Agenda Packet 10-22-18 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 22, 2018, Work Session – Item 3 staff to work on the two issues described above. The financial settlement of the fee review will no longer be tied to the franchise renewal and we expect this can be fully resolved and acted upon separately. The MPC, acting as the Cable Commission, voted unanimously to extend the franchise negotiations under the informal process another 18 months until June 30, 2020. It also voted to proceed with the fee settlement of the current franchise as proposed. The purpose of this public hearing is to provide an opportunity for public comment regarding the proposed ordinance to extend the franchise term until June 30, 2020. Staff believe this extension would allow the parties to conclude the renewal negotiations and have more certainty on proposed cable franchising rules from the FCC. Action on the extension ordinance is scheduled for November 13, 2018. The extension ordinance would only extend the term of the current franchise. All other franchise terms and conditions would remain the same, including Comcast’s obligation to pay franchise fees for use of the rights of way, which is capped under federal law at five percent of gross revenues earned from providing cable services within Eugene City limits. The fees collected from the cable franchise are allocated to the General Fund and are used for general purposes. There are no anticipated costs as a result of the extension. After negotiations are completed, the proposed renewal franchise agreement will be brought to the City Council for action as an ordinance, with a likely term of 10 years. RELATED CITY POLICIES City Telecommunication Vision and Policy: The City of Eugene's telecommunications vision is completion and operation of a coordinated regional information infrastructure that provides accessible and affordable high-speed connectivity for citizens, public institutions and businesses and is constructed in a manner that best serves the public interest. Telecommunications Ordinance, Eugene Code 3.005, 3.400 to 3.430 Ordinance No. 20397, An Ordinance Granting Comcast of Oregon II, Inc., An Additional Term and Franchise Renewal For The Operation Of A Cable Communications System; Amending Ordinance 19775; Adopting A Severability Clause; And Providing an Effective Date. COUNCIL OPTIONS This item is scheduled for public hearing only. Council action on the proposed ordinance to extend the franchise term is scheduled for November 13, 2018. CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION No recommendation is provided at this time. A recommendation will be provided for the scheduled action on November 13, 2018.