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06. IAC Charter Internet Action Committee Purpose: The Internet Action Committee (IAC) of Scandia, MN, is dedicated to enhancing our community's digital connectivity through strategic initiatives and community engagement. Established in 2019, the IAC has a track record of successfully securing grants driven by genuine community support. Our mission is to ensure that Scandia remains at the forefront of Internet accessibility and technological advancement by collaborating with approved Internet Service Providers, DEED, and in collaboration with the City Council to ensure that reliable, cost-effective, high-speed Internet is available to every premise in Scandia, all while minimizing costs to Scandia taxpayers. Goals: 1. Every home and business owner in Scandia will have access to reliable broadband services capable of achieving a minimum of 1gbs/50mpbs. 2. Minimize investment from Scandia’s taxpayers for expanding services. 3. Committee stays in place until the expansion is complete 4. Expand broadband to as many premises a year as possible with a goal of completing expansion by 2027. Tasks: 1. Support and guide location providers in their development of a plan to make reliable, high- speed broadband service available to every home and business in Scandia. The plan should be updated and reviewed with the Council as needed and include the following written documentation: a) Estimated financial Impact of each phase, including capital investment cost shares, any operational investment cost shares, and description of subscription services offered b) Contractual business relationship between the Service Providers and the City of Scandia c) Evaluation of funding sources leveraged, including Partnerships and grants from County, State, and Federal sources Adopted by the City Council on October 15, 2019, Amended September 17, 2024 2. Identify home businesses, remote workers, school age-children, teachers, and low-income families interested in reliable, high-speed broadband service to target them for expansion at the earliest opportunity 3. Minimize the use of property taxes to expand reliable, high-speed broadband service. Plan and operate as much as possible within the City’s General Fund annual budget 4. Spend as much “other people’s money” as possible. Grants from DEED, FCC Rural Digital Opportunities Fund. Search for other funding 5. Work with MN Office of Broadband Development to accurately map all unserved homes and underserved homes and businesses according to latest standards. 6. Post accurate, up-to-date city map on the City website to inform the public of City’s progress with reliable, high-speed broadband service expansion 7. Allow Scandia residents to use the Wi-Fi at the Community Center if they do not have reliable internet access at home. 8. Encourage committee members to view online information, seminars, and updates from DEED and local service providers. Attend an annual conference, which the committee votes as necessary, to interact with other community leaders and keep abreast of the state of broadband in Minnesota. Voting Committee Members: It is preferred that voting members fall into one of the following categories: 1. Experienced, professional, senior communications engineer 2. Experienced, licensed contracts and business attorney 3. Experienced software architect and technology educator 4. Small business owner without reliable, high-speed broadband service 5. A parent with school-age children without reliable, high-speed broadband service 6. Residents who do not have reliable internet service Non-Voting Members: o Internet provider representative o City Administrator o One or two City Council Members Communication and Recognition: All public communications, including social media posts about the Committee's work product or updates on the Committee's actions, must include recognition of the Internet Action Committee (IAC). Additionally, the IAC should be notified of any such posts before they are made public. This ensures accuracy, consistency, and appropriate acknowledgment of the Committee's efforts and contributions. All communication, contacts, and questions regarding the IAC will be directed to the Committee Chair and/or the City Administrator.