2015.11.10 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 10, 2015 negotiated agreement and adopted a "Findings of Fact and Recommendation" regarding the agreement. The NSCC recommends each City approve the franchise agreement and adopt the findings of fact. This report includes the following information for more detail regarding the franchise agreement background and process: • NSCC Staff Memorandum regarding the background of the process and agreement. Findings of Fact for New Brighton explaining the authority for issuing franchise and the facts relating to both State and Federal regulations. • Indemnity agreement with Qwest broadband and CenturyLink fully indemnifying the City of New Brighton if the franchise agreement is approved. • The franchise agreement. City Manager Lotter indicated Cor Wilson, Executive Director for NSCC would be providing a presentation on this agreement and has requested the City Council to hold a public hearing on the item. If the City Council agrees to approve the franchise for CenturyLink it cannot be approved until 7 days after the public hearing. Staff would prepare a report recommending Council approve the agreement for the November 24, 2015 City Council meeting. Cor Wilson, NSCC, discussed the CenturyLink franchise in detail with the Council. She reported CenturyLink approach the NSCC approximately and has taken almost a year to negotiate with the Cable Commission. It was noted CenturyLink would have five years to reasonably build out their franchise. The proposed PEG fees and public access channels were commented on. She further discussed the approval timeline and terms of the CenturyLink franchise. Staff recommended the City Council hold a public hearing and take comments. Councilmember Burg asked if CenturyLink would be offering scholarships. Ms. Wilson reported this provision would be going away and scholarships would not be offered by Comcast or CenturyLink in the future. Councilmember Burg questioned if the customer service standards should be amended to see them raised within the agreement. Ms. Wilson reported the customer service standards met all federal requirements. She explained that CenturyLink understood the customer service requirements for entering this market. Councilmember Jacobsen requested further information on the services that would be offered by CenturyLink. Patrick Hagerty, CenturyLink, described the all-digital PRISM package and services that would be offered to CenturyLink customers. He was excited to be bringing these services to the Twin Cities metro area. He thanked NCSS for working with CenturyLink in negotiating a franchise on behalf of the nine member cities. He explained that over 120 channels would be offered in HD. Mayor Jacobsen inquired if customer service would be handled state -side. Mr. Hagerty reported this was the case. Councilmember Bauman believed that working with CenturyLink was a breath of fresh air. She thought it was important that CenturyLink wanted to be a part of the community. She noted negotiations continue with Comcast and looked forward to the competition that CenturyLink would bring to this market. She requested further information regarding CenturyLink's wireless box options. Mr. Hagerty described the state of the art wireless box options available from CenturyLink noting these offered a huge convenience to its subscribers. Councilmember Burg asked if the Cable Commission would continue to meet quarterly. Ms. Wilson reported this was the case, but noted two separate meetings would be held each quarter, one for Comcast and the other for CenturyLink. Councilmember Jacobsen requested further information on the approval timeline for the CenturyLink franchise. Ms. Wilson explained the Cable Commission had received 2/3 of the necessary approvals. She anticipated that the remaining member cities would approve the franchise by December. Page 3 of 9