Title
A Resolution to Extend the Term of the Cable Television Franchise being Operated by Comcast of Colorado/Pennsylvania/West Virginia, LLC (locally known as Comcast)
Body
From:
Bret Waters, Mayor's Office
Thomas Florczak, City Attorney's Office
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 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 regulations contained in the Cable Act. The City has engaged in a process to obtain public input on Comcast's performance under the existing franchise and the community's future cable-related needs. City Charter section 10-20 reserves the powers concerning the method of granting, amending, revoking, or otherwise dealing in franchises to City Council. City administration has been working with internal and external stakeholders to make recommendations to City Council regarding negotiations with Comcast on the renewal. The City administration would like the City Council to authorize an extension of the term of Comcast's franchise up to and including June 30, 2016, to provide the City with sufficient time to negotiate a new franchise with Comcast.
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 ren...
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