Title
Public Hearing on Master Use Permit for Ezee Fiber
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold a public hearing regarding Ezee Fiber’s request for a Master Use Permit. After hearing public testimony, close the public hearing and direct staff to return to Council with a proposed ordinance granting a Master Use Permit to Ezee Fiber.
Report
Issue:
Whether to hold a public hearing on Ezee Fiber’s request for a Master Use Permit.
Staff Contact:
Jeff Johnstone, P.E., City Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8290
Presenter(s):
Jeff Johnstone, P.E., City Engineer
Background and Analysis:
Ezee Fiber submitted a request to obtain a Master Use Permit from the City to provide communication and telecommunication services within the City. Per their application, Ezee Fiber is a rapidly growing Houston-based fiber telecommunications company that provides affordable and reliable internet service to residential, business, and government customers through its fiber optic network. Their services will include telecommunications, private lines, and internet access.
Ezee Fiber is requesting that the franchise area encompass the entire City. They intend to construct their own entirely underground infrastructure and not rely on existing facilities of other providers for their system.
City staff have determined that Ezee 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 Use Permit. Per OMC 11.06, a public hearing is necessary before a decision is made whether to proceed with issuing a Master Use Permit or not.
Climate Analysis:
The focus of a Climate Framework Analysis for this Master Use Permit was on the construction of the necessary infrastructure associated with the services Ezee Fiber is proposing. Construction would be a combination of open trench and bored installation of communication conduit and cable. 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:
Ezee Fiber’s expansion plan in the City will provide another telecommunications option. 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 Use 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 Use Permit.
Options:
1. Hold a public hearing regarding Ezee Fiber’s request for a Master Use Permit. After hearing public testimony, close the public hearing and direct staff to return to Council with a proposed ordinance granting a Master Use Permit to Ezee Fiber.
2. Hold a public hearing on Ezee Fiber’s request to obtain a Master Use 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 Use Permit until a later date.
Attachments:
Proposed Service Area Map