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PUBLIC
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING
INTERIM COMMITTEE CELL PHONE CONNECTIVITY INTERIM STUDY COMMITTEE
| Date |
08/20/2024 |
| Attendance |
| Bacon |
X |
| Michael Blank |
X |
| Eddie Castaneda |
X |
| Bob Fifer |
X |
| Hinrichsen |
X |
| Kevin Klein |
X |
| Guillermo Lambarri |
X |
| Pelton R. |
* |
| Roberts |
X |
| Soper |
X |
| Eli Veenendaal |
X |
| Lukens |
X |
|
| Time |
10:06:19 AM to 12:00:36 PM |
| Place |
Old State Library |
| This Meeting was called to order by |
Lukens |
| This Report was prepared by |
Juliann Jenson |
|
| Hearing Items |
Action Taken |
| hPresentation from the Colorado Communications and Utility Alliance |
Committee Discussion Only |
| hPublic Comment |
Committee Discussion Only |
| hBill Draft Requests |
Committee Discussion Only |
|
|
| 10:06:21 AM |
Chair Lukens made opening remarks and recapped the committee field trip held on August 19, 2024. On the field trip, the committee looked at small cell colocaters near Lyons and in downtown Boulder. They also toured FirstNet Authority, an independent government agency that manages the FirstNet network, a nationwide broadband network for public safety and emergency responders.
|
Presentation from the Colorado Communications and Utility Alliance - Committee Discussion Only
|
|
|
10:07:27 AM |
Chair Lukens called the hearing to order. A quorum was present.
Representatives from the Colorado Communications and Utility Alliance (CCUA) introduced themselves: Todd Barnes, Communications Director, City of Thornton and CCUA Legislative Chair; Alan DeLollis, Executive Director; and, Ken Fellman, General Counsel.
The representatives discussed state law, right of way agreements, ideas for improving the permitting process, and other suggestions. The CCUA slide deck presented at the hearing may be viewed here:https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/ccua-cml_interim_committee_presentation_8.20.24.pdf
|
|
10:44:20 AM |
Committee members asked questions about local government permits, right of ways, and model codes. Discussion folllowed about federal law and model right of way ordinances. Discussion turned to replacing equipment and federal regulations. Further questions were asked about permitting, barriers, and tolling agreements. Committee members asked about viewing broadband maps, as well as gaps in coverage.
|
Public Comment - Committee Discussion Only
|
|
|
11:33:18 AM |
No one signed up for public testimony.
|
Bill Draft Requests - Committee Discussion Only
|
|
|
11:33:57 AM |
Sarah Lozano and Clare Heffner, Office of Legisaltive Legal Services, gave an overview of the bill draft request process and associated deadlines.
|
|
11:37:35 AM |
Senator Roberts proposed a bill draft request about establishing a more formal role for state government agencies in aiding cellular connectivity. Representative Soper also expressed his interest on this bill draft request topic.
|
|
11:43:05 AM |
Representative Soper suggested a bill draft request to offer incentives, such as property tax exemptions or grant funds, to underserved areas that have cellphone connectivity issues. Rerpesentative Bacon and Senator Hinrichsen agreed to collaborate on this as well.
Chair Lukens raised a bill draft request concerning the cell phone tower permitting process and shot clocks, in addition to other streamlining opportunities. Representative Bacon also expressed interest in this request.
Representative Soper discussed a bill draft request about intentional damage to infrastructure, including copper and fiber. Committee members raised questions if this topic is within the committee's scope. Discussion continued about additional regulations for junkyards accepting copper and streamlining security systems at large towers.
|
|
11:57:14 AM |
There was no opposition to the bill draft requests.
|
| 11:59:36 AM |
Chair Lukens reminded the committee of the September 3 field trip to look at connectivity improvements and efforts on the I-70 corridor between Glenwood Canyon and the Eisenhower Tunnel.
|
| 12:00:36 PM |
The committee adjourned. |
