Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Broadband topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Middleville DDA approves Spectrum internet for downtown to support farmers market, streetscape plans
Summary
The Middleville Downtown Development Authority on July 1 approved a Spectrum Business Internet contract (annual ~$4,968; one‑time install ~$2,600) to restore public Wi‑Fi in the downtown market space; the cost will come from the DDA's placemaking budget and the service could be installed within about a month.
The Middleville Downtown Development Authority voted July 1 to approve a Spectrum Business Internet Service contract to restore Wi‑Fi in the downtown market and park area, citing vendors' complaints about unreliable service and a desire to support the farmers market.
Doug, the DDA director, told the board that Spectrum’s quote estimated an annual cost of about $4,968 and one‑time installation and equipment charges of $2,600. He said staff had previously worked with higher estimates—one initial quote had been in the neighborhood of $50,000—but that the Spectrum offering was a supported, all‑inclusive business service that would be simpler to maintain than a do‑it‑yourself approach. “If you look at this contract … the estimated annual cost … is … $4,968. … This also includes one‑time installation and equipment charges of 2,600,” Doug said during the discussion.
The board noted the new annual figure exceeds the previously authorized annual cap of $4,000 but learned the expense will be paid from the DDA’s placemaking line item, which currently has about $35,000 available. Board members also stressed the value of a vendor‑supported service for maintenance: a DIY setup would shift repair responsibility to the DDA or require costly in‑house fixes.
Several members flagged the market impact while debating the contract. One participant said some farmers market vendors had been declining participation because of lack of reliable internet, and staff told the board that Spectrum could likely complete installation within roughly a month if the board approved the agreement.
A motion to approve the Spectrum Business Internet Service was made, seconded and approved on a roll call of board members present. Following the vote, board members said they expected work to begin promptly and asked staff to provide an implementation timeline and confirmation of contract terms at the next meeting.
Why it matters: the DDA said the Wi‑Fi is intended to support vendors and market customers, and to be funded from existing placemaking funds so it will not require an immediate budget amendment beyond normal reporting. The board received no formal opposition during the public meeting and directed staff to return with implementation details.
