08.c1 IAC Charter Update from Steve KronmillerPurpose:
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 securingsupporting our local internet service providers
(ISPs) in their pursuit of 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 collaborate 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 home and business 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
4.3. Expand broadband to as many premises a year as possible with a goal of completing
expansion by 2027the end of 2026.
Tasks:
1. Support and guide locationinternet service providers in their development of a planexpansion
projects to make reliable, high-speed broadband service available to every home and business
in Scandia. The plan should be updated andprojects will be 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
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
3.2. 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 budgetCIP Budget
4.3. Spend as much “other people’s money” as possible. Grants from DEED, FCC Rural Digital
Opportunities Fund. Search for other funding
5.4. Work with MN Office of Broadband Development to accurately map all unserved homes
and underserved and underserved homes and businesses according to latest standards.
6.5. 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
7.6. Allow Scandia residents to use the Wi-Fi at the Community Center if they do not have
reliable internet access at home.
8.7. Encourage committee members to view online information, seminars, and updates from
DEED and local service providers. Attend an annual conferenceconferences, 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 MembersCouncil Liaisons as deemed appropriate by the City Council
Communication and Recognition:
All public official committee 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 cCommunication, contacts, and questions regarding the IAC will should be directed to the
Committee Chair, and/or the City Administrator and/or any member of the City Council.