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Ms. Jankowski stated that information posted on Project Future's website referenced nine (9) <br /> companies which provide a full-range of services. SBC has not increased their service rates <br /> since 1986, and they are comparable to others. There has been a loss of 500,000 tele-com jobs <br /> in the last three (3) years in the United States. Municipal tele-com efforts have resulting in a <br /> "field of dreams" idea. Currently there are 14 states which limit or prohibit municipal action in <br /> this area. HB 1148 is now dead, but called for a cost/benefit analysis and public hearings before <br /> public monies could be spent. She concluded her remarks by stating that SBC looks forward to <br /> working with the public officials and if there are questions, they can be referred to SBC's <br /> technical staff members. <br /> Council Member Kelly inquired what expenses are there to the City of South Bend. <br /> Mayor Luecke stated that two (2) years ago, there was $600,000 in the capital budget to extend <br /> the conduit system. Metro Net would extend the fibers at no cost to the city. The city is not <br /> entering the tele-corn system. Metro Net will pull dark fiber thru the conduit, and no additional <br /> monies are being asked for from the city. <br /> In response to another question from Council Member Kelly, Gary Gilot noted that <br /> interconnections at intersections are being used. Metro Net provides more modern technology <br /> and would be better for traffic programs. A wide-area network to the government buildings will <br /> take place. Data analysis, GIS, secured cameras, Amber Alerts, and other uses are anticipated <br /> with MACOG in using this fiber. <br /> Council Member White inquired if this was the best use of taxpayer dollars. <br /> Mayor Luecke stated that the city would be investing regardless of Metro Net. Other <br /> communities such as Marion and Seymour are owning and operating such services, but South <br /> Bend is making our conduits available for the fiber. <br /> Gordon Wishon, Chairperson of the Board for MetroNet and Chief Information Officer at the <br /> University of Notre Dame stated that MetroNet is assuming the risk of offering the <br /> infrastructure. In 2001, he became the CIO at the University of Notre Dame, moving here from <br /> Atlanta, Georgia. South Bend does not have the amount of demand as that of larger cities. <br /> Notre Dame has a growing research program. UND had 20 megabites in 2001. <br /> Commissioner Steve Ross noted that this is a highly technical area which has many challenges. <br /> He has some real concerns and questions because the technology is constantly changing. He <br /> noted that many communities are going wireless and do not need fiber options that are being <br /> talked about today. He added that a provider is still necessary; and voiced concern that he is not <br /> sure that this is beneficial as a long-term solution. He cautioned that such fiber may be obsolete <br /> in five (5)years. <br /> Dr. Varner stated that the $600,000 capital appropriation was requested by the Administration <br /> so that the loop could be completed. He voiced concern that there is no city council member on <br /> Metro Net's Board of Directors. He stated that a council member should not be an optional <br /> member since Council oversight is needed. In that way there would be access to minutes, <br /> expenditures,etc. Dr. Varner also suggested that the city should be receiving a percentage of the <br /> revenues on an annual basis for the use of the conduit by MetroNet. In that way, he believes it <br /> April 9,2005 Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council -page 2- <br />