10-28-2015 City Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 28, 2015 announcements on non -access channels during period of unsold/unused air time and will provide 25 hours of video on -demand per member cities. Bradley noted that Comcast does not provide these opportunities. Bradley then indicated that CenturyLink will pay PEG fee support of $4.15 per subscriber which is equal to the Comcast PEG fee. Bradley next spoke about the Twin Cities Metro PEG Interconnect, noting that CenturyLink will construct an Interconnection Network. This network will allow PEG centers throughout the Twin Cities to share live programming and is something that is unique to the Twin Cities. CenturyLink will also provide complimentary broadband to one location in each member city. The cities will have the ability to choose this location. The broadband will be a commercial grade internet and will be Wi-Fi enabled with the highest available speed. Bradley then compared the proposed CenturyLink franchise to the Comcast franchise. He noted that the franchises are substantially similar in most respects. One dissimilarity, however, is that the Comcast franchise term is 15 years, plus extensions, while the CenturyLink term is proposed at f5 years. Bradley indicated that the shorter term allows NSCC and its member cities to make sure that CenturyLink complied with all terms of the initial franchise. With regard to customer service, Bradley reported that both franchise documents have similar requirements. He also noted that CenturyLink is providing an additional indemnification commitment to each member city that Comcast does not provide. Bradley continued his comparison for the two franchises commenting on access channel commitments, cable service to public buildings, penalties/liquidated damages, build -out, line extension, Twin Cities PED Interconnect, and complimentary broadband. Bradley reported that the next step for the City after conclusion of this public hearing is to act on the franchise. Bradley indicated that whether the City approves or disapproves the franchise, any action should be based on findings of fact. Bradley also noted that Patrick Haggerty and Kristen Seisland from CenturyLink are present this evening to answer any questions. Montour asked if the City had the ability to act on the proposed franchise this evening. Bradley reported that given an initial public hearing was held by the NSCC, the City could act on the proposed CenturyLink franchise at this conclusion of this public hearing. McGraw asked how PEG access fees are determined. Bradley reported that the PEG fee of $4.15 per subscriber was negotiated with Comcast, and the same fee was applied to the CenturyLink franchise. Bradley reported 6