Chapel Hill Technology Advisory Committee

["Steve Irving" <wsirving AT morgancreek.net>]

Terri.

While I support the TC's strategic goals related to municipal internet
connectivity, including wireless, and generally understand and support the
Northside/Pine Knolls issue recently referred to us by Council, I can't
support the general approach, nor the specific language and timing of the
memo to Council you have drafted. 

I believe that we will have an opportunity to explore this issue with the
Mayor, Manager, Staff and any Councilmembers present at our meeting
tomorrow, and to have questions regarding what we are authorized to do
answered directly. We will also have an opportunity to learn the Mayor's
view regarding the DEDC effort, as he is also a member of that board, and
possibly to obtain viewpoints from additional Councilmembers regarding
municipal wireless (and wired??) internet access.

If, after these discussions, a petition to Council is in order, there should
be sufficient time to present it as a Committee action for their 6/27
meeting, either via agenda or from the floor.

Steve


-----Original Message-----
From: chtechcomm-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:chtechcomm-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Terri Buckner
Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2005 7:18 PM
To: Chapel Hill Information Technology Advisory Committee
Subject: [Chtechcomm] Petition to work with DEDC on wireless initiative

In order to work with the Downtown Economic Development Corporation 
(DEDC) on the wireless initiative, we need Council's authorization. 
Typically, Tuesday at noon would be the latest time to get something 
added to the agenda for June 27 which is the last council meeting until 
September. By that schedule, we don't have time to vote on this petition 
in order to submit it from the committee. Therefore I am willing to 
submit it personally in order to not miss the opportunity. The text I 
plan to submit is below. If anyone would like to have their name added 
as a sender of the petition, let me know.--Terri

***************************************************************

To: Town Council
From: Terri Buckner
Date: June 19, 2005
RE: Downtown Wireless Initiative

After the June 15, 2005 Council meeting, the Town Manager referred a 
citizen petition to the Technology Advisory Committee requesting that a 
wireless network be established to serve the neighborhoods of Northside 
and Pine Knolls. Currently, the Downtown Economic Development 
Corporation is in the very early stages of pursuing a downtown wireless 
initiative and a town-wide wireless network is included as one of the 
activities in the Technology Advisory Committee's 2005-2006 strategic 
plan (presented to Council on March 23, 2005).

I hereby request that Council authorize the Technology Advisory 
Committee to work together with the Downtown Economic Development 
Corporation and any other town or university group that may be involved 
in planning and implementing a downtown or citywide wireless initiative. 
Such collaboration would include, but not be limited to, determining the 
coverage area, reviewing and selecting platform and hardware, reviewing 
and contracting with consultants, designing a business plan, and 
promoting the idea with citizens and local businesses.

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