Title
Briefing on Renewal of the Cable Television Franchise being Operated by Comcast of Colorado/Pennsylvania/West Virginia, LLC (locally known as Comcast)
Body
From:
City Attorney's Office
Ken Fellman, outside counsel
Summary:
The City of Colorado Springs granted a cable television franchise to the predecessor of Comcast of Colorado/Pennsylvania/West Virginia, LLC (locally known as Comcast) ("Comcast") on November 7, 2000 by the electors of Colorado Springs voting to approve Ordinance No. 00-119. The franchise is due to expire on November 7, 2015 and Comcast had requested commencement of the franchise renewal procedures under Section 626 of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 (the "Cable Act"), 47 U.S.C. ? 546. Cable television franchise renewals are subject to certain requirements contained in the Cable Act.
Previous Council Action:
On March 24, 2014, in closed executive session, Council met with the City's Director of Informational Technology, the Chief Financial Officer, and the Deputy City Attorney to discuss the legal issues and negotiation strategy involved with renewing the franchise with Comcast.
On June 9, 2015, Tom Florczak, Deputy City Attorney, briefed Council on procedures relating to the renewal of the franchise agreement.
Background:
Pursuant to Colorado law, the City Charter and ordinances, and federal law, including the Cable Act, the City is authorized to grant or renew franchises to construct, operate and maintain cable television systems utilizing public rights-of-way and properties within the City's jurisdiction. In 2000, by Ordinance No. 00-119 which was approved by City Council and a vote of a majority of the Colorado Springs electors, the City of Colorado Springs entered into an agreement (the "Franchise Agreement") with Century Colorado Springs Partnership, d/b/a Adelphia Cable Communications ("Adelphia") whereby the City granted a revocable, non-exclusive cable television franchise to Ad...
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