support line. If
the council or board member has a question about the operation, he or she should contact
Mr. O'Neill. He will make sure the question gets to the right person and is answered as
quickly as possible.
7. Next Meeting
The next meeting is dependent on City Council approval of the changes to City Code Title 2,
Chapter 9 - Telecommunications Public Service Enterprise FiberNet Monticello on August
22, 2016. If approved, the FiberNet Advisory Board will no longer meet.
8. Adiournment
CHARLOTTE GABLER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. DENNIS SULLIVAN
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 3-0 AND MEETING ADJOURNED
AT 7:23 PM.
Recorder: Rachel Leonard
Approved:
Attest:
Jeff O'Neill, City Administrator