Council members authorize franchise agreement

Council members are suspending rules, at least in this scenario.

After much deliberation, Contact Network Inc. DVA InLine was authorized a franchise agreement by the Madison City Council.

It’s installation of a network that will provide internet connection between the central office and transportation center, and there are future plans for a new high school and any other schools, explained Kelly Butler, city attorney.

Funding opportunities for this project are available through the federal government, which Butler explained was the reason for expediting the ordinance.

“I can promise you there’s no drama or intrigue in this,” said Dee Fowler, superintendent.

Fowler continued, “We have internet connection between all of our schools at this point in time. That is provided to us a by a certain provider. And that is only a three year contract.”

Fowler said the lowest, most responsive bidder was InLine.

The catch is that the federal program changed various timelines, so the project needs to be completed by July 1.

“Our timeline is under considerable pressure at the moment,” said Chris Cull, founding partner of InLine.

Councilman Jerry Jennings said, “Basically, you’re asking us to suspend the rules and approve this tonight.”

It was eventually decided by the Council to suspend the rules and go ahead and authorize the franchise agreement.

In other business, the council meeting regularly scheduled for Monday, June 27 was rescheduled for Tuesday, June 28 in response to the League of Municipalities Conference in Huntsville being rescheduled for that week.