The Gurnee Village Board approved a master license/right‑of‑way agreement with MetroNet and a related professional services agreement to oversee permit review and construction for a proposed villagewide 100% fiber build.

Staff said MetroNet proposes to invest about $8 million to construct fiber to homes and businesses throughout the village. MetroNet was cited as having been acquired by T‑Mobile in mid‑2025; under the proposed framework, MetroNet would perform installations under village permit authority, follow plan and restoration requirements, and reimburse the village for oversight and permit-review costs.

To manage technical review and on-site construction observation, the board approved a professional services agreement with Clark Dietz Inc. Staff said Clark Dietz would provide permit review and construction observation and that the village would bill those costs to MetroNet for reimbursement under the master license agreement.

The two ordinances considered were Ordinance 2025‑84 (master license/right-of-way use agreement) and Ordinance 2025‑85 (professional services agreement with Clark Dietz, Inc.). Both ordinances were moved, seconded and approved on roll call during the regular meeting. Trustees recorded 'Aye' votes on each motion and the motions carried.

Staff emphasized that the master license standardizes the process for any fiber provider seeking to use village rights-of-way, requires applicants to finance permit reviews and restorations, and reserves the village’s right to deny or require relocation of additional installations if the right-of-way becomes congested.