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Milton council hears first readings from three fiber franchise applicants; final votes scheduled next week
Summary
The Milton City Council received first readings for franchise agreements from Easy Fiber Texas LLC and Zipley Fiber Pacific LLC and discussed a third applicant. Councilmembers and staff focused on installation methods, conduit availability and competition; no final votes were taken and the items will return next week.
Director Madden presented first readings of two proposed franchise ordinances and said the items will return for final action next week. "The item before you tonight is the first read of a new franchise agreement opportunity with the City of Milton with Easy Fiber Texas LLC," Director Madden said, adding that Easy Fiber had submitted financials and that legal had reviewed the application.
The council discussed how new fiber would be installed and whether Milton already has spare conduit in recently developed areas. Council Member Perretti asked about existing conduit along the Milton Way development and whether the city or Comcast had spare conduit available. Director Madden replied that "I know that Comcast has a spare in that area. I'll have to look to see if the city has a spare conduit in our ownership," and noted the city is updating its patching code to protect newly paved streets.
Planning and public works staff told the council three companies have approached Milton with franchise interest. Council Member Hall asked whether the city would select a single provider or could grant multiple franchises; Director Madden said it is possible for multiple companies to proceed and that "they all 3 could proceed with bringing fiber into the community, which would put great competition on the service, which could drive costs low. It's just highly unlikely." The council also asked about installation methods (trenches versus pole‑mounted wireless equipment); Director Madden said the most common method seen so far is "lateral trenches, parallel to the street," but staff would seek clarification from applicants on other methods.
A second ordinance for Zipley Fiber Pacific LLC was introduced later in the meeting; Director Madden said legal and contracts staff reviewed that application and found it met the city's contract language and application requirements. "We don't see a reason for council to deny this application at this time," Director Madden said, while noting the review is exploratory and that companies may withdraw after their own due diligence.
No motions or votes were held on the franchise items during the study session. Both franchise ordinances were introduced as first readings and will return to the council for final action at the next regular meeting.
Notes and next steps: staff will confirm whether the city owns spare conduit in the Milton Way area, will continue work on the city's patching code, and will present the franchise ordinances for final votes next week.
