Circle Fiber has opened its first fiber network zone in Poplar Bluff, city council members were told Monday.
The item was discussed prior to the swearing in of new city clerk Lori Phelps.
The city is divided into 17 zones and the company is about six to seven weeks from completing its initial build, said Big River Communications President Kevin Cantwell.
The first zone opened was in the area of Main and Maud streets this past week, he explained.
Work remains to be done in the Ditch Road area of the city to complete the network.
“It’s going to pass roughly 10,000 premises,” Cantwell explained.
Circle Fiber will notify residents as additional zones are brought online, he said.
The company is also opening a storefront location in Mansion Mall. It’s under renovation now and expected to be open in the next four to six weeks.
“We’ve hired seven people so far,” Cantwell said. “We’ll have another 13 to hire, probably in the next three to four months. It’s installers, construction people and then filling out the retail space.
“We’re hiring local, buying local.”
Following Cantwell’s presentation, Phelps was sworn in by retiring city clerk Nevada Young.
Phelps has served as deputy city clerk for the past 10 years.
Young will retire Sept. 1, after 25 years with the city.
In other business, the council:
• Discussed annexation of property at 3398 Kanell Blvd., owned by New Covenant Fellowship Church.
• Discussed appointment of Michael Pollard of Poplar Bluff to the Poplar Bluff Historical Preservation Commission.
• Approved change order 1 for the Poplar Bluff Infrastructure Project.
• Approved the donation of a Zodiac boat, trailer and boat motor from the Poplar Bluff Fire Department to the Ripley County EMA.
• Approved change order 3 for the police station construction project.