The Vancouver City Council on Aug. 18 unanimously adopted an ordinance granting Metro FiberNet LLC a 10-year, nonexclusive franchise to install, operate and maintain a telecommunications system in the city’s public rights of way.

The franchise allows Metro FiberNet LLC and its affiliates to place facilities “in, on, over, upon, along and across” public ways under terms set by the ordinance and can be extended by mutual agreement for up to two additional five-year periods.

Aaron Landy, assistant city manager, said this was a return presentation — "the first conversation with you on this particular one occurred on July 14, so this is the second touch with council public hearing." He described the franchise as "a 10 year non exclusive franchise which can be extended by mutual agreement by the parties for up to 2 additional 5 year periods." The council opened and closed the public hearing with no public speakers.

Councilor Hansen moved the ordinance; Councilor Stover seconded. The council voted by roll call with all members recorded as "Aye." Mayor and council members present voted unanimously to approve the franchise.

The ordinance is revocable and nonexclusive; the council did not take additional amendments on the ordinance during the hearing and had no public testimony recorded on the item.

Council action: motion passed unanimously. The ordinance now moves forward under the city’s standard implementation processes.