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Council hears broadband franchise briefing and staff announces three new hires
Summary
Council members discussed a broadband‑franchise briefing that referenced an FCC decision and Woodbury’s franchise template; city staff announced three newly approved hires with start dates in early December and ongoing recruitment for a public works director.
During council reports, a council member summarized a recent briefing on broadband franchising and an FCC decision that clarified broadband’s federal classification. The speaker noted local implications and described Woodbury’s approach of delegating franchise negotiations to a regional telecommunications commission; that process produced two franchise applications in their example and a sample franchise fee of 5% of revenues.
Council member Hern (speaker who summarized the briefing) said the Woodbury example used a 5% franchise fee and that legal interpretation can affect whether local franchising is available or whether delegation is needed. The council indicated interest in inviting Mike Bradley (an attorney referenced in the briefing) to a future workshop; a staff member (speaker 9) said they were coordinating with the cable commission on scheduling.
Separately, city staff announced that three new hires approved earlier in the meeting will begin in early December (a building inspector starting Monday, a public works/fire admin slated to start Dec. 1, and another inspector in early December). Staff said recruitment continues for the public works director position.
Council members also briefly reported on other local items, including a closed session at the school district regarding an elementary school sale. No formal council action was taken on broadband or franchise policy at this meeting.
