HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022.04.01 Special Meeting MinutesMINUTES
McCall City Council
Special Meeting
McCall City Hall -- Legion Hall
VIA TEAMS Virtual
April 01, 2022
Call to Order and Roll Call
Work Session
Adjournment
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
1
Mayor Giles called the Special meeting of the McCall City Council to order at 9:00a.m.
Mayor Giles, Council Member Nelson, and Council Member Nielsen, all answered roll call.
Council Member Thrower absent. Council Member Maciaszek arrived at 9:01am.
City staff members present were Anette Spickard, City Manager; BessieJo Wagner, City Clerk;
Sarah Porter, Deputy Clerk; Erin Greaves, Communications Manager; Linda Stokes, City
Treasurer; Michelle Groenevelt, Community Development Director; Brian Parker, City Planner;
Chris Curtin, Information Systems Manager; Traci Malvich, Human Resources Manager; Jovanov,
Network Administrator; Meredith Todd, Assistant City Planner.
Also, in attendance was Andrea Nielsen, White Peterson Attorney.
WORK SESSION
1
AB 22-083 Request Adoption of Resolution 22-10 Approving a Joint Powers Agreement
between City of McCall and the West Central Mountains Fiber Network
Chris Curtin Information Systems Manager presented to Council. City Council has declared
broadband as an essential service. At the December 16, 2021 Regular City Council meeting, City
Council agreed to an MOU showing support for McCall's intentions to work with Valley County,
North Adams County and, in partnership with communities contained within, create a regional
open access fiber network. This new partnership will be named the West Central Mountains Fiber
Network (wcmfiber.com). This fiber network would be inclusive to all of Valley County and
North Adams County. The goal is to create a network of communities that work together toward
faster, open access internet with competitive pricing for the whole community. This Joint Powers
Agreement is the legal document that outlines the specific authority that the partnership will be
responsible for. This Joint Powers Agreement has been reviewed by City and County Attorneys.
Mayor Giles asked Manager Curtin how this network helps in the middle mile. Manager Curtin
noted a large area working together gives more legitimacy as a group to make partnerships happen
to limit the gap in connectivity. Manager Curtin used the gap between Riggins and Grangeville as
an example with a current project in the works to bring fiber connectivity and Next Generation
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911 to the area. The project will be the first fiber connection in the state that would connect the
north half and the south half of the state. Staff has faced challenges with inadequate responses to
RFPs to try and bring connectivity to the middle mile, alternative possible partnerships include
partnering with Idaho Power to bring connectivity to the power infrastructure and fiber
connectivity to the middle mile. Additionally, Manager Curtin explained the model of this
agreement reflects the model for the financing that is happening at the federal and state levels
offering more funding opportunities.
Anette Spickard City Manager noted the agreement creates a new legal entity outside of the City
of McCall and the board of directors would have the decision -making authority to apply for grants,
manage the money and oversee projects.
Manager Curtin explained the ability for an entity to leave the network and basic powers of the
WCMFN. Additionally explained was the update to section 4.1.4 of the agreement. The Board of
Directors includes one designated member from each entity to appear at regular meetings.
Staff, Attorney Nielsen, and Council had a discussion regarding the naming of the partnership with
some confusion if West Central Mountains Fiber Network was available to use without mixing the
partnership up with the West Central Mountains Economic Development Council.
Manager Spickard clarified that management being handled by Valley County is administrative in
nature such as keeping the minutes and serves as a clerical function of the partnership. Mayor Giles
asked if Adams County was on board with this decision and Manager Curtin confirmed Adams
County agreed to Valley County handling the management of the partnership. Additionally, the
City Council would appoint someone to sit on the board of directors. Attorney Nielsen noted there
is some flexibility built into the agreement as far as management of the partnership is concerned.
Council Member Nielsen asked for clarification on the day-to-day function of the partnership.
Manager Curtin noted the operations still need to be addressed but the agreement moves the
partnership forward and prepares the partnership to apply for possible funding opportunities as
opportunities come available. Attorney Nielsen noted there is a process for future changes built
into the annual review section of the agreement to create flexibility around future changes needed
to the partnership as it comes together. Attorney Nielsen clarified permits for work in relations to
infrastructure would still be needed and the agreement does not bypass any process outlined in
each jurisdiction for permitting work.
Staff discussed how the network works and the longevity of the fiberoptics compared to other
options such as satellite with Council. Mayor Giles asked about the private sector and how the
competition in the private sector will be affected. Manager Curtin noted there is some push back
from the private sector but the whole industry is changing the state legislature recognizes that. The
model of the agreement is a public -private partnership. Manager Curtin gave the example of roads,
the city provides the roads and people do business driving on the roads. The WCMFN will provide
the network and internet service providers will use it to provide the service.
Council Member Nielsen asked about the status of the current RAPID deployment and Manager
Curtin gave a brief update on the RAPID project. Manager Spickard noted there is still the step of
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judicial review before going live with the RAPID project and explained the process and why the
judicial review is needed. Additionally, Manager Spickard reviewed why a joint powers agreement
is necessary for funding opportunities to move forward with the RAPID project. Manager Curtin
reviewed the logistical challenges the RAPID project currently faces.
Council Member Nelson moved that Resolution 22-10 to approve the joint powers agreement
or as it is appropriately named between the Cty of McCall and the West Central Mountains
Fiber Network be moved to the consent agenda for a future regularly scheduled City Council
meeting. Council Member Council Member Nielsen Seconded. In a roll call vote, Council
Member Nelson, Council Member Nielsen, Mayor Giles, Council Member Maciaszek all
voted aye, and the motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Without further business, Mayor Giles adjourned the meeting at 10:46p.m.
ATTEST:
BessieJo Way; er, City erk
•
Robert S. Giles, Mayor
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