HomeMy WebLinkAboutA018 - April 28, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City CouncilITEM #:22
DATE:04-28-26
DEPT:FIN
SUBJECT:AMENDMENT TO 28E AGREEMENT WITH
IOWA COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
In March 2016, the City of Ames and the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) entered into a
28E Agreement to establish a framework for sharing fiber optic infrastructure with the goals of
improving connectivity and reducing costs. While this agreement has been in place for nearly
ten years, it has not yet been utilized. To advance these original objectives, enhancing the
City’s IT network and achieving operational efficiencies, staff is now proposing the first
amendment to the agreement. It should be noted, that while ICN was not the City's
internet/communication provider when the original agreement was adopted, ICN is now the
primary service provider for the City.
The proposed amendment outlines a mutually beneficial exchange of infrastructure that
supports the strategic needs of both organizations. Under the amendment, the City’s
Information Technology Division will add additional strands of fiber in an existing conduit that
runs from the vault located at the southeast corner of City Hall to the City’s server room in the
basement. ICN has indicated that they intend to utilize that connection to construct fiber from
the vault to the new Iowa Public Radio studios, which are expected to be located in the KASI
building.
In return, ICN will provide the City with a dedicated fiber path connecting infrastructure
between the Furman Aquatic Center and the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center. To facilitate
this connection, the City will also need to construct its own conduit and install fiber from the
Furman Aquatic Center to an ICN vault located northwest along Ioway Creek.
These improvements will significantly enhance and streamline the network infrastructure
supporting operations at the Furman Aquatic Center and eliminate an existing Mediacom
connection, resulting in an estimated annual cost savings of approximately $7,200.
The total estimated cost for the City’s portion of the project is $20,000, as outlined below:
Trenching at Furman: $8,000
Fiber pull at Furman: 5,000
Network equipment at Furman: 3,000
Fiber optic connectors: 1,500
Fiber pull at City Hall: 2,500
Total Project Cost: $20,000
Under the terms of the amendment, ICN will not charge the City any additional monthly access
or service fees beyond current service charges. The City will be responsible for maintenance,
utility locates, and any necessary relocation of fiber infrastructure that is constructed and used
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exclusively for City facilities.
This project was originally included in the FY 2025/26 adjusted budget at $15,000. Based on
updated cost estimates, staff recommend increasing the project budget to $20,000, which
would be incorporated into the City’s FY 2025/26 final budget amendment. Funding will be
provided by the IT Technology Reserve Fund, which supports the replacement and
maintenance of the City’s network and computer equipment. The FY 2026/27 budget projects
an ending balance of approximately $1.6 million in this fund.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the amendment to the 28E agreement with ICN.
2. Do not approve and direct staff to evaluate alternative options.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Both ICN and the City have specific needs that can be met with the implementation of this
amendment to the 28E agreement. By implementing this amendment, the City will be able to
add Furman Aquatics Center to the City's network and reduce current network operating
expenses. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council
approve Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
16-030 Amendment 1.with ICN Signature.pdf
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