City Council Study Session Summary 2005 02 22

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February 22, 2005 Study Session basis for negotiations with Comcast as to the City's priorities during the negotiations on the renewal. Mr. Fellman will gather information on a number of issues, including public access concerns such as how future operations might be funded and operated. He explained; however, through the renewal process the City can only require money for capital equipment as well as the band width for the station. The cable provider is no longer required to provide a studio, training, personnel, etc. These items can be requested during negotiations but federal law does not require such services be provided to the public. The City Council and residents discussed the differences between public, government and educational access channels. How public access will be ultimately managed, as well as decision making regarding a designated access provider are decisions ultimately to be made by City Council, not through the renewal process. Suggestions were made to review what other municipalities are doing in this regard. There was discussion regarding non-compliance issues related to the franchise and how that might impact the renewal process. Lastly, discussion revolved around the remainder of the renewal process. The draft needs assessment report will be provided to City Council at the end of March at a study session to gain City Council comment and review as well as feedback from the public. Feedback will be collected and any revisions made to the report requested by City Council. City Council will then review the document at another public meeting prior to negotiations with Comcast. The consultant will then meet with City Council to outline priorities and discuss negotiating strategy regarding the renewal with Comcast. The consultant and City staff hopes to have a final franchise agreement by September as the franchise expires on September 18, 2005. City Manager Bill Simmons encouraged residents to submit their ideas and suggestions for cable services to Councilmember Keany. Mayor Sisk explained that Channel 54 is also aired in Superior, Erie & Lafayette and questioned whether funding to operate this channel should fall entirely to the City of Louisville. Peter Stewart provided Council with a report on Channel 54 activities. Discussion - Louisville Housing Authority (520 South Boulder Road Property) Heather Balser explained that the City acquired approximately .58 acres of land located at 520 South Boulder Road in September of 2000 for a future site for the Louisville Housing Authority. The property was conveyed from the City of Louisville to the Louisville Housing Authority in 2003. The Louisville Housing Authority has conducted an analysis to determine the feasibility of developing the site for either four or six units of affordable 3