10.03 Fiber Optic Infrastructure Needs Correspondence Request

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P ci�of equot La.kes = -- 4638 Mr�nv S�ET•PEQuo7'l�s,MN 56472• (218) 568-5222 •FAx: (218) 568-5860•wwwpequodakes-mn.gov October 30,2019 Mr.Shawn Crochet, Field Services Manager TDS Telecom 30965 Second Street Pequot Lakes, Minnesota 56472 Dear Mr. Crochet: Please accept this letter as an urgent request from the Pequot Lakes Economic Development Commission (EDC)for expanded fiber optic infrastructure throughout the Pequot Lakes community. The City of Pequot Lakes hopes to embark upon road improvement projects to Rasmussen Road and South Washington Avenue in 2020 and it is our hope that TDS will continue its fiber optic expansion within these improvement areas and devise a strategic plan of future expansion of fiber optic infrastructure within Pequot Lakes'Grow Zone Overlay District,which is noted on the attached map. As you know, high speed broadband services in communities is a vital component for economic development and sustainability as it is instrumental for continued growth,sales potential,and is a necessity for our daily way of life. The Pequot Lakes EDC strongly believes that this along with cost effectiveness are necessities to conducting business and providing for the personal needs of our community members. Please know that we appreciate the strides TDS Telecom has made thus far with the recent broadband expansion grant received by the Department of Employment and Economic Development; however,we want to stress to you the importance of a strategic plan for fiber optic infrastructure for our community. I request that TDS Telecom provide the Pequot Lakes EDC with ongoing updates as to this strategic plan at upcoming EDC meetings. These meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month at 8:00 a.m. at the Pequot Lakes City Hall. Please contact City Administrator Nancy Malecha at 218-568-2352 or nmalecha@pequotlakes-mn.�ov to be placed on future agendas. You may also reach out to Ms. Malecha with any questions you may have. Sincerely, Chris Lindholm Pequot Lakes Economic Development Commission Chair Enclosure "This instztr.�tzon zs an equul opportunity provider and employer."