The Interim Assistant Chief Executive for Regeneration and Economy has submitted a report which requests approval to award a contract for a Wireless Concession, as part of the Super Connected City project approved by CEB in October 2013

Recommendation: That the City Executive Board resolves to:

1.    Approve the Wireless Concession contract referred to in this report to the supplier selected in accordance with the procurement process undertaken

The Interim Assistant Chief Executive for Regeneration and Economy has submitted a report which requests approval to award a contract for a Wireless Concession, as part of the Super Connected City project approved by CEB in October 2013.

Board members noted that the method of controlling of the advertising content needed to be finalised and asked that a method of secure sign-on as well as open network should be considered.

The City Executive Board resolved to approve the Wireless Concession contract referred to in this report to the supplier selected in accordance with the procurement process undertaken.

The Executive Director, Housing and Regeneration has submitted a report which provides an update on the successful bid to Government for funding of £4.83 million from the Urban Broadband Fund (Phase 2) Super Connected Cities Programme, and requests that the Council officers now be authorised to deliver this project with the support of a specialist organisation using the funding secured plus the previously agreed £300,000 capital commitment and £25,000 start-up costs.

This report was presented to the City Executive Board on 9^th October 2013. An extract from the minutes of this meeting is also attached.

Council is asked to approve of an additional £4.83 million within the Councils General Fund Capital Programme in 2014/15 to be funded by Government Grant.

See pages 83 to 100 in the main agenda.

The report updates the Board on the successful bid to Government for funding of £4.83million from the Urban Broadband Fund (Phase 2) Super Connected Cities Programme. It requests that Council officers be authorised to deliver this project with the support of a specialist organisation using the funding secured, plus the previously agreed £300,000 capital commitment and £25,000 start-up costs.

The Board is recommended to:-

(1)  Note the update report and the positive funding outcome;

(2)  Agree that CEB recommends to Council approval of an additional £4.83 million within the Councils General Fund Capital Programme in 2014/15 to be funded by Government Grant;

(3)  Agree that CEB gives project approval based on the information provided in this report;

(4)  To delegate authority to David Edwards, Executive Director to lead on management and delivery of the project and give delegated authority to award a contract to a specialist organisation to assist the Council in the delivery of this project.

The Executive Director, Housing and Regeneration submitted a report (previously circulated, now appended) that updated the Board on the successful bid to Government for funding of £4.83 million from the Urban Broadband Fund (Phase 2) Super Connected Cities Programme.

Councillor Bob Price, Board Member for Corporate Governance, Strategic Partnerships and Economic Development, presented the report to the Board and provided some background and context. He paid tribute to Sebastian Johnson, City Partnerships Manager, who had been especially involved with this project and had worked so hard upon it. It was anticipated that the scheme would be rolled out early in 2014.

Councillor Jean Fooks addressed the Board and welcomed this project.

Resolved to:-

(1)  Note the update report and the positive funding outcome;

(2)  Agree that CEB recommends to Council approval of an additional £4.83 million within the Councils General Fund Capital Programme in 2014/15 to be funded by Government Grant;

(3)  Agree that CEB gives project approval based on the information provided in this report;

(4)  To delegate authority to David Edwards, Executive Director to lead on management and delivery of the project and give delegated authority to award a contract to a specialist organisation to assist the Council in the delivery of this project.