City council sets Forge Fiber franchise for second reading after staff report on protections

The City Council on June 16 voted unanimously to set AB26‑058 for a second reading on July 21, 2026, a staff‑recommended franchise agreement that would formally recognize Forge Fiber 37 LLC as the operator of fiber‑optic facilities in the city right‑of‑way.

City staff (Mr. Moore) told council the draft franchise establishes standards for operation, maintenance, permitting, safety and insurance, while explicitly not granting exclusivity. The franchise term proposed in the draft is 10 years; the agreement includes a relocation‑at‑grantee‑cost clause for public‑works projects and indemnification/hold‑harmless provisions to protect the city, staff said.

Mr. Moore said the franchise does not impose a financial cost on the city beyond the city’s ability under state law (cited as RCW 35.21.860) to recover administrative expenses directly related to processing such franchises. The ordinance was recommended by the Transportation, Public Works committee at its May 26 meeting and the city attorney reviewed and negotiated the draft language, staff said.

Council Member Coleman moved to set the ordinance for a second reading and consideration on July 21; Council Member Rustic seconded the motion, which passed on a unanimous voice vote.

Councilors asked clarifying questions about safeguards in the contract after hearing reports from other jurisdictions where installations damaged utilities; staff confirmed insurance and indemnity clauses are included and said any excavation or work in the right‑of‑way would require the franchisee to obtain street‑use permits and comply with city standards.

The ordinance remains in the council’s review process; the second and final reading is scheduled for July 21, 2026.