City of Harrisonburg - File #: ID 14-206

• File #: ID 14-206
• Version: 2
• Name: Public hearing - ordinance franchise agreement.
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: Passed
• File created: 10/7/2014
• In control: City Council
• On agenda: 10/28/2014
• Final action: 10/28/2014
• Title: Consider an ordinance granting a franchise to use the streets and other public lands of the City of Harrisonburg for the operation of a fiber optic network
• Related files: ID 15-395

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
10/28/2014	2	City Council	approved on second reading	Pass
10/14/2014	2	City Council	approved on first reading	Pass

Subject:

Title

Consider an ordinance granting a franchise to use the streets and other public lands of the City of Harrisonburg for the operation of a fiber optic network

body

Presented By:  City Attorney Brown

Recommendation and Review

As part of the City's Main Street Streetscape Project, the City will be installing a Utility Duct Bank (UDB) in the downtown area for utilities owned by the City and other utility providers.  The City's Public Works Department has been approached by at least one utility company interested in installing fiber optic cable in the UDB.  Such an installation would provide fiber optic services to the downtown area, and generate funds to help offset the cost of the City's Main Street Streetscape Project.  Any potential utility provider will seek to use the City's UDB for a term longer than five years.  Such a time period would make the use a franchise.  Under state law, before a locality may grant a franchise, it must publish a notice inviting potential bidders to offer proposals for use of the locality's properties.  The City has published such notice.  Any offer received by the City must be read by the Mayor at the Council meeting on October 14, 2014.