Legislation Details

File #: DC-5805    Version: 1
Type: Consent Action Status: Passed
File created: 6/23/2026 In control: Board of Commissioners
On agenda: 8/4/2026 Final action: 8/4/2026
Enactment date: 8/4/2026 Resolution #: 26-317
Title: Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With State Of Minnesota For Fiber Optic Infrastructure And Network Connectivity
Sponsors: Information Technology
Attachments: 1. MNIT, JPA #DCA24299 - Agreement (7_14_26)

DEPARTMENT: Information Technology

FILE TYPE: Consent Information

 

TITLE

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Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With State Of Minnesota For Fiber Optic Infrastructure And Network Connectivity

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RESOLUTION

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WHEREAS, State of Minnesota desires the use of Dakota County 12-strand buffer tube (a protective tube inside a fiber optic cable that contains multiple fiber strands) where fiber availability allows; and

 

WHEREAS, Dakota County grants a license to the State of Minnesota for the use of 12 strands in all Dakota County owned fiber segments with a fiber capacity of at least 288 strands; and

 

WHEREAS, State of Minnesota will provide Dakota County a minimum of 10GB of State internet and intranet connectivity bandwidth in exchange of Dakota County owned fiber; and

 

WHEREAS, Dakota County will also provide rack space and power for State equipment at the Hastings Administration Center, Northern Service Center, and Western Service Center; and

 

WHEREAS, State of Minnesota agrees to waive all fees for internet and intranet connectivity in the amount of $69,753 annually; and

 

WHEREAS, Dakota County agrees to waive all fees to State of Minnesota fiber usage in the amount of in the amount of $31,900 annually; and

 

WHEREAS, this will terminate nine existing joint powers agreements and replace them with the new agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the initial term of this agreement is 20 years; and

 

WHEREAS, a joint powers agreement with State of Minnesota is required for use of County fiber optic cable.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Deputy County Manager to execute a joint powers agreement with State of Minnesota, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.

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BACKGROUND

For almost two decades, Dakota County and the State of Minnesota have been partnering and cooperating with each other to provide fiber connectivity. Dakota County has several joint powers agreements with the State of Minnesota to access each other’s fiber infrastructure.

 

Many of these JPAs included cities to provide laterals (a fiber connection from the backbone to a specific building) to the city of Eagan, ISD 196 School District, Lakeville, Farmington, and Rosemount. There are nine previous agreements with Dakota County and other cities that will be terminated upon execution of this new agreement. All nine terminating agreements will be replaced with this new agreement.

 

RECOMMENDATION

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Staff recommends the County Board authorize the Deputy County Manager to execute a joint powers agreement for use of fiber in exchange of internet and intranet connectivity to all Dakota libraries and offices.

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FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPACTS

Previously, there was an exchange of funds between the State of Minnesota and Dakota County, with this new agreement there will be no funds exchanged between the parties.

 

The State of Minnesota has agreed to waive fees related to internet and intranet to all the Dakota County libraries and offices in the amount $69,753 annually.

 

Dakota County has agreed to waive all fees for fiber usage by State of Minnesota in the amount of $31,900 annually.

 

PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION

12-627; 12/11/12

07-076; 2/6/07

10-416; 8/24/10

07-515; 11/6/07

07-075; 2/6/07

07-515; 11/6/07

05-165; 4/5/05

08-433; 10/7/08

11-461; 10/4/11

 

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment: MNIT JPA

 

CONTACT

Department Director: Tony Gomes

Author: Hamza Akram