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e Responding to a question from Ms. Bascom, Mr. Swank said that each jurisdic- tion would get five percent of the gross cable receipts that come from its jurisdiction. Responding to a question from Mr. Berg, Mr. Swank indicated that cable rates have risen consistently throughout the country on an annual basis since the end of rate regulation in 1985. Federal regulation limits what actions can be taken to influence rate setting. Mr. Berg requested information regarding rate increases over the past several decades. Responding to a question from Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Swank said that the percent- age of taxes that local jurisdictions can collect is limited to a maximum of five percent. TCI has also agreed to invest $75,000 this year for capital for public, education, and government access. In response to a comment from Mr. Morrisette, Mr. Swank indicated that the cable contract is subject to review after three years. However, the agree- ment can be reopened with the mutual consent of both parties at any time. Responding to a question from Ms. Frazier, Mr. Swank said that cable sub- scriber refunds can be received through either written or telephone notifica- tion. e Ms. Frazier inquired about the impacts that future legislation might have on the agreement. In response, Mr. Swank said that a bill currently under con- sideration would authorize telephone company provision of cable service. He commented that while the outcome of this bill is uncertain, he is not opti- mistic that major legislation will pass this year. Mr. Roberts inquired about the possibility of contracting with another cable operator as well to increase competition within cable service provision. Mr. Swank indicated that this is a non-exclusive franchise agreement and said that it would be possible to contract with any additional cable service pro- vider who meets the provisions of this agreement. C. Public Hearing Mayor Morrisette opened the public hearing. Rudy Herr, no address given, voiced his concerns on this issue. He expressed concern that citizens do not have sufficient opportunity to provide input into cable programming and noted his frustration with the loss of VH-I video hit channel. He said that Santa Cruz County in California has taken an ag- gressive stance with its cable company and, through negotiations, has managed to secure an agreement that guarantees a large number of channels at a low cost to subscribers. Nick Urhausen, 2858 Warren Street, said he is unhappy with the programming changes that have taken place, particularly the loss of Channel KTVU from Oakland, California. He suggested that the cable company survey all communi- e MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 29, 1991 Springfield City Council Lane County Board of Commissioners Page 3