IAC Minutes 11-12-2020Page 1 of 3
City of Scandia
14727 209 th St. N. PO Box 128, Scandia, Minnesota 55073
Phone (651) 433 -2274 Fax (651) 433 -5112 http://www.ci.scandia.mn.us
DRAFT
Internet Action Committee
Location: Online Streaming (Boxcast and GoToMeeting)
Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 6:00pm
Attendance: K. C. Douglas, Chair Robert Wilmers, John Carney, and Cathy Mackiewicz
Absent: Vice Chair Marschall Smith.
Also in Attendance: City Council Liaison Patti Ray, City Council Liaison Steve
Kronmiller, and City Administrator Ken Cammilleri.
Call to Order – Chair Wilmers called the meeting to order at 6:05pm.
Approval of Agenda – Motion by Wilmers, seconded by Mackiewicz, to approve the
agenda. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
Approval of Minutes – Motion by Wilmers, seconded by Mackiewicz, to approve the
minutes with a corrections to page 3 to clarify the name of “Security State Bank of
Marine” and a correction to the explanation about a company called Broadcom on the last
page. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
Public Comments – There were no public comments.
Midco 2020 Build-Out – Wilmers reported that the major construction is finished and
the company is actively signing up new customers. At the time the take rate was reported
at 37%. However, it was noted that this number may include passings with no homes and
updates to these figures are pending. The committee also discussed the total number of
households and Kronmiller’s service connection progress map. Members also discussed
how to obtain information regarding Frontier’s Scandia infrastructure.
240th Street N. Buildout - Wilmers also reported that Midco’s build outs program was
going to proceed with construction along 240th Street, but that we do not have a clear
picture of exactly what that buildout will ultimately look like.
Gammelgården Museum Connection Project - Wilmers reported that he was able to
assist the Gammelgården by lending temporary equipment to allow the museum to utilize
the existing service at Elim Church. The ultimate plan is to see a grant. The Midco
Foundation offers grants to nonprofits throughout their service area, which is likely a
probable avenue to help fund a direct connection to the museum. The estimated cost of
trenching a connection was around $1,950.
Page 1 of 3
City of Scandia
14727 209 th St. N. PO Box 128, Scandia, Minnesota 55073
Phone (651) 433 -2274 Fax (651) 433 -5112 http://www.ci.scandia.mn.us
Broadband Expansion Grant Letters of Support - Ray reported efforts to obtain letters
of support for the upcoming grant application. 9 have been received to date and 3 letters
were returned. Ray noted that she will continue to promote letters of support.
Buildout Progress Map – The Committee reviewed the buildout project map developed
by Kronmiller. Cammilleri was directed to put the buildout progress map on the website.
Formation of a 501 C 3 Nonprofit – Ray suggested that the community form a non-
profit to support internet expansion. Smith will be assisting with completing the filing
necessary to establish the organization. She suggested that the non-profit could help
provide financial assistance to households who face financial difficulties with paying for
a connection. The initial goal would be to raise $10,000.
City Funding - Ray also noted that there is $85,000 in funds set aside in the City’s
budget to help provide grants to assist with connection costs. The idea is to encourage
neighborhood initiated buildouts.
Dig Once Program – Ray noted that there are 4 homes on the eastern half of 220th Street
N. that could get conduit runs to expand Midco services. During the 2021 Road
Reconstruction Project. This would be bid out in the spring. Costs of these
improvements will be included in the engineering specifications. Wilmers was tasked to
discuss this opportunity with Midco. It was suggested that we work with MNDOT as
they also have a dig once program.
StarLink Option - Carney reported that Starlink is a new low orbit satellite internet
service and that the service is currently beta testing in our area as we are in the northern
latitudes. Invitations are going out, and Douglas noted that her household received an
invitation. Service offers reasonable speeds and reasonable prices. Carney also shared
an article from PC Magazine with the Committee regarding the service.
Frontier Engagement – Wilmers noted that our follow-up with Frontier will depend on
the state and federal grant awards and what information we can obtain from the
Minnesota Attorney General’s settlement with the company.
City Website / IAC Page / Single Source for Internet Expansion Information –
Cammilleri requested that members provide him with a summary of desired updates so
that these can be included on the site. The Committee noted that they would like to
improve the website content and to keep up with updates. They noted that they would
work to combine all content onto the City page. Wilmers
Website - The Committee also discussed how information about the Internet Expansion
Project could be better displayed and promoted on the City’s website.
Page 1 of 3
City of Scandia
14727 209 th St. N. PO Box 128, Scandia, Minnesota 55073
Phone (651) 433 -2274 Fax (651) 433 -5112 http://www.ci.scandia.mn.us
Next Meeting Date – The Committee agreed to hold its next meeting on Thursday
December 17, 2020 at 6:30pm. The meeting will be conducted electronically and
telephonically if the Governor’s Executive Order continues existing requirements.
Adjournment – The Committee adjourned at 7:51pm upon successful motion by Carney,
seconded by Douglas. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Minutes Prepared by:
Ken Cammilleri, City Administrator