Title
Public Hearing on Astound Broadband, LLC’s Application for a Master Use Permit
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold a public hearing on Astound Broadband, LLC’s application for a Master Use Permit. After close of testimony, if there are no concerns, move to approve the application for a Master Use Permit and direct staff to prepare a Master Use Permit Ordinance.
Report
Issue:
Whether to hold a public hearing on Astound Broadband, LLC’s application for a Master Use Permit, and direct staff to prepare a Master Use Permit Ordinance.
Staff Contact:
Fran Eide, P.E, City Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8422
Presenter(s):
Fran Eide, P.E, City Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8422
Background and Analysis:
A Master User Permit, as defined in the Olympia Municipal Code (OMC), is an agreement whereby the City may grant general permission to a service provider to enter, use, and occupy the right-of-way for the purpose of locating facilities.
Astound Broadband, LLC has made a request to install fiber optic lines throughout the Olympia area (see attached map) to provide telecommunications, internet access, and private line services to potential customers, such as schools, government agencies, and health care facilities, as well as support services to existing cell phone towers. These lines would be in addition to the lines Astound Broadband, LLC currently has in the City’s right-of-way, installed under a previous Master Use Permit.
Pursuant to OMC Title 11, the City Council is required to conduct a public hearing and make a decision based upon Standards “A” through “I” as set forth in OMC 11.06.030 (attached).
The applicant has acquired all required licenses and approvals to place the new lines on existing Puget Sound Energy power poles.
Staff evaluated the routes proposed by the applicant and found there is sufficient capacity to accommodate the new lines, both overhead and underground. The addition of these lines will not impact City utilities.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
• The applicant will be required to follow all applicable codes and standards, including traffic control and restoration of affected areas.
• Emergency vehicles will not be delayed by construction activities.
• Installation of new fiber optic lines overhead and underground will occur at locations within the right-of-way consistent with Engineering Design and Development Standards.
• The community may benefit from access to an additional telecommunications service provider.
Options:
1. Hold a public hearing, approve Astound Broadband, LLC’s application for a Master Use Permit, and direct staff to prepare a Master Use Telecommunications Ordinance.
• The applicant can continue to maintain existing lines as well as proceed with any plans to extend new telecommunication lines.
• Staff will prepare a Master Use Permit Ordinance to be adopted at an upcoming Council meeting.
2. Hold a public hearing, approve Astound Broadband, LLC’s application for a Master Use Permit with additional conditions, and direct staff to prepare a Master Use Permit Ordinance.
• The applicant can continue to maintain existing lines as well as proceed with any plans to extend new telecommunication lines.
• Staff will prepare a Master Use Permit Ordinance with additional conditions to be adopted at an upcoming Council meeting.
3. Hold a public hearing and do not approve Astound Broadband, LLC’s application for a Master Use Permit.
• Customers will have to find an alternate service provider.
Financial Impact:
Astound Broadband, LLC has paid a $2,500 renewal fee.
While there is no annual fee, the City can charge the applicant for any staff time necessary to administer the permit during the 5-year permit term.
Astound Broadband, LLC will be required to pay for any permits associated with new/upgraded installation of telecommunication lines.
Attachments:
Network Map
OMC 11.06.030