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June 10, 2014 Page 4 of 5 5 Ayes, 0 Nays - Motion Carried Council Business Consideration of a Resolution Supporting Preliminary Assessment that Comcast of Minnesota, Inc. Cable Franchise Renewal Should Not /Should be Renewed. Report No. 14 -155. City Manager Lotter reported Cor Wilson from the North Suburban Cable Commission had a presentation for the City Council. Cor Wilson, North Suburban Cable Commission, discussed the formal and informal negotiations that have been underway with Comcast for the cable franchise. She was happy to report that progress was being made informally. She explained that the contract being considered by the Council this evening was Comcast's formal proposal. It was noted the Council would need to take action on the formal proposal by June 20th. It was her analysis that the proposed cable franchise does not meet the member cities' needs. She explained that the reduced equipment funding and channel cuts would not allow for NSCC to meet the needs of the community. In addition, Comcast was proposing to charge municipalities $1,675 per month to connect to their institutional network. She believed this fee was exorbitant. She explained that the Cable Commission voted on May 15th to recommend that all member cities preliminarily deny the renewal. It was her hope that the informal negotiations would bring about a compromise for all parties involved. Councilmember Burg thanked Ms. Wilson for the report this evening. She requested further information on the institutional network and how it was used by the member cities. Ms. Wilson discussed in detail how the institutional network was used by the member cities. Comcast was claiming that the institutional connection fees would assist with covering the value of the services provided to the member cities. Councilmember Bauman thanked Ms. Wilson for her continued efforts on behalf of the member cities. She questioned how CTV would be impacted if the PEG fees were reduced to 44 cents. Ms. Wilson stated the 44 cents in PEG fees could be used only for capital expenditures. She reported the proposed 44 cents would cut CTV funding by 90% and it would be very difficult for CTV to continue. She was hopeful that the informal negotiations would bring about a compromise before November when the franchise expired. Councilmember Strub was pleased by the strong advocates the City had on the Cable Commission. Mayor Jacobsen appreciated Ms. Wilson's presentation this evening. Motion by Councilmember Burg, seconded by Councilmember Bauman to not renew the Comcast of Minnesota, Inc. Cable Franchise. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays -Motion Carried Commission Liaison Reports, Announcements and Updates Mary Burk Councilmember Burg indicated two Public Safety Department members recently volunteered their time with Habitat for Humanity. She discussed the Fill the Boot Campaign noting $11,000 was raised this year for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She explained Officer Layton would be deployed for up to 400 days and wished him a safe return. It was noted the Public Safety Commission would meet again on June 30, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. where crosswalk safety would be the topic of discussion. Paul Jacobsen Councilmember Jacobsen reported he would be attending the League of Minnesota Cities Conference in St. Cloud next week. He noted the EDC would not be meeting in June. Council Business 1. Consideration of a Resolution Supporting Preliminary Assessment that Comcast of Minnesota, Inc. Cable Franchise Renewal Should Not/Should be Renewed. RepottNo. 14 155. Commission Liaison Reports, Announcements and Updates