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City Council <br />Study Session Summary <br />October 9, 2018 <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />Request for a bulleted list of what we own and what we don't on the map on page 45. <br />Council expressed interest in expanding the middle mile/backbone for the City. They <br />would like to see more analysis about what specifically is needed first, so that they can <br />make strategic and phased improvements to our broadband infrastructure. This could <br />be done in phases — look at opportunities when infrastructure improvements occur to <br />get in and replace/expand fiber count. The plan doesn't go as far as providing <br />engineering plans and costs. Perhaps need to start budgeting for this in 2019 so that we <br />can start to understand the needs and costs. Next step would be a more detailed look at <br />what's on the ground, validate the study, determine the exact needs and costs, and <br />develop an engineering plan. Lori will check in with the VantagePoint Solutions <br />engineering team and find out what the costs of this type of plan would be. <br />Discussion about improving wifi in downtown areas and other central areas like parks, <br />events, etc. Have there been complaints, is that something that businesses have <br />indicated they need for customers? Makes sense to diversify and have both improved <br />Wifi and fiber, but also is kind of a "perk." <br />Positive feedback on the report. Council liked the detailed background and definitions, <br />and the clearly laid out options. Liked the mail -survey for community feedback. <br />Best Practices and Policies. There was a desire to take more time to look closely at the <br />ideas laid out in the report, have staff consider what's currently in place and what the <br />opportunities are, and how they coincide with existing policies and practices: Where do <br />our ordinances align, and where don't they? What would it take to implement some of <br />these strategies? Request to include this as a possible item for the 2019 workplan <br />process. <br />Positive feedback on the report. Council liked the detailed background and definitions, <br />and the clearly laid out options. Liked the mail -survey for community feedback. <br />Discussion — Roles and Responsibilities of the Utility and Finance Committee: <br />Advanced Agenda: <br />There was discussion about the desire to have some information that is currently <br />reviewed through utility and finance committee go to all Council members. Information <br />like sales tax data and utility financial reports would be useful to all Council, especially <br />during budget discussions. Discussion about hosting quarterly or biannual utility and <br />finance meetings with Council, via a study session or special meeting. Hard for staff to <br />have to present and re -present the same information multiple times, and have input and <br />discussion in multiple forums about things. If there are truly things that warrant the <br />broader discussion, committees and staff should recognize that and direct the <br />conversation to Council vs. committees. <br />Council had additional discussion about whether having committees is beneficial if <br />information is going to all members. Acknowledged that there is some benefit in having <br />a group to pre -discuss certain issues, specific to one area, and to make <br />