Committee forwards extension of MCI/Verizon telecommunications franchise; city to update Right of Way code to address installation standards

The committee recommended forwarding to consent an amended five‑year franchise extension for MCI Metro Access Transmission Services / Verizon Access Transmission Services to grant nonexclusive authority to place telecommunications facilities in the city right of way through March 31, 2030.

City legal staff said the amendment updates statutory‑aligned definitions for "telecommunications service" and "right of way," clarifies relocation obligations consistent with RCW 35.99, increases required insurance limits and adds explicit cost recovery language including reimbursement for city attorney time and for any city alterations or repairs attributable to the franchisee. The franchise is explicitly made subject to Title 18 (right‑of‑way code), including amendments the city is preparing.

Council members raised concerns about visible, sagging or unfinished cable installations and asked whether the franchise or updated right‑of‑way code would give the city more enforcement tools or specific workmanship standards. City staff said the franchise reiterates compliance with code and that the code amendments will be the primary vehicle to set installation quality standards; staff indicated the city will solicit stakeholder feedback from utilities and franchisees during code update outreach.

Staff recommended forwarding the franchise extension to consent; no objections were recorded in committee. The committee discussed potential follow‑up language or post‑work checklists to ensure cleaner installations and noted that pole owners and utilities (including PUD and incumbent fiber holders) may play a role in enforcing quality.

Next steps: place the franchise extension on the consent agenda for council action and continue development of Title 18 amendments with stakeholder input.