Spencer Council hears downtown entryway update, fiber proposal

Spencer Town Council members Evan McKain and Mike Spinks met in regular session June 9, along with clerk-treasurer Cheryl Wolfe, town manager Hunter Stoppenhagen and town attorney Richard Miller.

Following approval of the June 2nd meeting minutes, the council heard from Spencer Main Street Executive Board President Julie Coffin, who provided an update related to proposed downtown improvements at the intersection of West Main and Morgan streets.

Downtown Entryway Update

Coffin said the design team at Rundell Earnshaw Lopez Associates developed four entryway designs, with the committee ultimately selecting one of the presented designs. Coffin explained how the three designs were: small, and one was "very contemporary" but did not blend well with the historic courthouse square. The style and compatibility of the presented design, which incorporates an arch, were some of the reasons it was selected by the committee.

The overall height of the design was also discussed, and Coffin noted the project design team was considering all INDOT requirements. Council member Spinks mentioned how log trucks and other oversized vehicles frequent this area and should also be taken into consideration.

Clerk-Treasurer Wolfe commented on how the courthouse dome was a focal point in the schematic provided of the proposed entryway. Coffin stated that the committee asked the designer to increase the base of the design so that other lower beds could be developed and aid with the overall aesthetic at the entryway/intersection.

Spencer Main Street is funding the design phase cost and the intent is for Spencer Main Street to determine how to move toward construction. Coffin stated the committee expressed that the next phase would be actual engineered drawings of the design to include a cost estimate.

Fiber Network Proposal

Next, the council heard an update on a proposed fiber network build out from the Wilson Fiber Network. Wilson was in attendance along with Bryan Gabriel, founder of the Nashville, Indiana-based company.

Gabriel founded the company following the need of Brown County Schools to improve their fiber for the school's internet testing. He pointed out that at various locations, the company has been working to serve underserved areas.

Council member Spinks asked if the service would be installed overhead, with Wilson explaining that some aerial methods are still to be determined. Wilson said the company is estimating the project would add upwards of 1,500 new fiber customers once completed.

However, the updated plan is now looking at installation rates of eight percent aerial and 92 percent underground. All installation methods are still to be determined. Wilson said the company is estimating the project would add upwards of 1,500 new fiber customers once completed.

Wilson explained that the system would be fully commercial, which is an improvement over prior non-symmetric service offerings. He also noted, following some previous utility installations, no franchise fees would be paid to the Town of Spencer related to the proposed fiber build out.

It was discussed how the $230 investment by the Town of Spencer would help make the underground model more feasible and move this project forward more quickly.

The council also discussed a possible payment plan of $50,000 per year for five years.

Following lengthy discussion, the council opted to take the proposal under advisement and plans to follow up with Mainstream Fiber Networks with any additional questions/concerns.

The council later heard departmental reports from the Spencer Police Department and Spencer Street Department, approving a request from the street department to fund the removal of nine tree stumps at a total cost of $2,700. The work will be performed by Chip Hamilton of Chip's Outdoor Service of Spencer.

The Spencer Town Council will meet again on July 7 and July 21. Both meetings will begin at 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St.