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Council authorizes one‑year right‑of‑way installation agreement for Shentel fiber serving Northrop Grumman
Summary
Under a one‑year authorization, Shenandoah Cable Television (Shentel) may install broadband fiber in the city right‑of‑way to meet Northrop Grumman timing needs while staff completes the formal franchise and notice‑and‑bid process.
City Attorney Miss Michaelson explained that under the Virginia Franchise Act any party that wishes to place facilities in the city's public right‑of‑way generally must obtain the city's permission and potentially proceed through a notice‑and‑bid process if the term exceeds five years. Because Northrop Grumman requested that installations begin before the franchise process could be completed, staff drafted a one‑year agreement allowing Shenandoah Cable Television (Shentel) to install fiber now, giving the city time to complete the full franchise and notice‑and‑bid process.
Council moved to adopt the resolution authorizing the one‑year installation; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff said a franchise agreement will follow and that the temporary authorization preserves Northrop Grumman’s installation schedule while protecting the city’s procedural obligations.
