The primary topic of discussion was the city’s financing strategies, with a particular emphasis on acquiring a revenue bond. The city aims to fund this bond through customer receipts rather than city funds, stressing the importance of capital for expansion and maintenance. The absence of a bond for nearly five years has reportedly hindered growth, necessitating immediate attention to funding rather than timing. The council noted that existing maintenance issues stem from outdated equipment and improper installation practices from years prior. This has resulted in operational difficulties, especially during cold weather, where non-watertight “foss cases” have led to significant damage.

Further details emerged about the network maintenance challenges, particularly in the western part of town. The necessity for a “proper case” for splicing to replace old, faulty equipment was highlighted, alongside the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for maintenance and emergency operations. This shift towards a structured approach aims to ensure equipment functionality and reliable network service.

Financial performance was also discussed, with improvements credited to Melissa Thomas, a new part-time financial staff member. The council anticipates a more detailed budget process in the upcoming year, projecting to be “firmly in the black.” However, potential price increases for services were considered due to cost fluctuations from television content providers. Despite these challenges, the council expects increased revenue from new projects like the Weldon and Greenfield Housing Association developments, potentially boosting monthly billings by 5%.

The meeting then addressed the impact of cold weather on operations, particularly fiber splicing and network maintenance. Cold temperatures complicate splicing work and can damage equipment, slowing repair processes. The council acknowledged water intrusion due to improperly sealed splicing cases had caused severe damage, emphasizing the need for a specialized splicing truck. However, the current operational budget might not cover all urgent needs without the anticipated revenue bond.

The Weldon project was another significant topic. The council discussed the sole bid received from Alternative Telecom, a company recognized for its expertise in internal wiring and experience with older buildings. Contract preparation is underway, and the city’s lawyer is expected to review it. The project is set to involve community outreach to prepare residents for construction-related noise and disruption. Despite the absence of a resident service coordinator, direct communication with residents is planned to keep them informed about project progress. External work, including trenching and core drilling, has been completed, with a contract finalization pending to establish a start date.

Additionally, updates on the north build project were provided. Ongoing equipment installation at a building on Severance Street was reported, with some lashing work still required. Once completed, external partners will handle large-scale splicing, which demands specialized equipment. It was noted that the network setup involves extensive work beyond installation and will not be immediately operational.

The council also discussed the city’s vehicle fleet related to the project. A newly acquired installation van is reportedly functioning well, and a splicing truck has undergone necessary repairs. Funds intended for a splicing trailer were redirected to urgent construction truck repairs, highlighting resource deficiencies.