Title
Approval of an Ordinance to Grant a Master Permit to Astound Broadband
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the ordinance granting Astound Broadband a Master Use Permit on second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the ordinance granting Astound Broadband a Master Use Permit.
Staff Contact:
Fran Eide, P.E., City Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8422
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
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.
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.
A hearing was held on September 10, 2019, to hear public comment regarding the request. There were no comments against the proposed renewal of the Master Permit. Council directed staff to draft a Master Permit Ordinance for Council approval.
The applicant has acquired all required licenses and approvals to place the new lines on existing Puget Sound Energy power poles.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Service to affected customers will not be interrupted.
Options:
Option 1: Move to approve first reading and move to second reading an ordinance to grant Astound Broadband a Master Permit. This option allows Astound Broadband to continue to serve existing customers and located current and future planned facilities in City of Olympia right of way.
Option 2: Move to approve first reading and move to second reading an ordinance to grant Astound Broadband a Master Permit to occupy City of Olympia right of way with additional conditions.
Option 3: Do not approve an ordinance to allow Astound Broadband to occupy City of Olympia right of way. This option will require Astound Broadband to remove existing facilities and work with current customers to transfer to other providers of telecommunication services.
Financial Impact:
The applicant will be required to pay fees associated with permits to do work within the City right of way.
Attachments:
Ordinance
Map