REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Resolution Authorizing the Use of City Electric Forces for New Dark Fiber Installations at Various Locations
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
Charter Section 1310 titled Contracts on Public Works states, in part, "that every contract involving an expenditure of more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for the construction or improvement (excluding maintenance and repair) of public buildings, works, streets, drains, sewers, utilities, parks and playgrounds shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder." The section further states that "the City Council may declare and determine that, in its opinion, the work in question may be performed better or more economically by the City with its own employees, and after the adoption of a resolution to this effect by at least four affirmative votes, it may proceed to have said work done in the manner stated, without further observance of the provisions of this section."
In 2014, the Electric Department developed a position called Fiber Splicing Technician as an in-house position to primarily perform maintenance and repairs to meet the fiber performance standards of then existing fiber customers that includes both City departments as well as commercial lease customers. Fiber Splicing Technician activities include basic splicing and distribution changes to fiber optic cables. The technician can also perform duties such as pulling, laying, aligning and positioning fiber optic equipment to prepare for a new connection to the fiber network. Fiber Splicing Technicians perform fusion splicing at building entrances and in maintenance space. At this time, SVP employs two Fiber Splicing Technicians.
DISCUSSION
Currently, the SVP Fiber Enterprise serves SVP, other City department functions, and various commercial lease customers. As the work is specialized, the position of Fiber Splicer Technician performs a vari...
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