Technology committee approves LHCF/Next Level Connect MOU to bring fiber to Town Hall; motion passes unanimously

The Los Altos Hills Technology Committee voted unanimously to approve the project proposal and partnership with LHCF/Next Level Connect to extend fiber to Town Hall and light the new cabinet, as described in the January 26 proposal presented during the meeting.

Gautam (introduced by the Chair) reviewed three project segments — Foothill (MOU approved by Foothill De Anza Board of Trustees for pathway/power), Stonebrook (final splicing and a single vault relocation remaining) and the Town Hall segment, where directional drilling is the primary cost driver. He explained two routing options: one that uses an existing conduit adjacent to Heritage House and another that would extend the line through the Robleda/Roblita pathway to serve more homes at little or no additional town expense. Gautam said the town’s share for the most economical route would be roughly $16,900; an alternative plan showed higher total project cost (about $24,089) but the town’s net charge would remain the lower figure.

A committee member moved to approve the January 26 proposal and the motion was seconded; the chair called the question and the motion passed unanimously. Members asked staff to track final cost accounting details and the exact cutover schedule (PG&E power at the cabinet remains an external dependency). Committee members also discussed service options and rates for resident subscriptions; the vendor said LHCF will offer symmetric 1 Gbps service and has reduced monthly pricing to about $140 for the baseline plan, with a 10 Gbps/enterprise tier available at higher cost.

The committee agreed to follow up with staff on PG&E scheduling, the final cutover date, and any required town approvals for conduit encroachment drawings. No additional financial commitments beyond approving the proposal were recorded at the meeting.