City Council Meeting Date: September 22nd, 2026
To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Consider Directing Staff to Implement Broadband Franchising Authority for Public Right of Ways.
Body
Action Requested:
City Council approves a motion to direct staff to implement the City of Northfield’s broadband franchising process, including, but not limited to, finalizing the application and notice materials; publishing and providing required notice; receiving and evaluating applications; reviewing related right-of-way requirements; negotiating proposed nonexclusive broadband franchise terms; scheduling the required public hearing; responding in consultation with legal counsel to procedural or legal issues that arise; and returning any proposed franchise ordinance and agreement to the City Council for final approval, all subject to City Attorney review and applicable federal, state, and local law.
Summary Report:
This direction authorizes the administrative and legal work needed to solicit and evaluate applications and negotiate proposed nonexclusive broadband franchises. Any final franchise ordinance or agreement will return to the City Council for public hearing and approval.
The City Council previously reviewed broadband franchising at its July 14, 2026 work session and supported moving forward. Since then, staff and special communications counsel have developed draft application instructions, a notice of intent to franchise, provider notification materials, and an internal process outline. The implementation step is to authorize staff to finalize and use those materials and begin the formal process.
A broadband franchise is the City’s authorization for a qualified provider to construct or operate a broadband communications system using public streets and rights-of-way. It is broader than an individual right-of-way permit: the franchise establishes the long-term terms for access, construction coordination, system buildou...
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