From Deseret News archives:

iProvo sale approved

City Council votes 4-3 on the $40.6 million deal

Published: Wednesday, June 4, 2008 12:13 a.m. MDT
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City Councilwoman Cindy Richards said she doesn't feel like she's under a cloud, and she thinks all the information leading up to this point has been helpful.

"It's all been going in the same direction," she said. "There haven't been any surprises."

During the discussion, lawyers also refuted some claims that have been made by MSTARmetro executives who claimed in a letter dated May 23 that the city request for proposals, that drew the bid from Broadweave, was "closed, procedurally unfair and ... very likely illegal."

City Attorney Robert West said he's reviewed many codes and he is certain the city did no wrong doing in the RFP process.

"I would step forward and be the first one to tell you 'Please, step back and review this,"' he said, if he perceived any "inappropriate actions."

Public comment on the sale of the network was divisive. MSTARmetro's Joe Hansen, who wrote the letter calling the city process illegal, said he retracted the his objections to the RFP, and he supported the iProvo sale.

Nuno Battaglia, of Prospera360, said he still thought the RFP issued by the city was disingenuous because it did not specify the city was open to the possibility of a sale.

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Provo resident Jim O'Neal said he thinks the sale is a big mistake. He said it's a good deal for Broadweave and it's a good deal for the city, but it isn't a good deal for the residents.

"When they find out, next election, it won't be a good deal for you," he said to the City Council members.

Before a vote was called, Turley said he's excited to be rid of iProvo, but he won't vote for it because he feels the process was compromised.

"I really want this iProvo nightmare to end," he said. "I really want this to become someone else's sweet dream."

Before he voted, City Councilman George Stewart said he never would have voted in favor of iProvo five years ago if he were on the council. He said the system has cost the city $13.5 million, and it would cost about $15.6 million over the next five years if they don't approve the sale.

"That's substantial money," he said.

The council voted 4-3 to approve the sale. Turley, Everett and City Councilwoman Cindy Clark were the dissenting votes.


E-mail: jdana@desnews.com

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