Title
Extending the cable franchise held by Comcast of St. Paul until May 1, 2015.
Body
WHEREAS, Comcast of St. Paul, Inc. ("Comcast") holds a non-exclusive cable system franchise ("Cable Franchise") issued by the City of Saint Paul ("City"), which has been in effect since July 31, 1998 and was extended by agreement of the parties to expire as of July 31, 2013; and again extended by approval of the City Council via Resolution No. PH-13-143, to January 31, 2014; and again extended by approval of the City Council via Resolution No. PH-14-11; and again extended by approval of the City Council to December 31, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Comcast submitted a written renewal notice requesting the commencement of a renewal proceeding as required by federal law, 47 U.S.C. Section 546(a), on July 30, 2010; and
WHEREAS, the City officially commenced the proceeding on November 10, 2010 by resolution No. 10-1207 and the City Council and Deputy Mayor, acting on behalf of the Mayor, appointed a Franchise Renewal Committee to conduct the renewal proceeding with Comcast; and
WHEREAS, the City and Comcast are continuing to attempt resolution of renewal issues through negotiations, but will not be able to resolve outstanding issues and complete drafting of necessary public documents for review and approval by the City Council before Decmeber 31, 2015; and
WHEREAS, the City and Comcast believe it will serve the best interests of all parties to continue operating under the terms of the current franchise until an agreement is reached, which requires an extension of the current franchise; and
WHEREAS, the parties believe that another extension of four months, to May 1, 2015, will be sufficient to provide time to either present an agreement that can be approved by the City, or determine that an agreement cannot be reached through an informal process.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
The Cable Franchise held by Comcast of St. Paul, Inc. is hereby extended until May 1, 2015, and ...
Click here for full text