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e Mr. Rutan noted that local government seems to have limited authority regard- ing cable programming. He said that he is satisfied with the current cable programming and noted that diverse opinions on programming can be expected in a community of this size. Mr. Martin commented on the limitations of local government with respect to the proposed agreement. He explained that under the eXisting franchise agreement, TCI has the unilateral right to extend its contract. Under the Federal Cable Policy Act, TeI must be given the first opportunity to provide cable service unless it can be documented that TCI has violated its eXisting cable franchise. No documentation exists to support such an allegation. Mr. Martin noted that the proposed agreement does not mandate that TCI provide a specific number of channels because in the absence of corresponding rate regulation, such a requirement would merely result in increased cable costs to the subscriber. e Regarding the negotiation agreement that was reached in Santa Cruz County, Mr. Martin said that, subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval, existing Federal law permits rate regulation in the event that there is a lack of effective competition, defined as a community that has less than three signals. Noting that the agreement contains a provision mandating that TCI comply with all equal opportunity laws, Mr. Green said he hopes that TCI will move beyond compliance. Mr. Walters suggested that if it is not possible to control rate-setting or programming, perhaps local government should reduce the channel requirement. Reducing such requirements might result in lower overall costs, making cable service more affordable for the general population. After lengthy discussion, it was decided among the jurisdictions that the issue would not be sent back to MPC for further deliberation. Each jurisdiction agreed to withhold final action on this item until the final reading. (At 8:10 p.m. the meeting recessed for 15 minutes) IV. BLUE WATER BOATS URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY AMENDMENT A. Ordinance Reading An Ordinance amending the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan to enlarge the urban growth boundary of the City of Springfield by adding Tax Lots 401, 402, 403, and 405 of Map 17-02-28, apply new land use designations and new Spring- field zoning districts to the property, and amend the text of e MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 29, 1991 Springfield City Council Lane County Board of Commissioners Page 5