12/18/2007 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 12/18/2007 residents specifically appreciate his tireless efforts this year dealing with problems such as vandalism, street safety and property maintenance issues. We also appreciate the attention to these, and other, matters from members of the administration. Duane Limpert, Lisa Thomas, and John Dailey have been attentive and patient city representatives throughout some of the challenges faced by some of my neighbors this year. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. I also want to recognize Planning Director Kim Wenger's contributions to the City of North Olmsted. Speaking as a member of the Citizen's Advisory Committee for CDBG, as well as a taxpaying citizen, I am continually impressed by her knowledge of, and dedication to, the job in front of her. She is truly an asset to the city. Finally, I would like to address Council Members who will not be returning as representatives next year. Although I may not have agreed with some of your decisions regarding policies or legislation, I applaud your willingness to serve. Your sacrifices of time and energy are undeniable, admirable, and appreciated. As a more recent observer to the workings of city government, it's apparent that all of you often open yourselves up for examination and criticism by others. But I also know that the decisions which you have carefully weighed and rendered affect the apathetic as much as the people who are quick to voice their opinions-a point that I'm sure will not be lost on the new members of City Council beginning next year. I hope everyone who hears this letter has a wonderful and blessed holiday season. I also wish you a happy and safe New Year that will hopefully include a Browns playoff appearance and another National Football Championship for the Ohio State Buckeyes!" Councilman Barker expressed his appreciation for the letter. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION 1) Kevin Lynch, representing AT& T, 45 Erieview Plaza, Cleveland, Ohio, 44114. Also in attendance with him was counsel Leo Spellacy and several residents and employees of AT& T. AT&T is concerned about the right-of--way ordinance Council is considering tonight-its effect on availability of AT&T to deliver services to the city's residents and businesses. He is also concerned the ordinance will continue to delay AT&T's multi- million dollar initiative known as Project Lightspeed, which will allow AT&T to upgrade its telecommunication network to a fiber-rich infrastructure capable of delivering innovative new services to consumers and improving the quality of existing services. Project Lightspeed will result in an increase of DSL or high speed Internet availability for city's residents and will also allow AT&T to deliver an Internet protocol video television service known as U-verse television. AT&T recognizes and respects the city's right and need to manage the public right-of--way and also the need to prevent above-ground facilities that create unreasonable health, safety and welfare concerns. AT&T remains willing to work with the city on a case-by-case basis to make sure its facilities are placed in the most desirable possible locations, taking into account what is technologically feasible and economically practical. To date, however, the city has passed a moratorium and otherwise has frustrated the AT&T planned network upgrades. AT&T's DSL coverage in North Olmsted remains among the lowest in Cuyahoga County. Approximately 60% of North Olmsted can get DSL. After Project Lightspeed, the access climbs to almost 90% availability. To date, because of the steps taken by the city, AT&T 10 ~~~