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FIBER CONTINUED.

As City Clerk Jennifer Kretsch explained, "Fiber was provided to all cities in Carver County, including Victoria. However, Victoria has not connected its IT systems to the fiber yet, as we will be consolidating servers and evaluating when we should connect based upon when new facilities will be built."

"All school districts are connected," said Mr. Taylor. "Several townships have signed agreements. The 800 mega herz tower is connected."

He gave an example to explain fiber cost. "When I had my driveway sealcoated, I asked if I could get a better price if I got a couple neighbors to get their driveways done, too. It saved dollars. The same with fiber connections."

"We invested millions of dollars in this," he said. "We want to share resources and have all of us save money. It would make our lives a lot more efficient. It won't be free, but the incremental cost will be less than if you buy on your own."

Mr. Taylor spoke of optical imaging, which means you don't need a lot of space required for document storage. "Ultimately it's up to you, it you want to move forward with this project. Every city is a little different in philosophy and culture."

Said Councilmember Jim Crowley, "I know enough to be dangerous, but what is a dark fiber site?"

Randy, Lehs, Carver County Fiber Project Manager, replied that it transmits from one facility to another within a city and is not shared with others on the ring. "You have unlimited speed based on what you're doing or what you need," he said, "so you're not bound by the 10 megabytes per second. It's an extra $30 more per month."

Mr. Melling added that dark fiber consists of unused strands for the city to use. "It's like an on-ramp to the county ring. There's an access charge to the county site. You pay significantly less for significantly greater quality and speed. It's about facilities the city can take advantage of."

Asked Councilmember Crowley, "Are we going to have to pay more fees down the road?"

"No," replied Mr. Lehs.

Asked Councilmember Joe Pavelko, "Would a business do this? In five years, how are we better off?"

Replied Mr. Melling, "You've already got a connection between your buildings. We're talking about more speed and quality. Dark fiber would be extremely valuable for businesses but also extremely expensive for them. It will potentially save you money down the road. Service becomes more reliable and better performing. This gives you the ability to not bring a new server for the Rec Center."

Asked Councilmember Pavelko, "Is the county the only one we get this service from? It's like the county is holding us hostage to prices."

Said Mr. Melling, "You are in an area where you don't have a lot of options right now. I don't think this limits the city. You are not limited to the county service. You're not limited to the county's off-site backup, for example."

Councilmember Crowley pointed out that if Victoria would have a problem with the fiber system, the county is right there nearby to help with it.

Said Mr. Lehs, "The whole intent with the county is to improve services throughout the county."

Asked Councilmember Pavelko, "Will homeowners be able to hook up to this?"

"Absolutely," said Mr. Lehs. "There is a public side and a private side. Roughly half the fiber we're putting in the ground is for public and the other half is for private. It usually takes two to three years to prove ourselves."

Asked Councilmember Pavelko, "If we do decide to build a new City Hall and Public Works building, is there a way the county can cut us a deal?"

Replied Mr.Lehs, "We definitely have a desire to help things work out." He explained that the county received $7 million from the stimulus grant and "we pretty much threw everything in except the kitchen sink." Then the Feds came out and narrowed the criteria so the county differentiated between critical and noncritical entities, he said.

Councilmember Lani Basa pointed out that if the city doesn't bring fiber to the Rec Center, the city would be on the hook to continue buying things for the Rec Center such as a new server and other equipment.

Stated Councilmember Strigel, however, "I'm not seeing the value proposition to the Rec Center."

Replied Mr. Lehs, "There is no requirement for moving forward for the Rec Center. We've already connected two locations, your City Hall and Fire Station/Water Treatment Plant."

Asked Councilmember Strigel, "Where does the real benefit show up in a day in the life of the staff?"

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