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City launches MyWillmar app, CivicAccess portal and opens Connect Willmar marketplace
Summary
City staff rolled out a new MyWillmar app and CivicAccess permitting portal (funded with ARPA) and opened the Connect Willmar broadband marketplace; early marketplace signups topped about 65 in the first days and staff outlined a possible June timetable to authorize bids for phase 1.
Planning and Development Director Christopher Corbin introduced the MyWillmar app and the CivicAccess permitting portal, both implemented using ARPA funds, and demonstrated how residents can report issues, buy trees through a public‑works tree trust collaboration, and apply for more than 50 permits online.
Corbin said the app allows users to report nonemergency neighborhood issues, request inspections, estimate fees, and receive real‑time updates on permit applications. A short instructional video will be posted on the city website and social media to guide users through account creation and features.
City Clerk Kyle Fox provided an update on the Connect Willmar marketplace and the broader open-access fiber initiative. Fox said the marketplace was opened citywide to allow residents within city limits to pre-register and that signups rose from three on opening day to about 65 by late afternoon. He described the planned phase 1 boundary roughly as First Street, Highway 12 and 19th Avenue to the industrial park, but said the city opened signups citywide so hotspot demand just outside phase 1 could be considered for later construction.
Fox said Silverlight Fiber Network is acting as the marketplace platform and aggregate provider and that three ISPs under that umbrella — TelePop, Altitude Fiber and Direct Communications — plus BroadbandMN (regional ISP) are offering packages on the marketplace. BroadbandMN expressed interest in offering a low‑income pricing option; Fox said that the city can require low‑income options in ISP agreements and that ISP agreements are still being drafted.
Fox outlined an anticipated timeline: staff may bring an action item to authorize bids at the council’s first meeting in June (June 2), open bids for 30+ days, and return award recommendations after the July 4 holiday. No final contract or construction authorization was voted on at the meeting; the discussion was informational and staff will return with formal actions if schedule milestones are met.
Councilmembers asked about app contact information, signup tracking, video and outreach, how package selection works, the potential for an ISP to withdraw, and whether low‑cost options would be guaranteed; staff said prices are set by ISPs but the city can include low‑income requirements in ISP agreements.
