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City Council held two public hearings that were followed by action at a meeting last week that will provide North Suffolk with a new internet provider option.

The hearings were held at Council’s Wednesday, Jan. 18 meeting regarding two land lease agreements between Shenandoah Cable Television (Shentel) and the City of Suffolk for cable utility cabinet locations at both the North Suffolk Library and G. Robert House Water Treatment Plant.

The area based in Northern Suffolk will have a four-bay compound to provide the internet service, while the area based in Chuckatuck will have a two-bay compound. There was no opposition in either public hearings.

“You’ll recall that Shentel will be our latest broadband cable provider in the City of Suffolk,” Deputy City Manager Kevin Hughes during his presentation at the meeting. “This body has taken action previously on a right of way access agreement and most recently, the franchise agreement, which is currently being routed for execution.”

Hughes said they are looking to turn on the Northern Suffolk part of the city

“Hence (this is) why we are here today on this public hearing, as well as the next one,” he explained.

Lease term highlights for the North Suffolk Library location includes:

• Land lease of 400 square feet
• 10-year lease with two additional 5-year renewals
• $125 per month, 3% escalation per year
• City to approve fencing/landscape screening
• For purpose of cable facilities
• Shentel to maintain the site

Lease term highlights for the G. Robert House Water Treatment Plant Location includes:

• Land lease of 144 square feet
• 10-year lease with two additional 5-year renewals
• $75 per month, 3% escalation per year
• City to approve of fencing/landscape screening
• For the purpose of cable facilities
• Shentel to maintain site

Both ordinances were approved by a unanimous 7-0 vote. Councilmember Shelley Butler-Barlow was unable to attend the meeting and was excused.