Fiber-optic scheme for Quincy runs into delay

Quincy's administration canceled tonight's meeting that was to be a continuation of discussions regarding i3 America.

City Planner Chuck Bevelheimer had scheduled a joint meeting of the city's finance, utilities and central services committees to review a Memo of Understanding between i3 and the City. The former had requested the Council consider adopting a resolution at its Monday meeting. Bevelheimer declined comment Thursday afternoon, as did director of administrative services Gary Sparks.

Almost two years ago, the City gave its approval to be part of a pilot program so the fiber-optic company, based in the United Kingdom, could put their lines in sewer lines in Quincy. Third Ward Republican Aldermen Kyle Moore and Paul Havermale had been contacted by the company, and worked to bring the City and i3 together. The idea was every home in the City could get the connection, free of charge, and i3 would pay an annual fee to the City.

But last summer, it seemed the project was dead after both sides raised issues. Negotiations picked back up in December when i3 came back to the table.

Moore said it was his understanding the administration had last-minute concerns, thus leading to the cancellation.

"We have to take the utmost precautions when granting use of city infrastructure. Up to this point I have trusted the administration's judgment throughout the project," he said. "However, all the hours of negotiations spent by the staff, i3, Adams Networks, Alderman Havermale and myself were based on the fact that due diligence was done from the start and whenever questions arose, that the administration continued to do their due diligence."

Moore continued that "waiting until the 11th hour to do work that should have been done from the beginning is not the quality of work we should expect from City Hall."

He is hopeful, however, concerns will be addressed and they can continue their fiber to the home initiative.

"All they told me was that there were some concerns at the last minute and it would be premature to have this meeting," Havermale said. "I applaud them for that, but I really wish we could have done it sooner in the process rather than now. We've been at this for quite a while."

While Bevelheimer and Sparks confirmed the meeting was canceled, they declined to comment further. Bevelheimer deferred questions to Mayor John Spring, who is out of town today. The meeting has no makeup date as of now.