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Kinetic proposes citywide 2-gig fiber in Grundy Center; council raises concerns about damaged pedestals
Summary
Kinetic (which has taken over Windstream Communications) told the council it plans to install fiber along city streets to provide 2-gig service with pedestals every other property; councilors and a staff member raised concerns about existing damaged pedestals and exposed cables in town.
Mayor Paul Eberline introduced Matt Graham, Kinetic Utility Project Coordinator, who described a proposal to install fiber optic lines in Grundy Center's right-of-way after Kinetic’s takeover of Windstream Communications. Graham said the network would offer up to 2-gig upload and download speeds and that Kinetic planned to place pedestals between every other property to support service.
Council Member Kuester asked about the city’s existing pedestals, noting several are damaged and not repaired. A speaker identified in the transcript as Bangasser presented photographs showing Windstream cables lying in an alley, sinkhole damage, lines nailed to trees and what Bangasser described as mold on equipment at a location on 8th Street. Council Member Smith asked whether the upgrade would resolve performance problems reported by the local hospital and whether a franchise agreement governs the work; those questions were raised but not resolved in the meeting. No formal action or approval to proceed was recorded on the proposal at the meeting.
The record shows the council heard the presentation and identified infrastructure-condition concerns that appear likely to be addressed before or during any deployment, but no timetable or franchise decision was given in the transcript.
