13:43:15 I'm sorry, October 6th through 10th is Digital Equity Week, Digital Inclusion Week, I mean. I'll put in the link to information about that.
13:43:23 That.
13:43:24 And our working group is, um. Is working on a digital readiness and adoption conference, or summit.
13:43:35 Um, in the southern region, most likely, uh, Las Cruces. And we're looking at dates in October right now, so I'll provide more information about that.
13:43:46 Uh, when we have it. Um, the chair of the group, um, Beau Ford, is on the call, I see. Beau, do you have anything else to add at this point?
13:44:01 Hey, everyone. Um, nothing to add… Um, I've just talked with…
13:44:08 A couple other working group leaders about the direction of, you know, the working groups as a whole.
13:44:14 What does that look like? Do we continue to meet monthly, quarterly? Do we combine groups?
13:44:19 Do we extend the length of time? Um, four groups.
13:44:24 I know the Digital Equity Working Group has a pretty… close-knit, uh, bunch.
13:44:29 And, uh, despite the… the funding constraints, um, we've… Um, stayed together.
13:44:36 And we've met, uh, regularly. Regularly, uh, monthly.
13:44:37 Going to the bank.
13:44:41 So, it'll just be interesting to see… how we can collaboratively.
13:44:46 Um, decide on what… the path forward for the groups are.
13:44:52 And, um, I'd be happy to share any further insight that, um.
13:44:57 You guys may have questions on.
13:45:01 Thanks, Bo, and I'll just add, uh… We've, um, procured, with the help of a USDA grant.
13:45:08 Statewide access to a program called Get Set Up. Um, which… um, people can get to through a direct link, which I'll put in the chat here, or through their local library.
13:45:23 Um, and that gives them access to hundreds and hundreds of synchronous and asynchronous, uh.
13:45:31 Trainings, um, helping them learn about technology, how to use their phone, etc, etc.
13:45:37 The neat thing about that is, uh, number one, to see how much it's been getting used just in the first couple months of having it here.
13:45:45 Um, the numbers have been really good, which really demonstrates the need for, uh, for digital literacy training.
13:45:53 Uh, and then it's really interesting, because we can get really granular statistics, we can see.
13:45:59 Um, what areas of interest there are in the digital. Adoption and readiness and inclusion and equity realm, uh, which will help us with our planning in the future as well. So, I'll put the direct link to that in as well. That's, again, called Get Set Up.
13:46:14 Um, from your friendly state library. And I think that's it for now. Thank you, Beau, for…
13:46:23 Thank you, Eli. Thank you, Bo. Uh, any questions of Eli or Bo?
13:46:29 The Council.
13:46:35 Seeing none, Gottfried, you generally have a report. Do you have anything to report?
13:46:40 Sure, uh, we just, uh, recently had a, uh. Uh, Trump Working Group, uh.
13:46:46 Session, I think it was last Wednesday. And uh… mostly talk about, uh.
13:46:53 Where tribes are at, especially in their, uh. Tbcp, uh, grants that are going out.
13:46:59 A lot of them have got through permitting, and like I did.
13:47:04 Uh, quite a long process. Permitting is not fun, and uh… Uh, it just takes a long time, especially for me.
13:47:13 Going off the reservation to build a middle-mile project down to El Paso.
13:47:17 That has been treacherous, like pulling teeth. Hasn't been fun, and uh, like I said.
13:47:23 It is a process, but uh… We finally got through it, and actually, I can report for.
13:47:29 Matty itself that we are… we've started our… middle mile project going down to El Paso, so… We are building that fiber headed down that way right now.
13:47:39 Uh, as for Maddie, uh, itself. We're building a data center, that's about.
13:47:45 I'd say two-thirds of the way's done. So, we should be hopefully occupying that building.
13:47:50 Around December, January timeframe. But as far as the working group, what we're doing is trying to at least start trying to get the tribes acclimated to.
13:48:02 Look at opening the doors of the new company, so we talked about, uh.
13:48:06 You know, uh… what it's gonna take? A business plan, uh, getting…
13:48:13 Is there going to be some capital, uh, CapEx funding that, uh, tribes will need to be able to get started?
13:48:17 Just to, uh. Hopefully they're down that road already, but like I said, again, trying to talk about that.
13:48:25 We… and then also, we did a, uh… a, uh.
13:48:31 Update from Washington, just to talk about some of the issues.
13:48:35 Some of the impacts that tribes are receiving. Uh, things that are happening at the FCC, the delete-delete portion.
13:48:42 Talking about, uh, the, uh. Kind of… I guess you would say, uh, weakening of, uh.
13:48:50 Of, uh, NEPA regulations on towers. That's kind of happening, especially on the tribal side.
13:48:57 A lot of tribes usually rely on that to get information of what's going on.
13:49:01 So that's, you know, like I said, they're making it more accessible to be able to do.
13:49:06 Uh, those kinds of permitting a lot easier now. But also, it has some consequences on that side, too, so…
13:49:12 For tribes, like I said, they've been in, uh. Nprms on that, uh… Looking at, uh.
13:49:21 Comments for that, uh, trying to keep that ahead of it.
13:49:24 I know a lot of the, uh, tribal offices have been, uh, engaged on that quite a bit, too.
13:49:30 Talk to the FCC about, uh, any of those, uh, weakening of those, uh.
13:49:36 Policies, so… Other than that, we keep continuing to move forward. Our attendance has been around.
13:49:42 It's been pretty good, actually. Anywhere upwards from 18 to… Uh, times 25, uh, people come and, uh.
13:49:50 Listen to us, so… Also, there is an event tomorrow with Obai.
13:49:55 I don't know, Albuquerque, which I plan to be there, so, uh… that's going on. So, uh, it's quite busy.
13:50:02 Uh, on the other side of that, NTTA is planning to have a regional conference.
13:50:06 I think we're gonna probably kick that off down here at the end of the Mounts.
13:50:11 In November, so we're trying to get those dates lined up.
13:50:15 For a tribal, uh, broadband conference, uh, at the end of my Gods in November, so… Uh, that's in the works. So, other than that, that's all I have, at least, and uh, thank you for, uh, uh.
13:50:27 Your leadership and, uh, kind of move us forward, especially, I hear… hear your words and echo the portion of how.
13:50:33 We want to make sure broadband is, uh. In every community, and like I said.
13:50:40 You know, I… just one more little comment was, we went before the.
13:50:46 Anthony, New Mexico Town Council yesterday, or last night. And, uh, you know, they're a small little town right there on the edge of Texas.
13:50:56 Got from Las Cruces, and… was letting them know we're trying to get a permit through their little town to get to El Paso.
13:51:03 And, uh, they knew nothing too much about broadband. The council, you know, they have their…
13:51:11 Form about, you know, their internet just doesn't work real well, and all this kind of things, and… You know, I was hoping that Obi or somebody could do a presentation to let them know what BEAT is.
13:51:23 Because I told them about bead, and… Now that the counselors knew about that, or even the mayor.
13:51:28 So, uh, just to let you know that a lot of places that.
13:51:33 Haven't been reached, have not been reached yet in Mexico. So, and they knew nothing about the bead process. Maybe the lawyer did, but.
13:51:40 Not too much about that process and how that's going, so… It is a small town, and like I said.
13:51:47 We need to reach out to every corner of the… of, uh, New Mexico, and hopefully somebody can make some kind of presentation to let them know exactly what broadband is and how it enriches the local community.
13:51:58 So that's my report that I have, Luisa. Thank you.
13:52:02 Thank you, Godfrey. Just real quick, how many, uh, Pueblos and tribes now are engaged in broadband?
13:52:08 In New Mexico? Do you know?
13:52:11 I would say almost every tribe in Pueblo and New Mexico is engaged in broadband.
13:52:18 Uh, where a lot of them did receive, uh, uh. Planning grants, especially under the first round two.
13:52:26 I mentioned a lot of the put in for, uh. Infrastructure funds on Round 2 of TBCP, which a lot of that hasn't happened, but from what I hear from NTIA, they plan to, uh, hopefully.
13:52:38 Distribute that at some point in time. The rules are changing and policy changing from a TIA side is.
13:52:44 Uh, tremendous, uh… I mean, they keep changing the way the game's being played in the middle of the game, so that is happening right now to us.
13:52:49 Right.
13:52:53 On the, uh, TBCP1 recipient, so… Uh, not very happy about that, but at least, uh.
13:52:59 We're able to comply and keep moving forward.
13:53:04 Well, I think that's great that we have, uh, because there's, what, about 23 pueblos and tribes in New Mexico, and that's… That's good news that they're all participating, because I think it brings a lot of value.
13:53:14 To the communities that they, uh, they live in.
13:53:20 Yes. Yes, sir.
13:53:20 Any questions? Any… yeah, any questions for Gottfried? I'm like…
13:53:29 There is seeing none. I think the next is Jerry… Smith, he said you had a report?
13:53:36 Share with us?
13:53:39 Yes, thank you, Chair. Uh, I had a brief report, and I was going to make some comments.
13:53:45 Related to workgroup purpose, uh, kind of. Uh, working off the comments that were made at the last council meeting.
13:53:55 Um. I am Jerry Smith, Broadband Manager for Los Alamos County. I've been in.
13:54:02 This role for three and a half years, and most of that time, I've been leading this.
13:54:09 Regional planning and community engagement work group, or RPC, as we like to call it.
13:54:16 Uh, we meet monthly. Having stopped our bi-monthly meetings a year or so ago, and we have an average of 8.
13:54:26 Persons or so, uh, attending each month. Some of our recent meetings, we've had vendors.
13:54:34 Presenting their broadband projects that are going on across the state. It's great to hear.
13:54:41 Them share. The progress that they're making.
13:54:45 Uh, we also count on having regular updates from OBI staff.
13:54:52 Uh, Obi staff is… Very good at attending and, uh, presenting.
13:54:58 Uh, their, uh, the updates that they might have related to pertinent topics.
13:55:05 I do want to express my sincere thanks to those vendors and the Obi staff that have been willing to attend and present.
13:55:12 So that our meetings could have some meaningful. Content. Uh, in our regular monthly meeting, which we held yesterday.
13:55:21 We were pleased to have a BEAD update from Obi Bead Coordinator.
13:55:27 Andrew Wilder. And another major… topic of discussion was related to the purpose and mission of the workgroup itself.
13:55:37 I had… I shared with the group. What was brought up.
13:55:42 Last month at council meeting, uh, about, uh. Looking at the purpose of the work groups and seeing if we need to make any adjustments.
13:55:52 Uh, one specific thing that I communicated was that I am ready to rotate off of leading the group.
13:56:00 Uh, starting with next month's. Meeting. Uh, I don't know what action needs to be taken, but uh…
13:56:07 We can talk about that a little further if needed. I also shared some of my thoughts related to the ongoing value of our work group in specific.
13:56:19 I think my thoughts would be that I think the group has pretty much met.
13:56:24 The need that existed 3 years ago when we started. And, uh, the Council was just getting started, uh.
13:56:33 Obi was just getting… going on staffing up. Now there seems to be not as much a need for our work group.
13:56:41 Uh, at least from my point of view. And, uh, we did discuss that a little bit, and, uh, I didn't have anybody.
13:56:49 Speaking up in opposition to that point, I told them I would share this information today.
13:56:55 Specifically, I would point out that Obi has the regional project managers that are now.
13:57:01 Covering the state pretty well, and reaching out in a lot of the ways that we felt needed to happen.
13:57:10 And so… based on those statements, my inclination would be.
13:57:15 To pause the group and decide what might be done to either consider the group not needed.
13:57:21 Merge with another group, or decide to repurpose the group. In some way, so that the value of the groups.
13:57:29 Meeting monthly is worth people's time. Uh, planning, presenting, and attending.
13:57:36 And, um… I… I think, uh, Tamara Rosenberg with ReSound.
13:57:43 Uh, who's… who's an active member of our group, might be on and may want to add to.
13:57:50 What I'm saying here, but I'll pause and… Uh, let that be the report from the workgroup today.
13:57:59 Great, thank you. Are there any questions or any additional comments to Jerry's?
13:58:03 Thanks, Tamara.
13:58:10 Uh, comments? Jerry, thank you. I do have maybe something…
13:58:16 Just for council members to… consider, and Jerry made a good point.
13:58:22 Is, is, uh, as we move forward. And maybe Obey can also weigh in.
13:58:30 Uh, Jeff, uh… What workgroups are?
13:58:33 Do people think are necessary. To support… obey and also support the New Mexico plan, broadband plan.
13:58:45 And we created these 3 years ago when we started. Um, I think it's moved nicely in…
13:58:53 In growing, uh… We're addressing the needs of New Mexicans.
13:58:59 Was, uh, we also heard from Godfrey, there's parts of the state.
13:59:03 That still don't know what's going on. Uh, with this, so… you know, maybe the Jerry's Brut is a good starting point, uh.
13:59:11 Of what support does Obey feel they need? From the industry.
13:59:17 So that maybe we restructure the work groups that more complement where we're at today versus when we started.
13:59:25 And where we feel we need to go. Uh, given the different environments in Washington, also.
13:59:32 Because I think there's going to be, uh… More funding from the states than we would… than in the past.
13:59:39 So with that, Jeff, do you have any comments or any ideas that you can share?
13:59:45 So it gives us something to think about as we form.
13:59:48 Or reform work groups to assist Obey.
13:59:52 No, thank you for the question, Chairman Reyes. I am fully supportive of the working group's
13:59:59 Uh, as well as the efforts to update their, uh, specific titles and missions.
14:00:05 Uh, so I think having a working group, uh, specific to tribal engagement is critical.
14:00:10 Um, I know digital equity has fallen on…
14:00:15 a rough patch in terms of federal funding, but digital opportunity and affordability, I think, would be important components of the group.
14:00:21 As it is now, and moving forward,
14:00:24 Uh, and pole attachments, I know, has been the focus, but maybe expanding that, um…
14:00:29 to permitting in general as well, which I know has been part of that discussion previously.
14:00:34 Um, and if you would like, uh, Chairman Reyes, the Office of Broadband can prepare a formal proposal
14:00:41 on, um, other…
14:00:43 working groups that might be helpful moving forward.
14:00:46 Definitely certain… I have some ideas that I can share, but would like to put it in a more formal…
14:00:53 Uh, request.
14:00:55 I think that would be very helpful, so that we can, as I mentioned in my opening comments.
14:01:02 Be more supportive and helpful. In this overall mission.
14:01:07 That you've taken on, or you're the leader of. So I think that would be helpful. I'd like to hear comments from other…
14:01:15 Council members on… what we're discussing, because I would like engagement from the Council.
14:01:20 I think that's the only way this is going to work, if the.
14:01:24 Industry supports the state and Obey in getting. Uh, getting first the word out, as Godfrey mentioned, and Anthony, New Mexico, but also.
14:01:34 Addressing some of these tough issues that I'd rather us address here.
14:01:38 And not at the legislature.
14:01:44 Any comments? Any thoughts?
14:01:51 Chair Catherine has her hand raised.
14:01:54 Catherine, you have any… there you go.
14:01:57 Yeah, uh, thanks, Chairman. Um, and thanks, Renee. Um, I know you just said and not at the… you ended that with and not at the legislature, but, um, I do think it's important that this council remain engaged in.
14:02:11 Legislative proposals that affect. Um, Connect New Mexico and funding related to these programs.
14:02:18 And I would like to see at least consideration around a group not so issue-specific.
14:02:25 But more general, like, maybe… legislative and policy, or something like that, then we could continue to address issues like poll attachments and permitting, for example.
14:02:38 But when legislation does arise that would affect the council, which has happened historically, that.
14:02:44 You know, the makeup of the counselor, or our involvement, our engagement has.
14:02:50 Come up in pieces of legislation. Um, I just want to make sure that we are having those conversations.
14:02:57 As a council, and, you know, forming our own opinions and taking votes and providing our feedback around those issues as well.
14:03:06 So I'm just… I guess what I'm saying is I'm proposing, like, maybe a more broad-based.
14:03:12 Approach. I know we had the rulemaking group that did a lot of work in the beginning, and sort of.
14:03:19 Became the default legislative group, I think, um, as we moved forward.
14:03:24 But I think maybe altering that, um, or even creating a separate legislative slash policy group.
14:03:31 Might be helpful.
14:03:34 And Catherine, I do think that's helpful. I think my comments are if.
14:03:38 If we end up at the legislature on pull attachments. Then it becomes more contentious.
14:03:44 Because we weren't able to… come up with a win-win solution for both the utility.
14:03:51 And the, uh, broadband provider. And I just think that we can work those…
14:03:57 Through those issues. I'd rather be working with the legislature on policy that enables more broadband.
14:04:05 And funding that makes sure that no one's left out. So that's my… my… mine are, how do we get.
14:04:12 How can we support Obey where it's not contentious at the legislature? And I think you hit it.
14:04:17 Is if we're part of that. Solution, and find a part of the process and finding solutions that work for everybody.
14:04:26 Uh, then we go as a unified group to the legislature to enable.
14:04:31 Policy or funding, which is easier for them to then. Support, because sometimes they don't want to take sides.
14:04:38 Especially when it comes to something that is so needed in New Mexico.
14:04:43 So, I appreciate your comments. Thank you. Any… any… anyone else have any comments at this time? Because I do think, uh…
14:04:53 Again, with funding around the corner, legislature around the corner. I'd rather be in a more proactive.
14:05:02 Role in, instead of reactive. Role, and so… If there's not any at this time, maybe something to think about.
14:05:12 So that we can, uh, come to a… kind of a reformed… committee structure that's more effective.
14:05:20 Given the place we're at today. And then, uh, Director Lopez, if you can just get us a, uh.
14:05:27 A proposal that would be helpful, that may be a good starting point.
14:05:32 Once you can draft that up.
14:05:37 Any… go ahead. Lana, yes?
14:05:36 Yes, sir. Luis, um… One of the, you know, one of the biggest complaints, issues.
14:05:43 Um, and impediments to us as companies getting broadband actually completed.
14:05:49 Um, is the permitting… And, um, you know, the cultural…
14:05:55 Nepa, SHPO-type things, so I would definitely like to see that come back as a committee.
14:06:02 Just because I think that, you know, it's one of the biggest complaints that we in industry have.
14:06:07 And yet, you know, the committee that… the subcommittee to the council that talked about that is.
14:06:16 Gone. So, if there's a possibility of reigniting that particular. Committee, I think that would be helpful to everybody. I mean, we may not solve the problems, but at least we can commiserate together and try to figure out, you know, what worked for you, how did you get this done, and maybe make some contacts.
14:06:33 Um, to reach out to whenever, um, we have a problem. So, so of all of the… subcommittees, um, that's one that I think is sorely missed in this… in this particular group.
14:06:45 Would that include Lana, the DOT? Because I think earlier we had.
14:06:51 Just because there's… to me, it seems with 6 different districts, or 5… 5 or 6.
14:06:52 Yeah.
14:06:59 Seems sometimes there's 5 or 6 different rules.
14:07:01 Yeah, you're absolutely right, and you and I have had a lot of conversations about this, um, you know, the district up where you're… where you're at is.
14:07:10 Looking at something different than… than the 3 or 4 that we're operating in. So, absolutely. But I think that.
14:07:17 You know, since that's gone away, it was a resource for… for our company, and I… I presume it was also a resource for others, just to be able to.
14:07:25 Compare notes and try to figure out what's. Uh, what do we need to do? Where can we go, who do we talk to? So, I would really like to see that group.
14:07:34 Come back, if at all possible.
14:07:36 Okay, thank you for your input. Any other Councilmember have any comments on.
14:07:44 Committees, we should… have or not have?
14:07:53 Okay, seeing that. Renee, I do have a question. There was a, uh… a policy or resolution? Is that something for their… for the Council's review now to be approved at… or at least.
14:08:05 Deliberated and acted on at the next meeting?
14:08:07 I think that we would need to deliberate and act on it on the next meeting, because we did not include it on today's agenda.
14:08:14 Um, I just wanted to make sure the council members had a chance to review it, kind of talk about it.
14:08:15 Okay.
14:08:19 And then we can review again and talk about any changes that are made between this meeting and next meeting, and then vote on it then.
14:08:27 And I have it pulled up if… anyone would like to see it, let me know, and I can share it on the screen.
14:08:27 Okay.
14:08:37 Why don't you just pull it up, since we're in working group updates, I think, at least for an update. Why don't you pull it up so… If there's any discussions, we can…
14:08:45 Absolutely.
14:08:47 Or any questions or comments, we can do that, and then we can deliver and act on it next, uh, next month.
14:08:53 Sure thing. Give me one moment.
14:08:56 Mr. Chairman, this is Godfrey also. Uh, have we, uh, resolved the issue on.
14:09:03 Whose term is up, and are they getting reappointed, or… that situation with that, has that been resolved?
14:09:10 I thought that Renee was trying to get, uh… the letters of those who had.
14:09:20 Appointments, reappointments. And then vacancy, so I know it was being worked on. I haven't seen a final list, though.
14:09:28 I can't answer that, Chair. Um, I am working with the governor's office on making sure that the roster is up to date.
14:09:37 Um, we have reached out to the Secretary of the Indian Affairs Department and are awaiting the designees, um, that she will assign.
14:09:46 I… and I have not heard back from the governor's office on whether those assignments have been made.
14:09:59 Renee, outside of that, everyone else. Who's… I mean, everything else?
14:10:03 As far as I know, yes, everybody else is in place, um, as needed.
14:10:09 Um, but I will double check with the governor's office just to… to ensure that.
14:10:13 We have the letters in every, um, ready for everybody. The last update that I received from them was that we were waiting for the appointments from the, um.
14:10:21 Indian Affairs Department Secretary.
14:10:24 Okay, thank you.
14:10:31 Thank you, Gottfried, for bringing that up. So we do have the proposed resolution.
14:10:39 I don't know if anyone's had a chance to look at it, but uh… My ask of the Council is to review it.
14:10:46 Uh, and uh… if there's any questions, uh. I guess raise them at… well, we can raise them now, but if you have any comments or questions.
14:10:56 But be prepared to, uh… deliberate, discuss it, and take action at the September.
14:11:03 Council meeting.
14:11:04 Mr. Chair, if you like, I can explain, um, briefly the changes.
14:11:08 Thank you, Jason, if you would. Thanks.
14:11:10 Yeah, so, um, the change here on the first page is just to update the Council's.
14:11:16 Band-aid to match the. Um, the changes in the legislative language.
14:11:21 So, uh, I think you could speak. The old language was in there, um, before the statute was changed to kind of change the scope.
14:11:30 Um, so I updated that. Uh, and then the other change, there's a small change on the next page.
14:11:37 Which, um, coincides with a change on the last page. Um, to basically allow more flexibility.
14:11:47 And, um, the establishment, and… I guess disbanding up… sub, uh, or working groups.
14:11:56 So, uh, this change on this page will allow a working group just to continue in operation until it's disbanded.
14:12:03 By a majority vote of the Council. Um, and make us scroll down to her last two pages.
14:12:11 Uh, in the old resolution. The, uh, working groups were actually listed in the resolution, so I proposed just kind of striking that, and that way we don't have to.
14:12:24 Be bound by what working groups are. Actually listed in the resolution.
14:12:29 We can just, uh, establish working groups and just ban them.
14:12:34 Based on majority vote of the council, and that'll be reflected in the.
14:12:40 And the meeting minutes, um… When those decisions are made.
14:12:43 So that way we don't have to amend this resolution every time we want to establish a new working group.
14:12:49 We've just been…
14:12:52 Okay. Thank you, Jason. Any questions of what Jason.
14:12:59 Explained? So, I just have a, like, a process question. If we take it to the next meeting and they're…
14:13:08 It's appropriate to request changes. That weren't published.
14:13:13 I mean, the liberation that the council decides to. Add something or delete something.
14:13:19 I'm just not familiar with the public process.
14:13:23 Um, yes, Mr. Chair. So, uh, for the next meeting, we will, um… I can… I can incorporate.
14:13:30 Uh, the changes, um… that were proposed here… And we can publish it, uh, with the meeting notice, um, and put it on the agenda.
14:13:41 And that will give, uh, the public time to review any of the proposed changes.
14:13:47 Um, and if we approve those changes. At the next meeting, then we can just go ahead and implement this, but…
14:13:55 If the Council, uh, proposes any other changes at the next meeting.
14:14:00 Then we'll have to incorporate those changes and republish for the meeting after that to allow people.
14:14:06 The public time to review. Those changes and comment on that.
14:14:09 Okay. So during the course, before you publish it, if there was…
14:14:15 I called earlier, I need some assistance with ParentVue. So you… you said she was at…
14:14:19 What's that, Jim? So, Jason, uh…
14:14:25 During the course of the month, let's say I had a recommended change, and I sent it to you.
14:14:30 You would integrate it, and I mean, that's appropriate, it just… And then you would publish that on the 72-hour notice.
14:14:37 Yes. Yeah, so this, um, the important thing is that we…
14:14:44 Publish it with the public notice and, uh, give. The public time to comment on whatever version we end up.
14:14:53 Approving, um, before it's approved. So, so we can make any proposed changes.
14:14:53 Okay.
14:14:58 Um, before the meeting notice is published, and then we publish.
14:15:03 What we're proposing to approve. Uh, in that public meeting notice. And as long as we don't make any changes after that public meeting notice.
14:15:11 Then we can go ahead and approve that. At the next meeting where we have.
14:15:16 Okay. Thank you. Any… any other questions from the Council of Jason?
14:15:18 You're welcome.
14:15:24 On this, uh, topic.
14:15:30 Okay. Seeing none, why don't we go to our next agenda item, which is, uh…
14:15:39 Director Lopez, if you want to… Give us an update.
14:15:41 Thank you, Chairman Reyes. Happy to provide an update to the Council. I just flew back from our meeting with NTIA in Chicago.
14:15:51 Uh, for special ward conditions, uh, I am happy to report that NTIA has cleared our special award conditions, which means we can move forward towards public comment.
14:16:00 Um, so we are finalizing some of the preliminary awards for BEAD, and I can report some of the top-line numbers.
14:16:07 And then early next week, we will be publishing the final proposal, including all of the preliminary awards,
14:16:13 for public comment. Uh, that public comment will be open for a week.
14:16:17 Uh, assuming by next Tuesday, it'll be open
14:16:20 Uh, from, uh, Tuesday, August 26th.
14:16:25 through, uh, Tuesday, September 2nd.
14:16:29 Uh, at that point, we have to submit the final proposal to NTIA by September 4th.
14:16:34 Um, so we are working on a very quick timeline at this point, uh, to finalize our…
14:16:40 BEAD program, which is the $675 million, uh, primarily for rural broadband.
14:16:46 I cannot report the details of the preliminary awards today, but again, those will be public as soon as early next week.
14:16:53 But I can give some top lines. Uh, we are expected
14:16:57 Uh, to commit, uh, more than $400 million of the BEAD program, which means we will likely have non-deployment funds, uh, which we were not expecting
14:17:06 After the first round that we conducted, uh, late last year.
14:17:11 We are considering around 20 preliminary awards, uh, sorry, uh, awards of 20… around 20 entities.
14:17:19 For a higher number of preliminary awards, and that, again, will be public early next week.
14:17:24 Um, the technology split that we are seeing.
14:17:28 Uh, let me bring up my numbers, just a moment.
14:17:33 Um, around 65% of the funding will go to the fiber to the premises. That's for 40% of the locations.
14:17:41 Uh, around 25% of the funding will go towards licensed-by-rule terrestrial fixed wireless, uh,
14:17:50 locations, that's around…
14:17:52 20% of the locations.
14:17:54 Um, the remaining, uh,
14:17:58 11 or 12% will be a mix of unlicensed, uh, fixed wireless, and geostationary… non-geostationary satellite, the low Earth orbit satellite.
14:18:07 Um, for only 12% of the funding and around 30% of the locations.
14:18:12 So we are, again, finalizing those numbers. I'm happy to do my best to answer any questions you might have regarding
14:18:19 our BEAD final proposal at this time. I would like to focus on timelines. Again, I cannot get into details at this stage.
14:18:25 Uh, but we were very excited. It's a significant milestone to have approval from NTIA to move towards public comment.
14:18:31 Um, we will be holding a briefing, um,
14:18:36 on the public comment, uh, scheduled to be determined, but I would like to
14:18:40 Make sure everybody on the Council receives an invitation to that, uh, Mr. Chair, if you would
14:18:45 like to call a formal meeting of the council. I know it's probably very quick notice here.
14:18:51 Uh, but if not, then we can make sure that everybody is included at the very least.
14:18:56 Thank you, Jeff. Jeff, I do have a question. There was… With 670 and… There's… so what happens to the difference? What happens to the…
14:19:07 The difference of the awards versus what the federal government awarded New Mexico.
14:19:11 So yes, the difference between the $675 million total allocation and what, um, we would use for deployment is what's considered non-deployment funds.
14:19:21 Um, some states had, um…
14:19:24 estimated that they'd have non-deployment funds at the very beginning.
14:19:27 But now, with this benefit of the bargain round, uh, is the first time where we are now required to consider how to use those funds.
14:19:35 Uh, there are a number of statutory, um,
14:19:39 eligible uses of that non-deployment funds.
14:19:41 Unfortunately, the NOFO, which does go into more detail, the initial NOFO does have more
14:19:47 Um, uh, detail, but it is now defunct with the June 6th updates.
14:19:51 Um, the Trump administration
14:19:56 um… pause all non-deployment use of funds. So we are…
14:20:01 awaiting guidance from NTIA on how exactly we can use it, but what is included in the statute is community anchor institutions,
14:20:10 Um, some, uh, did a lot of opportunity uses.
14:20:13 Uh, and most importantly, whatever, uh, the NTIA administrator determines to be
14:20:20 An eligible use of those non-deployment funds.
14:20:21 Uh, so we are, um, required to submit our budget.
14:20:27 For those non-deployment funds on September 4th.
14:20:30 But not necessarily the details, uh, on exactly how we were going to use them.
14:20:34 Uh, but we are now in a place to consider that.
14:20:38 I guess part of that is my… I hope. We have a plan so we don't lose them. I hate to…
14:20:44 Yes.
14:20:45 Give the feds anything back.
14:20:47 Yes, we certainly have a lot of need in New Mexico.
14:20:52 Uh, and as I mentioned, around, uh, 25-30% of the locations will be served by other… either unlicensed wireless
14:21:00 or low Earth orbit satellite.
14:21:03 Um, so some of those locations won't necessarily have, uh, backhaul or critical infrastructure needs for
14:21:09 facilitating future connectivity.
14:21:11 middle mile, uh, the demand for the middle mile program at NTIO is very high in New Mexico.
14:21:18 Uh, so that certainly that we… we have…
14:21:21 critical uses for this funding, and the last thing we want to do is return it to…
14:21:26 the Treasury.
14:21:29 Thank you. Any other questions of any Council. Member.
14:21:42 So just real quickly, there's a schedule, uh, just kind of repeat that, so…
14:21:50 Yes, uh, so we are, um, going to…
14:21:53 publish our final proposal for public comment.
14:21:56 Uh, either by next Monday, or as, uh, at the latest by next Tuesday, August 26th. The public comment period will be open for 7 days.
14:22:06 from, uh, at the latest August 26th to September 2nd.
14:22:10 Uh, at that point, we will incorporate public comments and then submit.
14:22:15 that final proposal to NTIA on September 4th.
14:22:19 NTIA has committed to reviewing and giving final word on our proposal within 90 days.
14:22:28 Uh, we're hoping that they move faster than that, but per their timeline, we will have
14:22:35 Um, we'll be in a position to sign grant agreements with those preliminary awardees by the end of the year.
14:22:42 So right now, with the public comment, um, it will… the preliminary awards…
14:22:48 will stay preliminary. Uh, they will be reviewed by NTIA
14:22:52 Um, after we submit the final proposal, and then once NTI approves, we can sign those grant agreements and, um…
14:22:59 the awards will be… will be final at that point.
14:23:03 Okay, thank you. Any other questions of, uh…
14:23:09 Director Lopez? I don't see any hands up.
14:23:21 Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
14:23:18 Okay, thank you very much, and… keep us in… keep us informed.
14:23:25 Um, next item, public comment. Is there anyone in the public that wishes to make any comment?
14:23:35 Chair, Samantha has her hand raised.
14:23:38 Samantha?
14:23:40 Hi everyone! Hello, hello! Um, it's so nice to meet you all. My name is Samantha Sharpman. I am the Director of Philanthropic Programs at Connect Humanity.
14:23:52 We learned about this meeting in the Grant County Beat on a magazine.
14:23:57 So, uh, we just wanted to drop by and let you know that, uh.
14:24:03 We are in… my organization, in partnership with Hawk Networks, is in… is focusing on leading a broadband planning process in the Pinos Altos area.
14:24:17 Uh, the goal here, here's our announcement. This is a broadband technical assistance grant under USDA, uh, and we have funding to engage with the community.
14:24:30 And, uh, local stakeholders in better understanding your connectivity needs. Uh, and also your digital opportunity desires, uh, to make sure that.
14:24:41 All members of the Pinos Altos community, and broader Silver City residents are able to meaningfully and affordably connect to broadband internet.
14:24:53 And have the support for skills and devices needed in order to make that meaningful connection.
14:24:59 Um, we are… one of our colleagues is currently in the New Mexico area.
14:25:06 Working on a different project, um, he may come through, and we are going to be looking to set up some meetings just to introduce ourselves.
14:25:16 And, uh, we're hoping to bring the broader project team out, uh, for some meetings.
14:25:22 In the next month or so. So, I just want to introduce you all, uh, to… me, and I have two of my colleagues, if they're still on here, Cy and Erica.
14:25:34 Who are working on our BTA project together as well. They would like to come off and introduce themselves.
14:25:41 I'll say, excuse me, I'll say a little briefly. Um, my name's Silas, I'm a Field Operations Specialist with Hawk Networks.
14:25:49 We, uh, I'm currently in Greenlee County, Arizona, just a shot west out of, uh, Silver City in the greater, uh, PA area, to the Gila Mountains there.
14:25:59 I look forward to the opportunity to finding out more about the community and seeing how we might be of utility.
14:26:05 Um, this is the kind of network that we specialize in building.
14:26:10 Regions where it was otherwise challenging to access, or fiber isn't of access, building something that's not only.
14:26:19 Economically, but, uh, socially beneficial to the community, rather than something presented as a product.
14:26:26 In that it's encouraging to hear the work that you all are doing, and Councilman and.
14:26:31 Council members, I appreciate you letting us the opportunity to speak here.
14:26:36 Right?
14:26:36 And my name is Erica Mesker. I'm with Connect Humanity. I'm currently based in California, though I briefly lived in Silver City for… For a while, uh, in 2020, so I'm really happy to be re-engaging with the community that I… that I fell in love with there.
14:26:53 Thank you. Thank you, guys.
14:26:59 You have anything else, Samantha?
14:26:59 Happy. No, um, I'm gonna drop my email into the chat if anyone has any questions, or would like to learn more about the project, I welcome everyone to just reach out.
14:27:10 I'm gonna be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have.
14:27:17 Nice to meet you!
14:27:14 Thank you, Samantha. Very nice to meet you guys. Is there any other… any other hands up, Renee?
14:27:17 Thanks.
14:27:24 Kara, I do not see any other hands up.
14:27:27 Okay, I guess we're finished with that section, so item 7.
14:27:31 Okay, I can go ahead and call for the adjournment. May I have a motion to adjourn?
14:27:40 So moved. This is Lana.
14:27:42 Thank you, and is there a second? Thank you. Is there anybody in opposition?
14:27:45 Thank you, Mr. Gray.
14:27:52 Seeing and hearing no opposition, this meeting is adjourned. Thank you.