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Council hears update from Blue Peak on proposed fiber franchise, company outlines one‑year build plan
Summary
City staff and Blue Peak told the council they have a franchise agreement ready for council consideration; Blue Peak said design work with city staff would follow approval and described a one‑year construction plan across nine distribution areas, with permitting and coordination required before work begins.
City staff updated the East Grand Forks City Council on a proposed cable/fiber franchise agreement negotiated with Blue Peak.
Staff said negotiations over the summer produced a draft franchise the city and Blue Peak find acceptable and that the agreement would follow the city’s cable franchise ordinance. Lucas Peterson of Blue Peak summarized next steps if the council approves the franchise: an initial two‑to‑three month design and engineering phase with city staff, detailed distribution area planning, permit submissions, and a phased build intended to be completed in roughly one year, weather permitting.
Peterson said Blue Peak plans to identify nine distribution areas across East Grand Forks and to coordinate construction timing with the city to avoid conflicts with local events and operations. “We would look to start construction mid‑May depending on weather…and finish underground construction by the end of September with network completion by the end of October,” he said.
Council members welcomed the potential increased competition and broadband options and asked clarifying questions about timing and services. Staff confirmed additional municipal approvals and permits will be required before construction and that the franchise agreement contains the typical commitments for design, permitting and ongoing regulation under the city’s ordinance.
Council did not take final action at the work session; staff and Blue Peak said they would return with any final language and a timeline for formal consideration.
