Ethan Hoagland
High-speed fiber optic internet is one step closer to coming to Sweet Home, as the city council neared a franchise agreement with Alyrica Networks, Inc during the October 24 meeting. If approved, Alyrica could begin building fiber optic infrastructure in town.
“I’m really excited about this,” Mayor Susan Coleman said during the meeting.
The proposed franchise agreement comes as rural communities across the country work to bring in modern internet infrastructure. Whether it’s accessing job interviews or telehealth, a lack of reliable, high-speed internet poses a variety of challenges to small towns.
Entering a franchise agreement with Alyrica requires a city ordinance. That process demands three readings from the city council, which approved the first two at the October 24 meeting.
Alyrica unveiled some of their plans at the city council meeting. In phase one, the Philomath-based company plans to connect 1,200 homes between 1st Avenue and 18th to its fiber optic network. Several hundred Sweet Home residents already use Alyrica for internet service.
City council tables 10th, 13th ave. direction changes
Sweet Home city council tabled a decision to designate 10th and 13th avenue as one-ways, following concerns about impact on businesses in the area. It will be discussed again at the next city council meeting on November 14th.
Before deciding to reconsider, city officials planned to designate 10th avenue as a southbound one-way, and 13th avenue as a northbound one-way. Garry and Cathy Burks, owners of Santiam Feed and Garden on 13th said that change could make it hard for trucks to access their business.
The plan, submitted by Community and Economic Development Director Blair Larsen, involves adding parking spaces and beautification projects to make downtown more pedestrian friendly. City officials expect the changes to cost about $5,000.
Currently, the Burks are looking to sell the building that houses the feed store. A prospective buyer told city council they would refuse to buy the building or invest in downtown Sweet Home at all if the council approved a northbound one-way on 13th.
Mayor Coleman turned to council member Angelita Sanchez, a truck driver herself, for perspective on the issue.
“I’ve actually driven my dump truck on that road before,” Sanchez said. “It’s gonna be really difficult for trucks to have to loop around then get onto Long street. And I didn’t realize it’s a one-way only so it’s gonna be circle, circle, circle.”
The council passed the motion to table 4-2, with council president Greg Mahler absent. Sanchez and council member Joshua Thorstad voted against tabling.
City council approves OpenGov contract
The council also took steps toward making the city government more transparent and organized by approving a contract with software service OpenGov. City manager Kelcey Young said she was able to negotiate a discount of more than 30%, or about $60,000 annually for access.
According to Young, the cloud-based service could make the public portal easier for community members to use. It will also help staff keep track of who’s doing what through digital footprints. The city council approved it 6-0.
Sankey Park phase 3 grant to be signed
City council also checked another box in the Sankey Park renovation project. Councilors approved the signing of a $118,000 grant for phase three of the project. Total project cost is about $300,000.