Council advances two telecom franchise ordinances to second reading for city‑wide fiber buildouts

The Des Moines City Council held first‑reading introductions on Jan. 9 for two proposed telecommunications franchise ordinances authorizing use of city rights‑of‑way by fiber companies.

What happened
- Garner Duncan (EZ Fiber) addressed the council during the meeting and said EZ Fiber seeks a telecommunications franchise to build fiber to every resident and business in Des Moines within 24–36 months; he offered to answer council questions during the ordinance’s second reading.
- City staff explained state law requires two readings of telecom franchise ordinances; the council introduced both draft ordinances and voted to move each to a second reading on the next available agenda.

Votes
Councilmember Steinmetz moved to pass draft ordinance 24‑087 (EZ Fiber) to a second reading; the motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Steinmetz then moved draft ordinance 24‑107 (Zipli Fiber) to a second reading; that motion also passed unanimously.

Why it matters
Franchise agreements permit companies to place fiber facilities in the public right‑of‑way under negotiated terms and are a common step before permitting and construction. Council feedback and any requested contract clarifications will be part of the second‑reading packet and final council action.