UTILITY COMMITTEE

The Utility Committee Meeting was held on March 14, 2005, at 5:30 p.m. with Chairman Carey presiding. Members present were Mr. Ruane, Mr. Sadusky, Mr. Cregar, and Mr. Snaman. Members of Council present were Mr. Pitts, Mr. Slavin, Mr. Ritter, Mr. Hogan, Mr. Salters, and Council President Williams. Mayor Speed was also present.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Sadusky moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Ruane and unanimously carried.

Maximizing Dover’s Connectivity Infrastructure

In June 2004, the City's Information Technology Long-Range Plan recommended that the City investigate leveraging its fiber optic network. It also recommended that Dover leverage that network to deploy a Citywide voiceover Internet provider telephone system and use of wireless which is not currently available. There is 30 miles of fiber optic cable that has been installed in the City, but only two (2) City departments are taking advantage of this tremendous bandwidth capacity. It is staff’s belief that the City is utilizing this network at about ten percent (10%) of its capacity. Other cities across the country have taken advantage of their fiber optic networks to reduce telecommunication expense and increase work force efficiency.

Mrs. Tieman, Director of Administrative Services, advised members that staff would like to re-examine the City’s franchise fee agreement due to the expanded cable service offerings in our area. Specifically, Verizon has expressed its intentions about offering cable in our area. Staff would also like to examine the opportunity of collecting additional franchise fees from non-participating utilities that are doing business within the City's limits, such as Conectiv and Delaware Electric Cooperative, which is becoming an issue as the City annexes property. In light of the 1996 Telecommunication Act, which created new standards for joint use of utility poles, staff would like to revisit the City’s pole attachment fees and attachments for all users. Mrs. Tieman reviewed and explained the goals for the studies.

As a result of the recent City Council Retreat, she assured members that staff is not proposing the study of broadband options such as cable television or Internet service that would compete with private providers. Staff recommended that the City Manager be authorized to issue an RFP for professional services to assist the City in maximizing the use of its fiber optic system, voice over Internet provider telephone system, franchise fee review, and pole attachment agreement.

Mr. Ruane suggested that staff also consider the idea of maximizing Council broadcasting capabilities.

Mr. Sadusky moved to recommend that the City Manager be authorized to issue an RFP as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Snaman and unanimously carried.

Mr. Ruane moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 5:55 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Carleton E. Carey, Sr.

                                                                                    Chairman

CEC/jg

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