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Village begins negotiating right-of-way renewal with MCI/Metro Access; trustees discuss broadband diversity and restoration issues
Summary
Village counsel said draft right-of-way renewals sent by MCI/Metro Access Transmission Services are typically provider-favored; the village will seek amendments on restoration guarantees, fees and term length while trustees noted WideOpenWest and MetroNet service presence and restoration concerns.
Village counsel told trustees the village received a draft renewal agreement from MCI Metro Access Transmission Services Corp. for right-of-way access and that typical draft agreements favor the provider.
Counsel said staff will propose amendments to include community protections such as restoration guarantees, reasonable fees and shorter terms to allow periodic renegotiation. The village expected to present draft amendments to the provider and hoped for a conceptual agreement by the next meeting or in April.
Trustees and staff discussed local broadband options. Counsel and trustees noted the provider’s exhibit shows limited lines focused near the downtown area and village hall. Trustees also discussed WideOpenWest and MetroNet presence in parts of the village: technology committee chair Kim (last name not specified) and staff said WideOpenWest’s service line reaches village hall and commercial areas, while MetroNet is active in other neighborhoods but has been slow to complete restoration work after installations.
Trustees asked staff to press for restoration guarantees in any right-of-way agreement and to seek compensation or fees that reflect use of public rights of way. The village also reported installing an LTE circuit as an interim connectivity measure for municipal operations.
