City Council Approves Franchise Ordinance for Midco's Cable Installation Project

The Mound City Council meeting on May 13, 2025, focused on the approval of a franchise ordinance with Midco, a telecommunications company, and discussed upcoming infrastructure projects in the city.

The franchise ordinance, which was described as heavily negotiated, establishes a framework for Midco to provide services in Mound. It includes provisions for the city to receive franchise fees and outlines penalties for non-compliance by Midco. The council emphasized that while the ordinance sets the legislative groundwork, Midco must still submit plans and obtain permits before beginning work.

Council members discussed the timeline for Midco's installation of cable infrastructure, which is expected to occur in three phases over a three-year period. This project aims to provide residents with a third option for internet service, alongside existing providers like Mediacom and Frontier. Midco representatives indicated they would begin outreach to residents as the project progresses.

In addition to the franchise agreement, the council also addressed a seal coat project for the southeast portion of Island Park, with city engineer Matt Bauman presenting details on the project.

The council unanimously approved the franchise ordinance and a related resolution, marking a significant step in enhancing telecommunications options for Mound residents. The meeting concluded with a focus on ongoing infrastructure improvements, reflecting the city's commitment to upgrading its services.