HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210712 - Utility Committee Recap Utilities Committee Recap
Monday, July 12, 2021 at 7:00 am.
Present: Councilmembers Lori Braucks,Tina Folch, and Trevor Lund; City Administrator Dan Wietecha;
Cara Koch(Dakota Broadband Board), Dan Pecarina(Hiawatha Broadband Communications).
Chair Braucks called the meeting to order at 7:00 am.
Dakota Broadband Board(DBB)
Ms.Koch explained that DBB's original intent was for a joint managed system, any institutional use can
be a member, and there are potential opportunities for savings. DBB will be doing an RFP later in the
year for data collection to better understand member uses and needs; she anticipated the consultant would
interview with each DBB member for input on local needs. She explained that under the c-net, DBB
would not be a service provider but would allow the potential to lease DBB infrastructure to private
partners. She said DBB is also tracking opportunities in federal funding to extend broadband.
Hiawatha Broadband Communications (HBC)
Mr.Pecarina gave a high-level overview of HBC's investment in Hastings and his view of Hastings as a
major hub on HBC's network. They are installing a fiber-to-the-premises system capable of 10 Gbps
symmetrical service;this is greater than currently available in other communities or from other providers.
He expected the first residential customer by the end of July and the system would be available to about
2000 homes by the end of the year; it should be city wide in about five years.He explained hat the system
offers broadband and telephone services,not cable television. He said that HBC is discussing School
District needs; grants can help address high"per passing"costs to building out fiber in rural areas, and
fixed wireless might be an option for filling some gaps.
Dakota County Processing Incentive
The City expects to receive up to $142K based on tonnage of municipal solid waste. The funds must be
used to reduce the costs to the payers of solid waste collection services in the City or to implement the
solid waste strategies and tactics in the Dakota County Solid Waste Master Plan, or both. The Committee
noted that using the funds to reduce residential rats by$2 per month would be limited impact. Several
potential uses of the funds were discussed: hiring a joint employee with Rosemount and Farmington
would free up current staff time as well as address new requirements to comply with County Ordinance
110, additional clean-up events could target mobile home parks, a communications campaign, and hiring
a third party to assess the waste stream and establish baseline metrics.
Residential Solid Waste Collection
In a series of contracts since January 2013,the City has contracted with Tennis Sanitation for exclusive
residential solid waste collection. The current three-year contract runs January 2019 through December
2021; this contract was the result of a request for proposals bidding process during 2018. It includes a
provision to renew it for up to two, 3-year extensions through December 2027. Under the contract,the
current renewal is automatic unless the City provided notice prior to December 31, 2020.The Committee
said the price is competitive but noted there have been interim increases due to market changes outside
the contract. There have been very few resident complaints about service by Tennis. Other haulers have
inquired about a potential to bid to provide service. There would be other costs and hassle associated with
a change in providers. The Committee favored allowing the contract extension with Tennis.
Legislative Priorities
Councilmember Folch said she serves on the Policy Committee for the League of Minnesota Cities and
that the City should consider its legislative priorities.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 am.