13:51:15 the working group, what it would look like in the future.
13:51:17 So we're fully supportive of a working group, including, uh, many stores.
13:51:21 The recommendation is just to combine what you might find.
13:51:24 effective in using some of the mapping of the roadways, um, regional planning.
13:51:29 As well as permitting and what's subject to the building that you can see.
13:51:36 Thank you. So, do we have any…
13:51:44 Any further discussion, or I probably need a motion? To approve the amended.
13:51:51 Resolution to include Obey's recommendation. To the, uh, structure.
13:51:56 Of the working groups going forward. I have a motion.
13:52:06 Probably make the motion.
13:52:07 I'll second the motion.
13:52:10 A motion by, uh, Gottfried, seconded by Jason. Any further discussions?
13:52:16 On the working groups.
13:52:20 I think we need to have one meeting with Obi together to kind of.
13:52:26 Get our thoughts together on what's the best course of action moving forward, especially in this new phase that, uh.
13:52:33 Obi's gonna go into, especially with the, uh… BEAD funding that's going to go out. I just want to make sure that we're all on the same page, and everybody is doing what they need to do.
13:52:42 I know I didn't get any BEAT funding, but like I said, I believe I have a lot of… knowledge on some of the things that we've done with NTIA and everything else, so…
13:52:50 I just want to make sure that everybody isn't work against each other.
13:52:56 Thanks, Scott. I agree also. I think the other question I had… We'll be able to see if they have any questions or comments are, uh.
13:53:04 Renee or Jason, do we have a list of the current members of working groups, and then how do we… How do we get these working groups.
13:53:13 More active… And how do we… what's the process in someone joining a working group?
13:53:19 So currently, I do not have a list of the working groups and their members.
13:53:24 Um, I don't know if that would be possible for the chairs of those working groups to send that information to me. It was a request that was made a couple of months ago, um, and we haven't received, at least I haven't received that information.
13:53:33 Right?
13:53:38 To join the working groups, we have listed, um, I don't know if it's in the resolution, Jason, but on the website.
13:53:45 We have an email address that's for Connect New Mexico, where people are invited to request to join the working groups.
13:53:52 Through that email address. Um, I check it about once a week, and we have not received requests recently.
13:54:01 Okay, so I guess we first… I guess the, uh, the request of the chairs are to.
13:54:07 Send a list of. I guess the existing members of these working groups.
13:54:12 So we can create a baseline. And then, I think the other thing I'd like to encourage at least the Council to start.
13:54:20 Is be active in one of these working groups. Uh, so that there's…
13:54:25 You know, council representation. Then thirdly, uh, kind of a mechanism, and I would defer to the Council, of how do we get.
13:54:33 Other people within the industry. Those people who are going to be benefactors of fiber.
13:54:39 In these working groups. So we get a very good cross-section.
13:54:46 Of views and ideas and expertise. So I don't know, Renee, just getting an email to start with, just within, kind of, the networks we have.
13:54:55 If we can encourage… other people we know that are interested in.
13:55:03 Just not real broadband. But I think the benefits, the benefactors, right?
13:55:10 Education, uh, healthcare. You know, those type of people that.
13:55:15 Will bring a different perspective, I think, I hope. To, uh, make these working groups more effective.
13:55:21 Therefore, making the whole process. More efficient and more transparent.
13:55:27 And inclusive. So, again, I just want to put that out there. I think we can start with a baseline.
13:55:33 Uh, but I don't know if there's any ideas of how to get more.
13:55:37 Engagement, both from the Council. And also from the, uh, basically from the population. I think this is an open process, and.
13:55:45 If someone wants to… to participate, I think they should have the chance to participate.
13:55:51 Kara, I do want to mention that in the resolution on letter B, it says that a working group shall be led.
13:55:58 Solely by one of the council members, so we need to make sure that one of the council members is the chair of the working groups.
13:56:05 Um, so when we… when we go through the list, I know Natalie, at some point, we lost the chair for the mapping group when Peter Mantos.
13:56:14 Stepped away, so we do probably still need a chair for the new consolidated working group.
13:56:20 Um, so when we figure out which working groups we have, we need to make sure that we do have a chair assigned.
13:56:27 From the Council.
13:56:31 Yes, Mr. Chair, I wanted to thank you, Renee, for bringing that up, and um… And, uh, we can appoint a chair initially from the, uh, council.
13:56:40 And, um, then the working group, once they meet. Um, then they'll vote on a permanent.
13:56:47 Chair, uh, which should be a member of the council. Um, working group members, or limited.
13:56:53 To, uh, well, to 10 voting members on each working group.
13:56:58 And, um, no more than… Uh, 8 of those members.
13:57:01 Can be council members. So, out of those, up to 8.
13:57:06 People in the working group who are members of the council.
13:57:08 Uh, one of those, uh, should be… I elected as the chair by the work group.
13:57:15 And Jason, outside of that, are there any prohibitions of who else could participate on these working groups?
13:57:20 No, there's no other prohibitions. It can be anywhere else, just the, um.
13:57:27 It has to… the total voting members are 10. I mean, a lot of people can come and they can listen and participate.
13:57:34 Give information to the working groups, but, um… It's just a limit of 10, and only a limit of 8 for those.
13:57:42 Tend to be council members. Those are the limitations.
13:57:45 Okay. Okay, is there…
13:57:52 Any other questions or comments before we, uh… take action on the motion.
13:58:05 I didn't see any hands up. All in favor of, uh…
13:58:10 The motion, which is really to re… reform and re-identify the working groups.
13:58:18 Indicate by saying aye or raising your hand, or… Some sign?
13:58:26 Yes. Bye.
13:58:26 Yes.
13:58:27 Yes.
13:58:27 Yes.
13:58:31 And any opposed?
13:58:36 Thank you. So, that motion passes. I do think a… we do have some existing working groups.
13:58:45 I do have a chair. I think, Eli, you still are leading one. I think Gottfried… You're leading one.
13:58:52 I'm not sure if there's any other chairs. So I think we can, you know.
13:58:58 Either get volunteers, or… Is it appointed by the council? The church just appoints? I mean, what's the process to at least.
13:59:10 Yeah, at a minimum, to get someone to tell me, no, I can't do it, so that we… Because I think if we just wait, then we'll just keep waiting, because everyone does have.
13:59:18 You know, their kind of day job.
13:59:23 What's… Where does the Council want to go? I think, again, guys, we have great opportunities to.
13:59:30 To help our communities. Too broadband. We have great talents on the, you know, on the council.
13:59:36 How do we get each other engaged, I guess, is the question.
13:59:40 How do we start this process to get some of these chairs more active?
13:59:47 Any ideas? Catherine?
13:59:50 Is the membership of the Council adequately represented by the topics of the working groups?
13:59:58 Um, or… do you see what I mean? Like, is there a council member who's actually really motivated in their own profession for… about permitting, for example?
14:00:08 Or pole attachments, um…
14:00:01 My hope is, initially, we get a volunteer, right, to at least lead that, because that's their expertise.
14:00:16 And then from there, they can help generate or at least recruit for the.
14:00:15 Yeah. Nope.
14:00:22 Committees. Catherine, you had your hand up?
14:00:26 I think, uh, thank you, uh, Chair. I just, um, I'm still interested in… I mean, I agree that the poll attachment issue is something that needs to be dealt with and ongoing, but I do feel like.
14:00:38 Still, it falls within a broader scope of policy… policy slash legislative… Um, initiatives, and I'd still would be very interested in.
14:00:51 And volunteering myself to serve on a committee that dealt with those issues.
14:00:55 Because I think they're going to continually pop up, or… or if we could, as a council, look at dealing with.
14:01:02 Those issues, but then to answer your broader question of. How do we get each other engaged? I still think…
14:01:08 You know, hosting some sort of a workshop or an in-person meeting. I know… I don't know if.
14:01:14 We had a workshop to discuss. Committees, does that violate.
14:01:20 Any of the rules, how many of us could gather to have that conversation, but I do think an in-person meeting.
14:01:26 Could kind of kickstart things off again and get people more engaged.
14:01:32 So, Catherine, thank you. And Jason, correct me if I'm wrong, but as long as it's published.
14:01:36 We can have public meetings as long as we have the notice requirements.
14:01:41 In compliance with the law. And again, I think, Catherine, that's important because we do want to be as transparent and.
14:01:48 Inclusive in forming these, uh. These committees. I do think, to your request, though, Jason, I think you mentioned it in your, uh.
14:01:58 Comments that the Council can create committees. As needed.
14:02:05 And this fandom as… as their work comes to an end.
14:02:04 Yes, that's correct.
14:02:11 I do like, uh… Catherine's idea of having some legislative or policy meeting, especially since we're going into a session.
14:02:21 Could work as… as a… conduit back to the other counselors of what's going on in Edge Studly. For those who can't participate.
14:02:29 And also, um… helps obey when they start to lobby to really have an organization or have.
14:02:37 Some people that can… steer the lobbying efforts in, uh.
14:02:42 Through a, uh… through the legislature, given.
14:02:47 The amount of issues the legislature looks at, and the complexity.
14:02:52 Of some of the things we're bringing to the table. Uh, so, uh…
14:02:57 How do we… how do we form a legislative. Committee. I mean, is that, again, a board vote? Is that… how do we…
14:03:06 How do we do that? Does it have to be published?
14:03:09 For the next agenda, can that be done because it's in the… So in kind of the scope of the… what we passed today, what's the proper way to do this so we don't violate anything, but we…
14:03:21 Are mindful that the… session, for all intents and purposes, has kind of started with the interim.
14:03:27 And by the time we get there in January, a lot of decisions really have already been made.
14:03:32 So, uh… little guidance on both the legal and then I think the board has an obligation on the strategy side.
14:03:40 And if they want, won a committee.
14:03:45 Um, Mr. Chair, we can, uh, we can make a… Uh, we can have a vote on establishing a, um.
14:03:51 Legislative working group, um. Or legislative policy working group, whatever, however you want to.
14:03:58 Define that. We could do that today. Uh, we're… we're discussing it in an open meeting, um, so we could…
14:04:06 Establish that if we have, um… a, uh, a volunteer.
14:04:10 To, uh, be the initial chair of that group, and we'll get a point.
14:04:15 Councilmember, uh, to basically start that group, and then we could, uh, solicit.
14:04:21 Um, additional members. For that, and then they can convene.
14:04:26 Uh, and report back to the Council. Um, and just a reminder, the, uh, working group meetings are.
14:04:32 Are not subject to the Open Meetings Act. Um, so they can meet, uh, without, um, you know, publishing, because.
14:04:39 Um, they don't make any decisions on their own. Um, they, they report back and make recommendations to the Council.
14:04:46 The Council would make any official… decisions, which would be… Um, under the Open Meetings Act.
14:04:54 Thank you. Gottfried?
14:04:56 Mr. Chair, uh, we did have a legislative group before. I remember Kimball, myself, and.
14:05:02 Some… I think, Catherine, I don't know if you were on that, but we're talking mostly about a lot of the grants that.
14:05:09 Yeah, yeah, so we're talking about the grants that could be initiated.
14:05:07 I was, yeah.
14:05:12 But in this realm now, we're… in the middle of this whole broadband expansion phase of what's going on, so…
14:05:20 Now that beats starting, I think we need to look at what are the needs, and what are the shortfalls.
14:05:24 A lot of the mandates by NTIA and the BEAD program is to.
14:05:31 Bill last mile. Obviously, we have some middle mile that needs to be worked on.
14:05:36 Around to get internet to a lot of these, uh. Groups that, uh, need that, especially for their build-out to the last mile.
14:05:44 All this kind of has to kind of come together in a fashion where, you know, Jeff is, uh.
14:05:51 Responsible for $675 million to go out the door to make sure all of these, uh.
14:06:00 Every New Mexican then needs service gets it. And he's going to need every one of these working groups to help him achieve that.
14:06:08 By the legislative side, by the permitting and working group. They're gonna have to work through these issues for companies that are going through this.
14:06:17 Phase to be able to do that, and then get the… mapping portion of that, uh, encompass into the whole, uh, gamut of, uh, what.
14:06:25 Is still unserved after we spend all that $675 million. And that's when the legislative side comes in to where we need to.
14:06:32 Try to get, uh, services out to those areas. Uh, again.
14:06:38 It didn't help when the FCC rolled back the… rates for, uh… speed, uh…
14:06:46 Now that we're stuck and staying at that lower speed, only to accommodate a lot of the wireless, and I'm not saying anything bad about the wireless, it all has its place.
14:06:55 It's all part of what we need to do, but again.
14:06:59 We're trying to get the best for New Mexicans, so, like I said, this whole group is going to have to work together with Jeff.
14:07:06 And owe my team to be able to achieve the results that we're looking for.
14:07:10 And that we all know, and if anybody asks us, you know, what part of the state doesn't have quite the services.
14:07:16 You know, we can all pretty much say, yes, this area is…
14:07:23 Defunct of all of the services that we need, and we try to need to do there. So, again, all of this has to come together in a symphony, an orchestra.
14:07:31 And Jeff, you know, we're going to be looking for you to.
14:07:35 Kind of figure out how and best that we can help.
14:07:39 Work with you to achieve the goals that we're looking at, so… Yeah, you know, Jeff, you're gonna be an integral part of this, so, uh…
14:07:47 I mean, that's kind of my thoughts on how… this could happen in that way, and the working groups are going to be working with Jeff to get this bead money out the door.
14:08:02 Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Godfrey. I… I…
14:07:59 Thank you, Godfrey. Jeff, you had your hand?
14:08:05 genuinely… and I said this on my first participation in this council as director,
14:08:11 I think that Connect New Mexico Council is a critical
14:08:14 institution, state, um…
14:08:16 the recommendations are in place to…
14:08:19 increase the Office of Broadband Support with recommending that all single staff will be assigned to assist the
14:08:25 chairs or the working groups.
14:08:28 We have a part of our statute that we haven't used to form an advisory council.
14:08:33 That might be an opportunity to formalize the relationship between the Connect Mexico Council and the Office of Broadband.
14:08:38 Of course, the Connecticut Book Council is more expansive than just an advisory group to
14:08:44 our office. Um, but I… I share your opinion, God, Bree, that, um, I think we all need to work in
14:08:50 coordination, not just for BEAD deployment, but for the Connecting Mexico Fund.
14:08:56 Uh, continuing to perform on the ARPA,
14:08:58 capital projects fund.
14:09:00 And also to coordinate some of our state universal service fund.
14:09:05 through the PRC. I think there's a critical component on both current connectivity and future connectivity that this council
14:09:12 Um, can better integrate.
14:09:14 state name, so I think it's, again, a critical bond.
14:09:19 Thank you. Any other comments?
14:09:26 Yes, Emily.
14:09:24 Well, this is something that I just want to piggyback on what Godfrey and Jeff have said. So, if you guys recall, I've been here since 2022, January.
14:09:33 Um, but equally important, I was with NTIA when they unleashed the BTOP program back in 2009 and 10.
14:09:41 That was about $3.5 billion nationally, which is… really small compared to what BEAT is all about. And so, with New Mexico having 400.
14:09:49 Plus million dollars of BEAT funds that we allocated, um, along with the other programs before that.
14:09:55 We, um, you know, from a planning perspective, yeah, coordination is critical, um, around, you know, all the obstacles that we saw in BEAD.
14:10:04 Or even to date with the other programs, whether it's permitting.
14:10:09 Pole attachments, uh, pole fees, easements, right-of-way access. And, uh, that's just before you even deploy the network. And then, of course, um…
14:10:20 When you're deploying the network, ensuring that our, um. Applicant or grantees are getting.
14:10:27 Your most favorable pricing on equipment and so forth, um, leveraging any volume discounts and economies of scale.
14:10:34 Becomes an issue or an opportunity. And then, of course, fostering adoption to keep these networks afloat. So there's a lot of, you know, the program officers, I'm not one of them, but the program officers who, uh.
14:10:46 Track these projects and meet with, um, these grantees at least once or twice a month.
14:10:52 They're gonna develop a repository of this great wealth and knowledge about what's working and what's not working. And what's not working, obviously, are the challenges.
14:11:04 Um, the Council and all of you can certainly provide good advice on any number of these issues, um, to go back to the individual grantees and share that knowledge collectively. So there's definitely an opportunity to share challenges.
14:11:18 Obtain the knowledge and advice, and bring that back to the grassroots. And so I definitely see that as one opportunity.
14:11:25 Um, another opportunity that comes to mind is Dig Ones, especially when it comes to, um, as we're digging this… for those buried projects, um.
14:11:35 To the extent that those projects can accommodate extra conduit that any other ISB may want to put in, um, especially for middle-mile.
14:11:45 Um, there could be a really good opportunity there. Um, 5G, obviously, we know that story as far as the gaps that exist across the state, remains a great opportunity and challenge and an opportunity for us. And so, I think we have to think about 5G and, um.
14:12:02 Fostering, you know, connectivity along those highly trafficked roadways and tourist spots and so forth, that becomes an opportunity with these programs.
14:12:12 Um, cybersecurity, which you maybe didn't get enough emphasis at the end of the day.
14:12:17 Um, with the benefit of the bargain round, or there's some emphasis, but certainly that's going to be a real issue as far as sharing best practices. So, I think in all of these, whether there's challenges or opportunities.
14:12:28 Coordination between the office, along with the council. And sharing those best practices and knowledge on a regular basis is critical, and as someone who sort of led the authoring of the 3-year scrap plan the last few years.
14:12:44 I'll be certainly working on that again. Putting all of that, encapsulating all of that succinctly, and…
14:12:52 And persuasively in the 3-year straw plan will be critical in getting all of you to read that scrap plan, maybe ahead of time, because I think in the years past, we.
14:13:00 Kind of gave you all the draft, the final hours, or the final days, but we'll try to get that to you all ahead of time this year, and making sure your opinions and thoughts are in that. So, um… I think there's a lot of opportunity to work together, but we definitely have to be organized and coordinated.
14:13:16 Thank you, Sandeep. Silas, did you have your hand up?
14:13:24 Okay, I thought I saw it. Any other questions?
14:13:22 No, sir, I did not.
14:13:28 Comments? What I would recommend… is, uh… A motion to establish.
14:13:37 I guess I would call the Legislative and policy committee to start.
14:13:42 Uh, with, uh, Catherine, uh, being its, uh, temporary chair until the committee meets.
14:13:48 At that point, they would, uh, select a, uh. A permanent chair.
14:13:54 Uh, so I'd have that motion, and then part of that, uh.
14:13:58 Is then that would… we look at, uh, we'd… review, uh…
14:14:05 Director Lopez is, uh… recommendation as getting advice. I believe that advisory committee that is kind of the intertie between OBE and, uh.
14:14:14 And uh… the council. So we were more consistent with, really, what the mission was.
14:14:23 Again, and also address. As Gottfried and Sandeep have mentioned.
14:14:28 Uh, really getting the Council behind these projects that are coming to the state. There's a lot of money.
14:14:33 But it's probably not enough to fulfill everything that everyone that we need to connect, so… There's still a lot of work to be done.
14:14:40 So I'd offer that as a motion. We could get a, a, a, uh…
14:14:47 A suggestion, so I need a motion and a second. Catherine, you had your hand up?
14:14:52 I'll move the motion if you're not making the motion, and I'll second it if you are.
14:14:58 Um, and then I just wanted… I just wanted, um, something that Sandeep said, um, that sort of.
14:15:00 I wanted to… go, what?
14:15:05 I don't know what's happening with the state's cybersecurity council, but it also may be worthwhile for, as a group down the road, for us to look at having at least one annual meeting, joint meeting with them or something.
14:15:18 Um, just a thought, anyway.
14:15:22 Catherine's made a… Made a motion to… to move forward with the legislative and policy committee.
14:15:30 With Catherine manage temporary chair until, uh… They meet. Have a second.
14:15:36 I'll second it.
14:15:37 The second one, Gottfried, any further discussion?
14:15:43 Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying aye.
14:15:48 All right.
14:15:51 Anyone opposed? No opposition, so that motion passes.
14:16:00 Um… I think the other thing, uh, too, around this, Renee, maybe if we could, uh.
14:16:07 I don't know how we do this. A poll… Find out when we can have a… kind of a workshop or some… some kind of session where we try to.
14:16:16 Figure out the memberships. Of these committees, some structure, and what we…
14:16:21 At least get them going. The other ask I make of the council members.
14:16:26 Is hopefully some are interested in being on these. To at least get them going.
14:16:31 And then, as we get more members on them. Then maybe that frees up your time to, uh.
14:16:38 To let more of the public be part of this process.
14:16:41 So, Renee, if you could just help us, or help me on… maybe some dates through a poll or something, so we could have a workshop where we can.
14:16:50 Discuss that… discuss this issue more in depth. And really gain some membership of these different working groups.
14:16:58 With that said, are there any committee chairs. I would like to give a report or updates on their respective.
14:17:06 Committees.
14:17:09 Uh, I can give one for, uh… No, go ahead, Renee.
14:17:12 Sorry, I was gonna say, um, the next… Um, on the agenda was a working group name change request from Eli's group.
14:17:21 Um, so if you would want to… go to that first, and then we'll do the working group updates.
14:17:27 Okay, so there… okay. Yeah.
14:17:27 Following that.
14:17:33 Uh, thank you. So, our group requests a name change from digital.
14:17:39 Equity and inclusion, uh, to digital readiness and adoption. So I submit that for your consideration.
14:17:47 Okay, making that informal motion, Eli?
14:17:50 I will make that motion to change the Digital Equity and Inclusion Working Group to Digital Readiness and Adoption Working Group.
14:17:58 We have a second on that motion.
14:18:02 This is Jason, I'll second.
14:18:04 Second, Jason. Any further discussion? All in favor say aye.
14:18:10 All right.
14:18:11 Opposed? Motion passes. Thank you, Renee, for that catch.
14:18:18 Uh, now, any updates from any chairman of any different. Committees.
14:18:27 Go ahead.
14:18:24 I can make one from the Tribal Working Group. Uh, the tribe working group, we've been moving right along. Actually, what I've been doing is paralleling, uh.
14:18:33 What, uh, tribes are doing with the TBCP grant Round 1.
14:18:38 Uh, there's been some, uh, $2 billion given out throughout the United States for tribes, and in this state, we have a few of them that are on that, uh.
14:18:47 First round, so a lot of us are finally going through the round of getting out of permitting.
14:18:54 Especially with BIA, and pretty much for myself, I have a middle-mile project that's going down to El Paso.
14:18:59 Which, uh, had encompassed our full Section 106. Review, uh, culturally and agriculturally, uh, it's been, uh.
14:19:08 Has been a process, let me tell you. Blm is one of the worst ones to work with.
14:19:13 And, you know, I don't fault a lot of that, but it's just the statutes, or whatever they're following.
14:19:19 It doesn't seem to be clear from district to district, so… Uh, it's kind of been crazy. Of the 160 miles that I do have.
14:19:28 Of route that I'm going from, uh. Ms. Gloria all the way down to El Paso.
14:19:33 39 miles of that is BLM, so… And in that portion of it, I have to have a cultural inspector.
14:19:42 Along with everybody else. So, you know, it seems like you get nickel and dimed to death.
14:19:46 Uh, another extra $45,000 just to get that person to be on hand to watch the 39 miles of.
14:19:54 Of digging that we have to do, so there's a lot of little pitfalls, especially in the permitting portion of that, so… I recommend that, you know, that.
14:20:04 That piece of it has to be reviewed. And people should start looking at the State Land Office, the DOT, State DOT.
14:20:13 And work together. I know we… Kimball had set up a meeting with DOT before, where.
14:20:18 I got to know a lot of people, so that kind of helped me out.
14:20:21 When I was going through this process with TBCP. I think it's going to help out a lot for BEAD to get all these people on board, to let them know exactly what's going on.
14:20:31 We're gonna have some, uh… $600 million in broadband, uh.
14:20:37 Digging around the state. So, uh, I think it's, uh, the clarity of that, uh, can make things a lot smoother and easier.
14:20:47 Especially if we're trying to do it. And I know, uh, I think Mitch was on here earlier. Mitch is going through the same process of trying to get permitting, too, and it's not a… it's like pulling teeth. It's not easy, let me tell you, it hurts.
14:21:00 So, uh, in that realm, you know, that's kind of what we're doing on the Tribal Working Group.
14:21:05 Is trying to, uh, stay ahead of that. Right now, in the last meeting we had, and I want to thank Victory for setting that meeting up down at the.
14:21:15 Uh… uh… the Pueblo Cultural Center down in El Paso, and with that, you know, we made determinations that, uh.
14:21:23 The, uh, workforce development as one of the key issues that has to work on, so… A lot of these tribes are going to be looking for workforce, uh.
14:21:32 Solutions, especially in the side of network operations. If you look at the core areas for, uh.
14:21:37 Running a telecom or an ISP, you've got your outside group.
14:21:42 You've got your network operations, and you've got your business office. Of those three core groups, you know, network operations, we're coming up pretty slim.
14:21:50 It's hard to find people. Obviously, we're getting the boot camps that are going around.
14:21:55 Uh, that have come to this state, uh, especially on Tsuki. I think I had one of the boot camps, and at Jemus.
14:22:02 We're getting the outside plant people I train. But the people that actually have to, uh, run the network, making sure firewalls.
14:22:10 Cybersecurity, someone had mentioned that earlier, uh, that has to be a part of that.
14:22:15 Uh, making sure that, you know, they have an intact network that the tribe's going to rely on to make sure that all of that's working, so… Uh, those are some of the issues that we're dealing with at the Tribal Working Group, and as we keep moving along, all these new issues. Right now.
14:22:31 I am at the Workforce Development, and also looking at business planning.
14:22:36 Business planning, meaning a lot of these tribes have to start figuring out how they're going to run this new business, this ISPs, how they're gonna… incorporate that? Is it going to be an enterprise or the tribe, or will it become a separate entity.
14:22:49 Those are the decisions that tribes have to make on how this is going to work as a tribally chartered corporation.
14:22:55 Eventually, if they want to start asking for voice services, they have to go to the PRC.
14:23:00 And so, looking at, uh, getting a ETC or a CETC.
14:23:04 So, in all these realms, there's quite a bit going on, and that, uh, that's kind of one of our tribal workshops are going, and that's kind of… I gave you a little bit of evolution of where we're going to, and those are some of the workshops… next workshops that we're working on.
14:23:18 And eventually, in November 10th, we're working on moving the NTTA regional meetings, the National Tribal Telephone Association regional meetings.
14:23:27 Uh, we're gonna go out to Santa Fe, up to Buffalo Thunder November 10th.
14:23:31 So that's going to be our… it's going to be a smaller event, but it's going to be talking… We're gonna have… we're going to incorporate a lot of…
14:23:38 Uh, the business planning and, uh. Trying to get that going for tribes and start looking at how to get this done, and which road to take.
14:23:46 Whether I'm going to be an ISV, or do I have to start looking at, uh.
14:23:49 Providing, uh, voice services, so that's going to be the dilemmas that would move forward. So, I'll leave it at that, uh, Mr. Chairman, and we can go into any of the other working groups.
14:23:59 Thank you, Gottfried. Any other… Sure, would like to give a report to the committee.
14:24:11 Okay, seeing none, thank you. Let's see, item 5, uh, update from Obey.
14:24:20 Director Lopez and… Go ahead.
14:24:25 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will share my screen again.
14:24:36 Sorry for the background noise, Ken. Um, so part of our statute, Section 7 of the New Mexico Act,
14:24:42 Uh, the Office of Broadband is required to report to the legislature on our annual data collection.
14:24:48 Um, what I have up on screen is our, uh…
14:24:53 our draft document. This is just a shell…
14:24:56 And then I will get into the content shortly.
14:25:00 Um, we shared the substance of it with you all.
14:25:03 Uh, per the statute, we don't seek your approval, but wanted to take any sort of input
14:25:09 that you have, um…
14:25:11 that the Council or its members has for the Office of Broadband in this data collection report.
14:25:16 Um, just to summarize the requirements of the statute.
14:25:19 Uh, we have to include a number of items in this report.
14:25:24 Um, specifically the status of our… implementing the statewide broadband plan.
14:25:29 the status of connectivity on a county-by-county basis.
14:25:33 Uh, some other items that are covered in the documents I'm going to share.
14:25:37 This, again, this is just a preview of what it looks like, but I will share the content in just a moment.
14:25:49 So this is the Word file that we shared.
14:25:52 Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and Renee, I don't know if I made it to the members.
14:25:56 Um, so we have to list all of our grant recipients.
14:25:58 The amount and date of each grant,
14:26:01 description of each project funded.
14:26:03 And how the project contributes to connectivity statewide.
14:26:08 Uh, we will include a letter from me, an executive summary forthcoming.
14:26:12 Again, the deadline is October 1st for the finalized report, and this is just a draft status to solicit input from the Council.
14:26:18 Uh, we plan to…
14:26:21 have the grant summary as required, status of digital equity and inclusion,
14:26:26 Um, the digital equity is named in statute change in the working group, uh, we might
14:26:34 request a change in our statute for that going forward.
14:26:37 Also, we have to have recommendations for legislation. We do not have recommendations right now in the draft.
14:26:43 Uh, but this would be an opportunity for the Council to provide input on what recommendations we have for legislation.
14:26:49 So again, this is just a summary of what we include. We're still working on collecting
14:26:55 the data to put in the report.
14:26:58 Um, we are happy to share further updates between now and October 1st if the Council would like.
14:27:04 Uh, but if there's anything missing from this framework,
14:27:08 Any large components that the Council would like to see included in our report.
14:27:12 or specific, um…
14:27:14 data and mapping that you believe would be helpful for your work, we can review that and seek to include it in our final report to the legislature.
14:27:24 on October 1st.
14:27:25 Um, so again, um,
14:27:28 Uh, Renee, if you wouldn't mind sharing this document with the members of the Council.
14:27:31 So that they would have an opportunity to provide input between now and the end of the month.
14:27:37 Uh, I'm not going to cover everything here.
14:27:40 Um, I think the overall categories are sort of where we're seeking any sort of input or guidance that you'd like to see this going in a different direction, and was the time.
14:27:49 I'll put that request into our office.
14:27:52 So with that, I will work to keep it short and just take any questions or concerns that members of the Council have regarding this data.
14:28:00 Thank you, Jeff. Um… Any questions or comments? I believe Renee will get this report out.
14:28:11 We have to report to the…
14:28:08 Jeff, it's due to the state… I mean, who'd you say? Who'd you send it to?
14:28:14 The Office of Broadband has to report it to the legislature on October 1st. We'll probably go through the Science and Technology Committee.
14:28:21 I'll make it publicly available.
14:28:26 So, uh, thank you for that. Um, any questions? Comments, uh… And as Jeff has offered.
14:28:34 Once he gets out, if you have any questions or comments, please get with him.
14:28:37 And they can determine if it's relevant to put into the report or not.
14:28:45 Any questions? Seeing none…
14:28:54 If I may, Mr. Chairman, I have one further update.
14:28:53 Thank you, Jeff. Sure, go ahead.
14:28:58 Um, it is outside the scope of the Office of Broadband specifically, but the Public Regulation Commission, um,
14:29:03 They are soliciting input on their broadband program.
14:29:08 Uh, the most recent legislative session
14:29:12 increase the budget for the PRC's broadband program from $30 million per year to $40 million per year.
14:29:19 Uh, with our BEAD program, and the intent to serve every unserved location in New Mexico.
14:29:25 I think the intended purpose of the broadband program as it exists today.
14:29:28 might no longer be there by the end of 2026.
14:29:31 Um, I know that they are required to report to the legislature on October 1st.
14:29:35 Um, so I, uh…
14:29:38 There is a part in the PRC statute to coordinate with its council
14:29:42 Uh, since I came on board as director, I haven't seen a presentation for them.
14:29:46 So I… I'm not a member of the council, so I can't make the motion, but I would also recommend that the DRC be included in a future agenda to present to Council on that project.
14:29:58 Thank you. I can reach out to the PRC, or we can reach out to…
14:30:09 Right, any… any other questions or comments? For Jeff?
14:30:17 Seeing none… I think when they were on public comment?
14:30:23 Yes, do we have any public comments? I see Mr. Michael Brasher with his hand up?
14:30:31 Go ahead, Michael. You're on mute.
14:30:37 Okay, um… Uh, Mr. Chairman.
14:30:38 There you go.
14:30:42 And members of the group, uh. Thank you for permission to attend this meeting.
14:30:47 Um, I had some interest in… in the. I mentioned earlier what the FCC has now termed the EBS spectrum.
14:30:57 Uh, this was formerly the Instructional Television Fixed. Service, uh, uh, broadband network.
14:31:06 And there are a number of channels that. Are available not just to.
14:31:13 Higher ed institutions, but to some… Uh, some non-profits.
14:31:17 And I have to tell you how impressed I am that.
14:31:20 That you all are working on. Uh, trying to… improve the service to the unserved or the underserved.
14:31:29 Areas around the state of New Mexico, I think it's very important.
14:31:33 But I… I had some interest in the statewide educational network.
14:31:38 I work for a… And I am not a representative for the Albuquerque Public Schools, but I do work for them.
14:31:47 And with a non-commercial radio station. And, uh, was just, uh… I'm very interested in the statewide educational.
14:31:57 Activities of your group. And if, uh…
14:32:01 If there's any way I can be of assistance, or more importantly, learn from you all.
14:32:07 On what you're doing, uh… Appreciate the opportunity to do that.
14:32:14 And so, uh, again, just Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to attend your meeting.
14:32:19 Well, thank you, and thank you for your comments. Any other public comment? Do you see anyone else, Renee?
14:32:30 Um, I do not see any other hands raised. Anybody else at this time?
14:32:31 Hey, Adam? I don't see anyone.
14:32:35 Someone… I did see Catherine raise her hand.
14:32:38 Okay, Catherine?
14:32:39 It's not… it's not public comment, I just… I just felt like it was most appropriate in this space.
14:32:45 I did speak with the New Mexico counties about possibly. Hosting, um, a meeting, or using that location in Santa Fe as a meeting space, but…
14:32:55 They can't do monthly meetings, but they did say, however, that they could host one.
14:32:59 So if we wanted to look at gathering in person those of us who could make it.
14:33:04 As a group for, you know, in October or November, whatever meeting down the road, um, that is an option for us.
14:33:14 Thank you, Catherine. Any other public comment?
14:33:20 Chair, Catherine, I'll reach out to you, Catherine, and work to get that information so we can get that together for the next meeting.
14:33:26 Thank you. I don't see other hands raised at this moment.
14:33:33 Okay, I think you have the last item.
14:33:36 Yes, sir. I can take a motion for adjournment.
14:33:44 So, move the line.
14:33:45 Eli, thank you. Is there somebody who'd like to second? Thank you. Is there anybody who is opposed?
14:33:56 Seeing and hearing no opposition, this meeting is officially adjourned. Thank you so much for joining.