AgdaPkt 2006-01-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.4/1-/ R.EPO R T To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager January 9, 2006 Subject Ordinance granting a non-exclusive Cable System Franchise Agreement to Comcast of California IX, Inc. with an effective date of March 1,2006. Recommendation Introduce an Ordinance granting a non-exclusive Cable System Franchise Agreement to Comcast of California IX, Inc. with an effective date of March 1,2006. Background Redwood City and the seven other agencies comprising the San Mateo County Telecommunications Authority (SAMCAT) - Belmont, Brisbane, Foster City, Millbrae, San Carlos, San Mateo, and San Mateo County - have been negotiating a renewed cable franchise agreement with Comcast California IX, Inc. ("Comcast"). Based on 2004 data, the eight SAMCA T agencies represent close to 78,000 cable subscribers. After nearly three years of negotiations, the SAMCA T cities and Comcast have reached agreement on the terms of a renewed Cable System Franchise Agreement ("Franchise"). In 2002, the eight SAMCAT agencies commenced franchise renewal negotiations with the then-incumbent cable operator, AT&T Broadband. The eight SAMCAT agencies hired Brian Grogan, Esq. of Moss & Barnett to take the role as lead negotiator. In addition, a negotiating team of four SAMCA T agency representatives (from Brisbane, Foster City, San Carlos and San Mateo) and Greg Rubens, SAMCA T legal counsel, was created to participate in the franchise negotiations. A Community Needs Ascertainment study was conducted, which included telephone surveys and community-based focus groups representing residential, business, educational, and local government users. A technical review of AT&T's cable plant was conducted, as well as a legal review of existing franchise agreements in conjunction with current federal and state law. Negotiations continued as Comcast took over AT&T Broadband's operations in 2003. In June 2005, the eight SAM CAT agencies and Comcast reached a tentative agreement in relation to the financial terms and conditions of a Franchise. Since that time, Brian Grogan and Comcast have held numerous phone conferences to work out final language that represents the negotiated agreement. The proposed non-exclusive cable franchise agreement, including all exhibits, is available in the City Clerk's office. A summary of the agreement's key features is attached to this report in the form of two memorandums from Brian Grogan, and additional pertinent points are