City Council Minutes 2012 09 04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes September 4, 2012 Page 7 of 17 broadband issues, utility issues, rights-of-way management issues and related activities that impact local governments. The proposed by-laws for the new organization specifically state all meetings shall be open to the public as provided in the Colorado Open Meetings Law. The GMTC does not have, and would not lose any regulatory authority if the conversion plan is approved. The benefits Louisville receives from being a member are as follows: 1. The major benefit we receive is staying informed of issues and regulatory actions that affect us. These issues include not just cable issues, but also right-of-way rules, Federal Communications Commission mandates, and federal legislation. Louisville has a small staff and we do not have the ability to monitor everything. Attending GMTC meetings currently allows us to learn about and prepare for new rules and regulations. 2. The GMTC (or CCUA) provides a stronger advocacy voice on these issues than Louisville can maintain alone. For example, the GMTC frequently submits comments or briefs to the courts on federal issues affecting us. To do so alone would cost the City thousands of dollars in legal fees. 3. Membership gives Louisville up to eight hours of the GMTC/CCUA legal counsel's time each year. The GMTC counsel is an expert in many telecommunication and rights-of-way topics and has given us legal direction on matters that would otherwise require the City to pay additional legal fees. Staff did not expect the amount of annual dues would significantly change, and each jurisdiction retains the ability to decide whether or not to remain a member. The City currently pays $1,000 per year in membership dues. Staff requested Council direction on signing the conversion consent form thereby approving of the conversion to a non- profit organization. If Council does not want to continue its membership with the GMTC, staff asked Council to authorize staff to sign the conversion consent so as not to delay the remaining members who do wish to convert to a non-profit organization. Todd Barnes, GMTC President, stated the GMTC is a great organization. He has been a member for ten years and the President for the last two years. He stated the members feel this organization has great value, where they can receive legal time and advice on the state and federal level. He stated the GMTC has the public's best interest at heart. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Pro Tem Dalton requested a breakdown of the number of legal hours purchased with the $1,000 membership fee. Public Relations Manager Muth estimated a lot more hours of legal time was given over the allotted eight hours per year. Council member Keany noted the GMTC provided Model Customer Standards for Cable Television, which the City incorporated into the Franchise Agreement. Public Relations