Committee recommends NFC Northwest franchise for local fiber; staff notes limited negotiating authority

The Public Works and Natural Resources Committee voted to forward an ordinance to the full City Council that would grant NFC Northwest LLC a franchise to operate and maintain fiber-optic broadband components in city rights-of-way.

Mike Wilson, assistant director of public works and city engineer, told the committee NFC Northwest would be the local franchisee while Ziply Fiber is expected to own one of the main trunk lines that brings internet service into town; staff said Ziply would likely remain the customer-facing operator. Wilson said the recommended franchise term is 10 years, bonds are set at $100,000 consistent with recent practice, and the applicant has submitted required fees and documentation.

Wilson also reminded the committee that the city's franchising authority is governed by municipal code chapter 13.15 and Article 11 of the city charter, which constrains how much staff and council can negotiate on franchise conditions. Council member Lisa noted a Ziply letter to the city was addressed to a former employee (Chad Scholhouser) and asked staff to update contact records; staff said it has reached out to correct that information.

Council member Lisa moved approval to recommend the ordinance; the committee voted unanimously in favor and the chair said the item will be forwarded to the full City Council with a positive recommendation. Lisa also asked staff to prioritize reviewing municipal-code language to strengthen undergrounding requirements where feasible; staff noted retroactive requirements are not possible.

The committee action is a recommendation to the full council; final franchise enactment will require further council action consistent with municipal code and charter requirements.