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Residents press for franchise clarity; RMI confirms construction support
Summary
Attendees pressed for franchise paperwork and timing, raised questions about pole rights and make‑ready costs and heard Ian Campbell of RMI Communications affirm the cable plant's durability and offer local construction capacity.
Residents repeatedly asked whether the franchise paperwork had been filed and how long approval typically takes. One attendee asked, "Why aren't you addressing the franchise agreement? That really concerns me, Bob." Bob acknowledged the franchise agreement with Whatcom County Public Works is required but said his purchase of the cable network had not yet closed and lawyers were finalizing documents; he signaled willingness to begin paperwork once closing completed.
Ian Campbell, principal at RMI Communications (a named partner in Bob's presentation), told the group that hardline coax can be long‑lived and that his crews have experience maintaining and replacing aerial cable and pole attachments. He offered practical reassurance about local construction capacity and emphasized the project would rely on standard make‑ready procedures and routine pole work. Residents and Bob discussed whether state and federal grants (some cited as fiber‑only) affected eligibility for the hybrid approach.
