TITLE
Recommendation to authorize the implementation of a Lit Services Pilot Program for the provision of internet services for a period of one year; and
Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a Lease Agreement with Famous Dave’s of America, Inc., of Minnetonka, MN, for the lease of Lit Services, in an annual amount of $11,988, billed monthly at the rate of $999 per month. (District 2)
DISCUSSION
The City has built a Municipal Fiber Network (MFN) for delivering voice, video, and data communications to City facilities. Staff has received numerous inquiries from businesses interested in receiving internet access (otherwise known as Lit Services in the industry) directly from the City. These businesses are in areas that are not currently served by the major Internet Service Providers (ISP).
In order for the City to explore the possibility of providing an ISP function to local businesses, the Technology and Innovation Department (TI) proposes to implement a limited, one-year pilot program to provide Lit services. Approximately six months after the inception of the pilot program, TI staff will begin a feasibility analysis of the benefits and challenges of providing internet connectivity to local businesses. When the analysis is complete, TI staff will seek City Council direction on whether to extend the term of the limited pilot program, or expand the program to other local businesses.
The proposed Lease Agreement under the pilot program would provide Lit Services to Famous Dave’s Long Beach, at 300 S. Pine Avenue, as the initial participant. Lit Services include the provisioning, equipment installation, management, and support of all services required to provide internet access over the MFN. Lit Services will allow Famous Dave’s to receive high-speed internet connectivity. These services have become as important as electricity to growing businesses that rely on a high-speed internet connection. While these Lit Services will share the same cond...
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