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City council Meeting 12/8/87
Santa Monica, California
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TO: Mayor and city Council
FROM: City staff
SUBJECT: Cable Television Franchise status
Introduction
As previously reported to the City Council, a proposal was
received on May 8, 1987 from Century Southwest Cable Television,
Inc. for a cable television franchise in the City of Santa
Monica.
However, questions regarding transfer of ownership
authorizations by the city from the prior cable company owners,
Teleprompter and Westinghouse had previously led to a decision by
the city Council on september 23, 1986 to revoke the current
cable franchise on December 13, 1987.
In recent months,
discussions with Century representatives have resulted in this
Staff recommendation to take no action to enforce the termination
until February 15, 1988 to allow for possible successful
conclusion of negotiations for a franchise agreement.
Background
Over the past two months, lengthy negotiations have taken place
between Century Southwest representatives, City staff (Assistant
City Manager, Deputy city Attorney and Cable Television Manager)
and the City cable consultant over terms for a franchise
agreement which would meet the city I s expressed needs for an
upgraded cable television system.
Issues discussed include
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governmental, educational and public access provisions; system
upgrade standards and time frames; consumer protection/customer
service standards; and franchise term and fees. While it is not
possible at this point to delineate specific points of agreement,
staff feels strongly that negotiations have progressed to a point
where the best interests of the City would be served by extending
the time available to conclude these discussions. In
consideration, century has agreed to continue to abide by the
terms of the existing franchise agreement and will agree that the
delay will not waive any rights of the City. If approved, it is
staff's intention to return to the Council in January with a full
report on the proposed terms of both a settlement and franchise
agreement.
Budget/Fiscal Impact
There is no financial impact of this recommendation. However, it
should be noted that an increase in franchise fees from 3% to 5%
is one of the items under discussion in the negotiations.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council take no action against
century to enforce ei ther the expiration of the franchise or
termination until February 15, 1988.
Prepared By: Lynne C. Barrette, Assistant City Manager
(Century)
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