City Council Agenda and Packet 2013 08 20

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes August 6, 2013 Page 7 of 16 City Manager Fleming explained the purpose of Ordinance No. 1633, Series 2013 was to ensure the tap fees accurately reflect the cost associated with providing the infrastructure and the water resources. Separating the residential water usage from irrigation usage will assist both the developer and the City in drought situations. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Dalton moved to approve Resolution No. 41, Series 2013, seconded by Council member KeanyRoll call vote was taken. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. DISCUSSION/DIRECTION/ACTION COMCAST CABLE FRANCHISE Mayor Muckle requested a staff presentation. Public Relations Manager Muth explained the City is currently working under a one-year extension of its cable franchise with Comcast, which will expire in April of 2014. Council extended the franchise earlier this year to allow time for Denver and Aurora to complete their franchise negotiations. As those franchises are now complete, staff requested Council direction prior to beginning negotiations with Comcast. Staff proposes to use the model franchise as the basis for a 10-year franchise with Comcast and requested Council direction on any additional items in the model franchise. Customer Service Standards:The franchise process allows the City to adopt its own set of Customer Service Standards above and beyond the Customer Service items specifically listed in the Franchise.City Council discussed whether or not the City should play a role in customer service or if those issues should remain strictly between the client and the cable operator. Needs Assessment and Public Process:During the franchise renewal process the City determines if Comcast has met its current franchise obligations and determines the future cable-related needs of residents. As part of that process the City may undertake a Needs Assessment. Staff did not recommend a technical audit, but felt there should be a public outreach to the service. All requests for comments will also include information on the renewal process, identify what items the City can and cannot regulate, and identify dates of public meetings on the issue. Public outreach will include a public open house, a postcard mailing for input in the Summer Update. Additionally, any can comment via email to the City Council or staff, and speak at any City Council meeting, especially those at which the franchise ordinance is specifically discussed. PEG Channels, Video on Demand, High Definition Channels:Staff plans to propose the new franchise require Comcast to continue providing the three existing PEG Channels (Public, Education, and Government) and to continue paying the PEG fees to the City. 35