At a regular meeting of the Coleraine City Council on Monday, Nov. 28, city resident Jim MacNeil reported to council members that the city needs to consider expanding its broadband service.
“We’re looking at 250 new homesites over the next 10 years, and there’s also a new business park development going in,” said MacNeil. “Existing services generate $3,000 a month in revenue for the city, and additional services could generate even more.”
MacNeil also stated that if the city didn’t compete with Qwest, its broadband services could be out of business. He suggested that an increase in bandwidth or an additional T1 line could be the city’s first steps. The council agreed to take his report under advisement.
In other matters, the council:
• Approved minutes from a regular meeting held Nov. 14.
• Approved the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation to rezone Outlot H from tourism/recreation to mixed use.
• Determined that an additional special budget meeting would be necessary before the Truth in Taxation Meeting Dec. 12. The budget meeting will be held Nov. 30 at 4 p.m. Heard a request from Jim MacNeil that Coleraine consider accepting the dedication of services in the TriMac housing development. Council members agreed that their action on the issue would set a precedent for future developments and agreed to discuss the matter at a future meeting.
• Discussed the city’s interest in the purchase of property north of Coleraine’s athletic field. The property is owned by U.S. Steel and would be used for the construction of a sports complex. Council members believed the property could contain hazardous materials and were uncertain if U.S. Steel would be willing to sell it.
• Discussed whether or not to make broadband services available to small businesses without cable TV service. Council members moved to allow the change in city policy, but later withdrew the motion after further discussion about the small number of businesses that had requested the change.
• Heard a report from City Attorney Kent Nyberg that he contacted the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office to obtain an opinion on medical benefits for a former employee. Nyberg stated that he didn’t expect a response for at least a month.
• Discussed a quote in the amount of $13,200 for jaws of life. The city set aside $20,000 for a rescue unit, and because it was able to purchase a unit from Cohasset for $5,100, council members believed the city could afford the purchase. The issue will be further discussed at the next meeting.
• And heard a report from Mayor Peter Axford that he had written a letter to Chris Kavanaugh of the Department of Natural Resources, expressing interest in a shoreland revegetation and boat landing project.
http://www.grandrapids-mn.com/placed/index.php?sect_rank=1&story_id=211857
Personal Note: This is why Cities don't have ANY business being in the cable, broadband, etc. biz.
“We’re looking at 250 new homesites over the next 10 years, and there’s also a new business park development going in,” said MacNeil. “Existing services generate $3,000 a month in revenue for the city, and additional services could generate even more.”
MacNeil also stated that if the city didn’t compete with Qwest, its broadband services could be out of business. He suggested that an increase in bandwidth or an additional T1 line could be the city’s first steps. The council agreed to take his report under advisement.
In other matters, the council:
• Approved minutes from a regular meeting held Nov. 14.
• Approved the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation to rezone Outlot H from tourism/recreation to mixed use.
• Determined that an additional special budget meeting would be necessary before the Truth in Taxation Meeting Dec. 12. The budget meeting will be held Nov. 30 at 4 p.m. Heard a request from Jim MacNeil that Coleraine consider accepting the dedication of services in the TriMac housing development. Council members agreed that their action on the issue would set a precedent for future developments and agreed to discuss the matter at a future meeting.
• Discussed the city’s interest in the purchase of property north of Coleraine’s athletic field. The property is owned by U.S. Steel and would be used for the construction of a sports complex. Council members believed the property could contain hazardous materials and were uncertain if U.S. Steel would be willing to sell it.
• Discussed whether or not to make broadband services available to small businesses without cable TV service. Council members moved to allow the change in city policy, but later withdrew the motion after further discussion about the small number of businesses that had requested the change.
• Heard a report from City Attorney Kent Nyberg that he contacted the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office to obtain an opinion on medical benefits for a former employee. Nyberg stated that he didn’t expect a response for at least a month.
• Discussed a quote in the amount of $13,200 for jaws of life. The city set aside $20,000 for a rescue unit, and because it was able to purchase a unit from Cohasset for $5,100, council members believed the city could afford the purchase. The issue will be further discussed at the next meeting.
• And heard a report from Mayor Peter Axford that he had written a letter to Chris Kavanaugh of the Department of Natural Resources, expressing interest in a shoreland revegetation and boat landing project.
http://www.grandrapids-mn.com/placed/index.php?sect_rank=1&story_id=211857
Personal Note: This is why Cities don't have ANY business being in the cable, broadband, etc. biz.
