AGENDA DATE: 1/3/2018
TITLE:
Title
Albemarle Broadband Authority Progress Report
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Albemarle Broadband Authority Progress Report
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Letteri, Kamptner, Culp, Fritz
PRESENTER (S): Mike Culp, Bucky Walsh
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The Albemarle Broadband Authority (ABBA) was incorporated on August 21, 2017. The ABBA Board of Directors elected William “Bucky” Walsh as Chair during its inaugural meeting on September 20, 2017. ABBA met again on October 18, 2017 and November 15, 2017 to finalize goals and principles. This report is being provided as information and as a request for Board discussion.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Critical Infrastructure: Prioritize, plan and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs. Educational Opportunities: Provide lifelong learning opportunities for all our citizens. Operational Capacity: Ensure County government's ability to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION: The ABBA Board of Directors will provide an update on its near term and future goals for Board consideration and comment.
Summary of ABBA Meetings
• On September 20, 2017, the ABBA Board of Directors elected its officers:
o Bucky Walsh, Chair
o Mike Culp, Vice Chair
o Bill Fritz, Secretary
o Rick Randolph, Treasurer
Liz Palmer and Landon McDowell are the other voting members of the ABBA Board of Directors.
• On October 18, 2017, ABBA directed staff to determine how to provide liability insurance for ABBA.
• On October 18, 2017, ABBA directed staff to request $200,000 in one-time funds.
o Staff requested the inclusion of $200,000 in one-time funds as an appropriation from the positive year end variance for FY 2017.
o Staff is determining the tasks and process to establish the County as the ABBA Fiscal Agent.
• On November 16, 2017, ABBA approved its Goals and Principles (see Attachment A).
• On November 16, 2017, ABBA received an update on the 2018 Virginia Telecommunication Initiative Grant Applications; a summary of which can be reviewed by following this link <https://albemarle.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=5603723&GUID=925B6EF1-E80F-4866-9951-EFE649A8EB0A>.
• On December 15, 2017 ABBA received notice that the Albemarle County Department of Finance will process payment for the $1,150.00 liability insurance for ABBA.
Staff is requesting in its recommendation that the Board direct staff to present the above-referenced appropriation to the Board for its consideration at a future Board meeting. Attachment B provides information regarding the ABBA’s proposed use of the $200,000 to expand broadband in the County.
BUDGET IMPACT: If the appropriation is approved in the future, the amount of $200,000.00 will support the ABBA’s work to expand broadband in the County. The Finance Department is assuming the $1,150.00 payment for ABBA liability insurance.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board:
• Provide feedback on the ABBA’s Goals and Principles
• Request semi-annual progress reports from the ABBA
• Direct staff to present to the Board at a future Board meeting the following appropriation for its consideration:
• $200,000 in one-time funds for strategic ABBA projects
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - ABBA Goals and Principles
Attachment B - Overview of ABBA Strategic Broadband Projects Funding Request