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Council hears first reading on franchise for Advanced High Speed Internet; insurance requirement reduced for limited poles
Summary
Council held a public hearing on a franchise ordinance for the company doing business as Advanced High Speed Internet (acquirer of a local provider). Staff recommended lowering the insurance requirement because the company currently operates only two poles in the right-of-way; the ordinance will return Sept. 2 for adoption.
Council conducted the first reading and public hearing on Aug. 19 for a franchise ordinance with Advanced High Speed Internet, the company that purchased local provider PowerNet, to operate in city rights-of-way.
Public works staff explained the applicant previously held coverage that did not meet the city’s code insurance threshold, and that the insurer raised the cost of coverage to meet the prior requirement. After analysis with the city attorney and outside counsel, staff recommended lowering the insurance requirement for this franchise to reflect the limited exposure — the company currently has two poles in the right-of-way and no immediate plans to expand.
Roscoe Floyd and city attorney Jessica Fultz reviewed the revised language, noting the ordinance includes a clause allowing the city to revisit insurance requirements if the company expands its facilities. No public testimony was offered in person or virtually during the hearing. The council took no action; the item is scheduled for adoption on Sept. 2.
