Brighton discusses building town-owned fiber and undergrounding work; consultant to return with bid-ready plan

Councilmembers heard updates on communications and power-undergrounding efforts after staff and a consultant (identified in the meeting as Level 9) reviewed the town’s existing conduit and proposed a phased plan to bring fiber to neighborhoods. Staff reported the consultant was impressed with existing conduit and estimated significant savings from the current installation approach; the consultant will act as the town’s owner's representative during design and bid phases.

A principal point of discussion was ownership of the fiber cable. Staff recommended the town consider owning installed fiber to retain control and avoid a situation in which an individual provider owns cable in the ground and could charge the town for access if franchise agreements lapse. At the meeting a staff presenter said the cable is inexpensive at about "$2 a foot to install," and described a build-out sequence that first installs conduit and handrail boxes and later pulls cable to individual yards. Council discussed the complexity of home connections and easement challenges in steep terrain.

Council members asked about phasing, timeline and contractor availability; staff said a design and bid package could be ready in midwinter (best time to solicit competitive bids) and emphasized that the project would be multi-year if needed. Rocky Mountain Power’s undergrounding project was discussed at length; a councilmember reported large aggregate costs and extensive trenching operations, and staff noted Rocky Mountain Power has committed to supporting road restoration.

Council directed staff to return next month with additional details and to continue working with the consultant on schedule and funding scenarios.