Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AMENDMENT OF A CONTRACT WITH LIGHTOWER FIBER NETWORKS, LLC TO INCREASE BANDWIDTH CAPABILITY FOR THE CITY’S VELOCITY BROADBAND SERVICES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. (as amended 8/1/2017)
Executive Summary: The City’s current contract with Lightower Fiber Networks provides Internet bandwidth service with an option to upgrade service bandwidth as Velocity Broadband customer demands require. The broadband staff now seeks to execute an upgrade to provide increased bandwidth to existing and future customers.
Body
Legislative History
Resolution No. 15-96, authorized a contract with Fiber Technologies Networks, LLC for the provision of Internet service as required for the implementation of the City’s Broadband Services Project, passed June 23, 2015.
Resolution No. 15-153, authorized a contract with Lightower Fiber Networks, LLC (formerly Fiber Technologies Networks, LLC) to increase bandwidth capability of the City’s Velocity Broadband Services, passed October 6, 2015.
Purpose & Explanation
Velocity Broadband is currently contracted with the Lightower Fiber Networks at $2,600 per month for 1GIG of Internet service. As the City’s customer base continues to grow and new businesses continue to sign up for service, expansion of capacity is necessary.
Therefore, staff is requesting expansion of our current Internet service from 1GIG to 2GIG. Upgrading to a 2GIG service will cost an additional $600 per month for a total contract price of $3,200 per month. This pricing agreement will extend the current contract for a two (2) year term.
As our Velocity Broadband services continue to expand, we will recommend further expansion of Internet service as needed.
Timing Considerations
Upon authorization to proceed by the City Council, the administration will execute a purchase order for upgraded service.
Fiscal Impact
X Currently Budgeted (Broadband Fund)
Supplemental Appropriation Required
Appropriation Not Required
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends that City Council approve this Resolution, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract upgrade with Lightower Fiber Networks, LLC, 80 Central Street, Boxborough, MA 01719 for the expansion of Velocity Broadband’s Internet services in the amount of $3,200 per month. Staff seeks emergency legislation to expedite the upgrade. Emergency language was removed from this Resolution with passage on August 1, 2017, by a 4-1 vote.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager
Jeff Knoblauch, Finance Director
Bill Hilbish, IS Manger
Will Ersing, Network Systems Administrator