Mineola considering fiber-optic internet
Mineola City Council will take up a plan next month to bring fiber-optic internet service to the entire city.
Peoples Telephone of Quitman proposes to run fiber-optic lines throughout the city …
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Mineola considering fiber-optic internet
Mineola City Council will take up a plan next month to bring fiber-optic internet service to the entire city.
Peoples Telephone of Quitman proposes to run fiber-optic lines throughout the city if the city is willing to partner with the co-op on the cost of the project.
The Mineola Economic Development Corp. previously heard the presentation.
City Manager Mercy Rushing said the project would be financed 50-50 between the city and the MEDC.
She said it is an economic development issue for businesses as well as for residents who want to work from home.
The city’s share of the project, initially proposed at $947,564, would mean each entity would be responsible for $118,445 annually over a four-year payout, Rushing explained.
Jason Slagle, chief business development officer for Peoples, estimated 18-24 months to complete the project, divided into seven phases.
He said more detailed schedules and costs would be provided once the project is approved.
The co-op is also working on a similar project in Quitman.
The council rejected bids for the Stone and South Newsom Street rehab projects which came in over budget. The lowest bid was $608,000.
Public Works Director Kyle McCoy said the city can do in-kind work on the project to bring the cost down.
It is funded by a Community Development Block Grant through the state.
A proposal to upgrade the city’s operating software was approved.
The current software will no longer be serviced after 2025, and City Secretary Cindy Karch said the new software will allow several city functions to be consolidated, creating operating efficiencies.
Karch also said the city is contracting with Communities Unlimited to conduct a utility rate study, at no cost to the city
Rushing announced the city had received four grants totaling $257,372 from the Meredith Foundation’s annual grants: $159,000 for the 1888 Plaza project in downtown, $10,372 for mobile lockers for the fire department, $50,000 to outfit two new police vehicles and $38,000 for operations of the Mineola Historical Museum.
Appointments were approved for Roy Shockey for a three-year term on the Mineola Civic Center board and Elisabeth Dry for the parks board for two years.
Street closures were approved for the Music in May events for the five Thursdays during the month, and for the May 20 senior class sunset dinner.
