Glencoe approves right-of-way license with Level 3 (Lumen) for underground fiber after inter-village coordination

The Glencoe Village Board on Feb. 19 approved a right-of-way license authorizing the village manager to execute an agreement with Level 3 Communications, LLC (Lumen) for underground fiber installation.

Public Works Director Monica Sarna said the license is essentially the same type of agreement the village negotiated previously for EZ Fiber but was modified to remove references to retail or municipal services: "What we thought is this joint approach would strengthen our leveraging power, but it would also simplify the process for everyone," Sarna said, describing collaboration with neighboring municipalities (Lake Bluff, Kenilworth, Winnetka and Wilmette) and repeated coordination among village engineers.

Sarna said the modified license tailors provisions more appropriate for passthrough fiber installation and eliminates language implying Level 3 would provide services inside Glencoe limits. Trustees thanked staff and local counsel for intergovernmental collaboration and protections in the agreement.

A motion to approve the license was moved and seconded and the board approved it by roll call. Trustees Hallwax, Meilopoulos, Onderdonk, Rosenblatt, Reuben and Scott voted yes.

The license authorizes underground construction under village rights-of-way; the transcript does not specify additional terms such as fees, indemnities or schedule. Staff said the village had benefited from coordination and legal review to strengthen protections and standardize the approach among neighboring communities.