Meeting Type: BCC Work Session
Meeting Date: 7/9/2019
Item Status: New
From: Joey Nunnally, P.E., County Engineer
Submitted by: Lisa Sangster, Administrative Support Specialist IV
______________________________________________________________________
ITEM TITLE
Title
Discussion Regarding Fiber Installation Methods Provided by Point Broadband
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Discuss the proposed installation methods provided by Point Broadband for fiber installation in existing subdivisions.
End
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
Background: Point Broadband’s statement is that they bring fiber services to underserved areas across the United States. They are currently seeking partnerships with municipalities, power cooperatives and local leaders who are committed to an improved quality of life through fiber deployment.
Point Broadband would like to install fiber inside of completed subdivisions by using a “micro-trenching” or a “nano-trenching” technique. This would involve saw cutting asphalt roadways from 0.5” to 2” wide and 4” to 6” deep. The fiber is placed in the trench and a bonding agent is then used to seal the cut. Laterals are then trenched to the lot corners and a splicing pedestal placed. Fiber is then installed to the home.
Another method of installing fiber is to place the fiber in the same trench as another utility during construction of the subdivision. This “joint use” method involves installation with another utility behind the curb and not in the roadway.
Point Broadband has partnered with Uniti Fiber and home builders such as D.R. Horton to provide fiber service to the residents of Baldwin County.
Currently, Point Broadband would like to install fiber in Hidden Lakes, Phase 1 & 2 and Sonoma Ridge, Phase 1 & 2 subdivisions. Hidden Lakes, Phase 1 & 2 and Sonoma Ridge, Phase 1 are complete so a “micro-trenching” method would be used in the asphalt roadways. Sonoma Ridge, Phase 2 subdivision is under construction and the fiber would be installed using the “joint use” method and would not be placed in the roadway.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: N/A
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): N/A
Additional instructions/notes: N/A