Lake County Special Committee on Broadband met Jan. 13
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
Chair Clark called the meeting to order at 8:32 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Clark led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Roll Call of Members
Present 6 Member Campos, Vice Chair Casbon, Chair Clark, Member Kyle, Member Roberts and Member Schlick
Absent 1 - Member Hunter
*Electronic Attendance: Member Campos
*Member Hunter was unable to attend the Committee meeting in person and did not meet the criteria for electronic attendance. Even though he was able to attend via electronic means and participated in Committee discussions, he must be marked as absent.
Other Attendees:
In Person:
Abby Krakow, Communications
Alex Carr, Communications
Elizabeth Brandon, County Administrator's Office
Gary Gibson, County Administrator's Office
Idalys Rios, County Administrator's Office
Jennifer Brennan, Communications
Jim Hawkins, County Administrator's Office
Kevin Quinn, Communications
Matt Meyers, County Administrator's Office
Sandy Hart, County Board Chair
Tammy Chatman, Communications
Theresa Glatzhofer, County Board Office
Electronically:
Brenda O'Connell, Planning, Building and Development
Cassandra Hiller, County Administrator's Office
Eric Tellez, Planning, Building and Development
Eric Waggoner, Planning, Building and Development
Frank Deuel, Public
Gavin Good, Chicago Tribune
Janna Philipp, County Administrator's Office
Jolanda Dinkins, County Board Office
Kevin Hunter, Board Member
Kristy Cechini, County Board Office
Linda Pedersen, Board Member
Maria Castellanos, Finance
Mary Ross Cunningham, County Board Vice Chair
Matt Coleman, GIS
Michael Wheeler, Finance
Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald
Patrice Sutton, Finance
Paul Frank, Board Member
RuthAnne Hall, Purchasing
Stephen Rice, State's Attorney's Office
Susan August, Purchasing
4. Addenda to the Agenda
There were no additions or amendments to the agenda.
5. Public Comment (Items not on the agenda)
There were no comments from the public.
6. Chair's Remarks
Chair Clark welcomed everyone to the first Special Committee on Broadband meeting and stated the importance of the topic of broadband. Chair Clark also noted that the mission of the Committee is to develop a vision and plan for high speed internet access for the residents of Lake County.
7. Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business to discuss.
8. New Business
REGULAR AGENDA
8.1 23-0138
Presentation regarding broadband programs and funding opportunities.
Attachments: Broadband Programs-Funding 011323
Matt Meyers, Assistant County Administrator, introduced Elizabeth Brandon, FOIA Coordinator. Ms. Brandon gave a presentation regarding the value of broadband internet. Ms. Brandon identified the unserved and underserved broadband internet areas within Lake County. Ms. Brandon also outlined the funding opportunities available for expanding accessibility to broadband internet in Lake County.
Discussion ensued.
8.2 23-0139
Committee discussion and possible action on next steps for connectivity in Lake County.
Matt Meyers, Assistant County Administrator, requested discussion and consensus from the Committee regarding the next steps for broadband internet connectivity improvements in Lake County. Assistant County Administrator Meyers noted that it is an option to utilize American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to put out a request for proposal (RFP) for a broadband consultant to do a broadband analysis and provide recommendations for goals and plans for implementation for the County.
Discussion ensued.
A motion was made by Vice Chair Casbon, seconded by Member Kyle, to provide direction to staff to proceed with a request for proposal (RFP) and determine an appropriate funding source for a broadband analysis consultant for the County. The motion carried by the following voice vote:
Aye: 6 -Member Campos, Vice Chair Casbon, Chair Clark, Member Kyle, Member Roberts and Member Schlick
Absent: 1 - Member Hunter
9. County Administrator's Report
Matt Meyers, Assistant County Administrator, thanked Elizabeth Brandon, FOIA Coordinator, for her hard work collecting and presenting broadband information for the Committee.
10. Executive Session
The Committee did not enter into Executive Session.
11. Members' Remarks
Vice Chair Casbon explained the inequities she has noticed in local broadband accessibility which sparked her interest in the subject. Vice Chair Casbon also thanked Chair Hart, for creating this Special Committee, and staff, for their hard work and support of this initiative.
Member Roberts thanked Vice Chair Casbon for her advocacy and leadership.
Gary Gibson, County Administrator, thanked Matt Meyers, Assistant County Administrator, and Elizabeth Brandon, FOIA Coordinator, for their hard work. County Administrator Gibson also wished Abby Krakow, Associate Communications Specialist, a happy birthday.
Chair Clark noted that future Special Committee on Broadband meetings will occur once a month on Fridays at 8:30 a.m.
12. Adjournment
Chair Clark declared the meeting adjourned at 9:44 a.m.
https://lakecounty.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=M&ID=1075054&GUID=6A6C8434-F302-4E48-9457-298743452870
Alerts Sign-up