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Sleepy Hollow board approves Metro FiberNet license to extend fiber through village
Summary
The village board voted unanimously to adopt a license agreement allowing Metro FiberNet LLC to install, operate and maintain fiber-optic cable in Sleepy Hollow rights-of-way; trustees said the agreement follows models used by neighboring towns and pledged resident notifications before work begins.
The Village Board of Sleepy Hollow on Tuesday approved a license agreement authorizing Metro FiberNet LLC to install, operate and maintain fiber-optic cable in public rights-of-way.
The unanimous roll-call vote follows months of preconstruction coordination and legal review using contracts modeled on neighboring West Dundee and East Dundee, officials said. The company told the board it hopes to continue construction immediately and avoid pauses between jobs.
Why it matters: Trustees said the agreement could expand broadband options and create competition with existing providers, but they cautioned that direct revenue to the village is likely to be limited because internet service is not taxable under federal law. The board asked staff to ensure residents receive advance notification about work that will occur in neighborhoods.
What the board heard: Mark (Public Works/engineering staff) told trustees that Metro FiberNet has worked in about 20 Illinois communities and will follow engineering and construction standards in the village rights-of-way, posting required bonds. "They wish to extend their cable through Sleepy Hollow," he said, noting the company uses the public right-of-way and expects minimal local tax revenue because internet service is generally not taxed.
A trustee asked whether additional providers entering the market would lower prices for residents. The company and staff said pricing is not part of the license agreement and that competitive market forces usually determine consumer rates. "If they have any chance of gaining market share in this village, they're going to have to be cheaper," a trustee said during discussion.
Resident notices and safety: Public works staff described plans for yard and street signage, postcard mailings and on-site marking by utility-locate crews; they advised homeowners to look for crews in high-visibility vests and to call police if they suspect unauthorized workers on private property.
Next steps: The board executed the license agreement and trustees said staff will circulate more detailed construction schedules and advance notices to affected streets.
Vote: The board adopted the resolution by roll-call vote (motion moved by Trustee DeAtley, seconded by Trustee Thomas).
