HomeMy WebLinkAboutTelecommunications Board - Minutes - 04/16/2007TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
April 16, 2007
6:00 PM
Council Liaison: David Roy
Staff Liaison: Liz Stroh, Communications and Technology Services; 221-6522
Board Chair: Curt Cramer
Vice Chair: Herb Saperstone
Present: Curt Cramer, Herb Saperstone, Wayne Wiemerslage,
Chip Cushman, David Heiberg
Absent: Ted Funk
Staff: Eric Dahlgren, Tom Vosburg, Jenna Stieben, Kraig Bader
Guest: Kat Shackelford, Pat Kelly
Chair Curt Cramer called the meeting to order at 6: 00 PM.
Public Input:
None
Minutes:
Chip Cushman introduced a motion to approve minutes, seconded by David
Heiberg. Minutes were approved unanimously.
Update on Intern Project
Kat Shakelford presented an updated version of her Powerpoint presentation.
Wayne added that it may be worth the interest to make sure that the prices on
the presentation now have a timeframe and are subject to change. Wayne also
added that the prices they have already included should be better in detail as to
what they covers such as "up to four rooms". The Board decided that adding a
link to Consumer Information instead of Consumer Reports may be a better idea.
The Board will keep editing the Powerpoint presentation and hopes to make
formal motion to the PIO soon. Herb stated the Kat did a great job in making
easy to access.
Municipal WiFi
Tom Vosburg provided an update on the status of the City's intentions regarding
WiFi for Fort Collins. The focuses of the update is getting the Public educated on
the progress and how the City is going to begin the process of WiFi service.
Some ideas that were discussed for Public education were posting a blog or
using the web as a public outlet. Also the idea of putting together a survey of
what people and businesses need.
The Board has talked a lot about how the City is going to resource the WiFi idea.
It is very competitive process and there are many different ways of obtaining it.
One ways is to turn it over to a private provider. The City has looked into
partnering with Front Range internet, who already has wifi set up on buildings in
the Fort Collins area, and allowing them to put the access points on the light
poles. This could possibly be one way for the City to start small and grow larger
as needed. Another idea was for the City to build a WiFi system using utilities.
Automatic Meter Readers is one example of this. Although the City would have to
look into the cost and benefits of this they are keeping all options open.
Tom also explained that the City is till trying to work close with CSU. Wayne
added that maybe sending CSU a letter of intent could benefit the City. Tom
needs to make sure that Voice is allowed on the CSU Broadband before they
proceed with the letter. Tom will carry this over in the May meeting.
There was also discussion on the service called Wimax. It offers a wider
Broadband width. This could be one aspect that the City could look into. First the
City will have to make sure that they have what it takes to run Wimax.
The Board will continue discussion on these items and the structure of them at
the May meeting.
Adjournment
Wayne Wiemerslage moved to adjourn, seconded by Chip Cushman. The
motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:23 PM
Board Chair
Staff Liaison
Date