Title
Informational Report to Council regarding Proposed Plan to Receive Public Input on the City of Colorado Springs' Future Cable-Related Community Needs and Interests and Reviewing Comcast's Past Performance under the Franchise
Body
From:
Tom Florczak, Deputy City Attorney
Summary:
The City of Colorado Springs granted a cable television franchise to the predecessor of Comcast of Colorado/Pennsylvania/West Virginia, LLC (locally know 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 has 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 franchises are subject to the requirements contained in the Cable Act. At the May 11, 2015 Council work session, members of City Council asked staff to create a plan to obtain public input on the franchise renewal.
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 expiration of the current franchise and the process for renewing the franchise with Comcast. On June 9, 2014, in a Council work session, Council considered a resolution to initiate the formal renewal process including an ascertainment phase. Subsequent to the June 9th meeting, the administration directed the City Attorney's Office to engage outside counsel, Ken Fellman. Ken Fellman recommended that the City follow an informal renewal process that did not include an ascertainment phase. Ken Fellman provided an update to Council at its May 11, 2015, work session. At the May 11, 2015 work session members of Council indicated that they would like to provide the public with the opportunity to comment on Comcast's performance und...
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