Selectmen review CCI/Consolidated broadband agreement as town plans remote terminal upgrades

Town Manager Billings and Selectmen discussed a proposed public‑private broadband agreement with CCI (Consolidated Communications) that would extend internet service to underserviced areas of Stonington and add equipment at the Airport/North Stonington end.

The contract review appeared across several meeting packets and Zoom sessions. Selectman Travis Fifield asked for the contract file during a meeting and the manager resent the document live; staff said Consolidated representatives were available to answer technical and financial questions. The board compared the draft to a template used by neighboring towns and asked for clarification on clauses that could trigger extra charges if site conditions change.

Why it mattered: Broadband expansion is a recurring municipal priority for connectivity, emergency services and economic development. The town is weighing whether to adopt the contractor’s standard agreement or negotiate site‑specific edits, and whether to fund an additional remote terminal partially from town reserves.

Board direction: Selectmen asked staff to obtain clarified timelines and cost scenarios from Consolidated/CCI, and to forward the contract language for local legal review. Selectmen noted that certain contract provisions could affect municipal obligations if unexpected site work is required.

Next steps: TM Billings will provide members with the vendor timeline and a redline comparison to the Brooklin template previously reviewed, and will coordinate legal questions before the board considers a vote.