Title
Public Hearing on Master Use Permit for Ziply Fiber
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold a public hearing regarding Ziply Fiber’s request for a Master Permit. After hearing public testimony, close the public hearing and direct staff to return to Council with a proposed ordinance granting a Master Permit to Ziply Fiber.
Report
Issue:
Whether to hold a public hearing regarding Ziply Fiber’s request for a Master Permit and direct staff to return to Council with a proposed ordinance granting a Master Permit to Ziply Fiber.
Staff Contact:
Stephen Sperr, P.E., Assistant City Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8739
Presenter(s):
Stephen Sperr, P.E., Assistant City Engineer
Background and Analysis:
In February of 2023, Ziply Fiber submitted a request to obtain a Master Permit from the City to provide communication and telecommunication services within the City. Soon after their request was submitted, they began to provide such services through a partnership with Wholesail Networks, who hold an active Master Permit to provide such services in the City. However, Ziply Fiber’s service plan for the City includes the installation and maintenance of infrastructure separate from Wholesail’s infrastructure.
City staff have determined that Ziply Fiber has the technical ability, and general qualifications outlined in Chapter 11.06 of the Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) necessary to provide telecommunication services meeting the requirements of a Master Permit. Per OMC 11.06, a public hearing is necessary before a decision is made whether to proceed with issuing a Master Permit or not.
Climate Analysis:
The focus of a Climate Framework Analysis for this Master Permit was on the construction of the necessary infrastructure associated with the services Ziply Fiber is proposing. Construction would be a combination of open trench and bored installation of communication cable, along with the placement of some cable on existing overhead power and communication poles. Individual service to customers is via an underground connection.
Climate impacts from this work will be temporary and include noise impacts and discharge of exhaust from gasoline and diesel-powered construction equipment.
Equity Analysis:
Ziply Fiber’s expansion plan in the City will provide another telecommunications option, at a price that’s apparently more affordable to customers than some other plans. More options for service usually result in lower prices for the consumer of that service, which benefit economically disadvantaged groups in our community.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Neighborhoods may be inconvenienced for short periods of time during construction of infrastructure associated with this proposed Master Permit but should welcome the availability of this telecommunications option. Service to existing telecommunication customers in Neighborhoods will not be affected.
Financial Impact:
The applicant will be required to pay fees associated with permits to do work within the City right-of-way and adjacent easements under a Master Permit.
Options:
1. Hold a public hearing regarding Ziply Fiber’s request for a Master Permit. After hearing public testimony, close the public hearing and direct staff to return to Council with a proposed ordinance granting a Master Permit to Ziply Fiber.
2. Hold a public hearing on Ziply Fiber’s request to obtain a Master Permit. After hearing public testimony, if there are concerns direct staff to follow up and return at a later date.
3. Do not hold a public hearing and delay the approval of an ordinance granting a Master Permit until a later date.
Attachments:
Proposed Service Area Map