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ITEM 1 - CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Burkholder called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Cabinet Room, Lakewood Civic Center, 480 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood, Colorado.
ITEM 2 - ROLL CALL
Those present were: Mayor Steve Burkholder, Presiding
Diana Allen
Doug Anderson
Ray Elliott
Sue King
Debbie Koop
Bob Murphy
Ed Peterson
Vicki Stack
Cheryl Wise
Those absent were : Mike Stevens
Staff in attendance: Mike Rock, City Manager
Paul Kennebeck, Deputy City Attorney
Full and timely notice of this Study Session Meeting had been given and a quorum was present.
ITEM 3 - PRESENTATION - COLORADO WIRELESS COMMUNITIES IGA
Boris Naschansky, Director, Department of Information Technology, presented a "Colorado Wireless Communities Briefing". Colorado Wireless Communities (CWC) is a regional wireless broadband community initiative that will benefit the 630,000 residents of Arvada, Boulder, Broomfield, Golden, Lakewood, Louisville, Northglenn, Superior, Thornton and Wheat Ridge. Representatives of these communities have concluded that deployment of additional wireless broadband networks can result in more consumer choices, better prices, greater availability of services and can provide an incentive to economic development, job retention and growth opportunities. In addition, local government operations will benefit through the enhancement of general communications options, reducing costs and improving public safety communications.
Mr. Naschansky stated that an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) has been developed so that participating communities can share information and resources pertaining to wireless broadband networks, and coordinate and cooperate in the negotiation, administration and monitoring of an agreement with a private sector entity. The IGA would create the intergovernmental entity to be known as the "Colorado Wireless Communities" (CWC); the headquarters of this organization will be at the City of Lakewood.
Mr. Naschansky explained that "Wi-Fi" is an acronym for wireless fidelity, or wireless local area network technology. It provides short-range wireless high-speed data connections between mobile data devices (such as laptops, phones, etc.) and nearby Wi-Fi access points. Cities are going wireless in recognition of the connection between broadband infrastructure and community well-being, including economic development, efficient and effective government, social issues and changing lifestyle and work style expectations. Barriers to building outdoor wireless networks have been reduced and cities have ownership and/or access to assets that can be used to build wireless networks (right-of-way agreements with utilities, for example).
Mr. Naschansky continued, saying the benefits of a regional approach include the likelihood for a financially strong and stable provider, a single right-of-way permitting process for all ten jurisdictions and facilitation of access to light poles, buildings, and other public assets. Challenges to the project include user expectations, industry cooperation, network security and privacy, and regional cooperation, requiring strong positive relationships, common goals and objectives. A request for proposal (RFP) has been developed to find a provider that can serve all areas of the CWC, provide competitive pricing and affordable options, a commercial network, open access, and consumer protection. Mr. Naschansky noted that this must be accomplished within the local government constraints of SB-152. He reported that eight (8) responses have been received, including 4 complete proposals, and the evaluation process has begun.
Mr. Naschansky explained that dues for the ten communities would be based on size. Large cities share for 2007 would be $21,000; for 2008 - $14,000; for later years - $8,000. The budget would cover professional and legal services for negotiation of a final contract. Dues amounts beyond 2007 are subject to change based on potential new uses and the unique nature of the organization. He stated that the CWC is designed for growth so that additional interested communities may participate once the selected provider begins service. This will make the network stronger for citizens, for government users, and for the provider.
Mr. Naschansky concluded his presentation by saying that the CWC is becoming a model around the country for a regional approach to competitive, ubiquitous affordable wireless broadband. He asked for the City Council's support for this digital community effort.
Council members asked questions and Mr. Naschansky's responses included the
following:
• In Tempe, AZ, a similar effort resulted in reduced Comcast and Qwest
rates; hopefully we will see discounted rates and increased speeds.
• Ricochet's network was based on proprietary technology; Wi-Fi is not.
• Westminster has opted out for now, but will very likely participate;
Denver is interested; unincorporated Jefferson County household density is an
issue for the provider, but this may change as they start building out.
• Special districts may participate later.
• The CWC will pay for legal costs, publications and website hosting.
• This program will have no effect on LANs (local area networks), like
those provided in coffee shops; no one will be forced to use this network; local
residents and businesses will have another choice.
• Build out will take about two years; we are still sorting out who will
pay for electricity costs.
• Regarding service issues, the provider must provide a certain level of
signal strength to 95% of outdoor locations and 90% of indoor locations; standards
for service will be detailed in the contract with the selected provider.
• The City will pay a discounted rate for connection, approximately $300-$1,000
per month.
• The bandwidth size is sufficient for now, but capacities will increase
over time, so we're in early discussions about future bandwidth size for public
safety.
• Service levels can be impacted by electricity interruptions; we'll have
agreements with Xcel.
Council members expressed their thanks to Mr. Naschansky for the presentation.
ITEM 4 - OPEN DISCUSSION
Councilwoman Allen asked if the large-item clean-up program could be reinstated. Mayor Burkholder commented that this program could be considered as part of the 2008 budget process.
Councilwoman Allen asked if others are getting complaints about junky cars and motor homes on residential streets. Several councilors commented on the difficulty of dealing with these complaints and explained how Code Enforcement officers handle them.
ITEM 5 - REPORTS
Council members reported briefly on community events.
ITEM 6 - ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council; Mayor Burkholder adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Submitted by,
Sharon Blackstock, Acting City Clerk
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