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Council backs capital project to expand downtown Internet access; state grant to cover most costs
Summary
Councilors discussed creating a capital project to expand downtown Internet connectivity, noting most costs will be reimbursed by a state grant and that the city's net exposure was described as "a little over $5,000." An advisory opinion from the state determined the project is a Type II SEQR action.
Council discussed a resolution to create a ConnectAll capital project intended to improve Internet connectivity in the downtown area. A council member said the upfront cost may look large but that state grant reimbursements will reduce the city's share to "a little over $5,000." The same speaker said the state is providing substantial funding across the city, Warren County, and Lake George.
The chair asked that minutes note New York State's economic development agency issued an advisory opinion determining the project is a Type II action under the State Environmental Quality Review, which staff said removes the need for further state-level environmental review for this particular action.
Councilors described benefits including improved mobile transactions and credit-card processing at event venues downtown. No final construction contract was approved at the July 14 meeting; the council advanced the capital project creation and indicated reimbursements from the state grant will be sought.
The council also discussed a separate agenda item concerning a technology/server request for the fire department and a consent payment to the IRS for a historical charge; the payment amount mentioned in the discussion was unclear in the transcript and appeared to reference prior administration records.
