Title
Resolution setting two public hearings to receive public comment on the renewal of the Comcast cable franchise agreement
Presenter:
Bret Waters, Deputy Chief of Staff
Body
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 has expired. The City administration, at the direction of City Council, has negotiated a renewal of the Comcast franchise agreement. City Council desires to receive public input on the proposed franchise agreement at two public hearings.
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, 2014, Tom Florczak, Deputy City Attorney, briefed Council on procedures relating to the renewal of the franchise agreement.
Outside Counsel, Ken Fellman provided an update to Council at its May 11, 2015, work session.
On July 13, 2015, City staff presented a plan to obtain public comment related to the franchise. On July 28, 2015, City Council adopted a resolution setting a hearing to receive public comment on the City's future cable-related community needs and interests and Comcast's performance under the existing franchise.
Council held a public hearing on August 10, 2015 to receive public comment on the franchise renewal.
On August 10, 2015, City Council received an informational report from the Southern Colorado Educational Television Consortium related to educational access programming and its Comcast franchise-related needs.
On September 8, 2015, City Council received an informational report from SpringsTV and the Colorado Springs F...
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