Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />JULY 27, 1994 <br />have a tariff for the use of rights-of-way as a key <br />component. This would generate fees which could <br />support local access. <br />Wilson stated that if local governments don't get <br />organized, we will get lost in the shuffle as new <br />legislation is proposed and acted upon. <br />Wilson reported that the Minnesota Association of Cable <br />Television Administrators (MACTA) commissioned a "White <br />Paper" to help establish the parameters by which we <br />should evaluate the changes in cable television <br />regulation. It provides a focal point which challenges <br />existing paradigms for local involvement in regulation <br />on a State level. <br />The White Paper prepared by Thomas Creighton, discusses <br />the establishment of rules, regulations, and standards <br />should be the primary responsibility of Federal and <br />State authorities. Enforcement of those regulations <br />and standards would be handled at the local level. <br />Pedersen asked why not let the higher levels of <br />government handle this issue rather than cities? He <br />wondered if this wasn't really a turf protection issue? <br />Wilson stated that use of rights-of-way would leave the <br />City~s control and that quality of service issues may <br />not be addressed as well as could be done by local <br />government. Wilson felt the future could be a monopoly <br />controlling CATV. Existing cable companies may cease <br />to exist. She pointed out that our current company, <br />Meridith Cable, is presently for sale and could be sold <br />within 30 days. <br />Aanson asked the impact on local access and our <br />governmental channel in particular. <br />Wilson stated the tariff would be used to offset the <br />loss of franchise fees. She also stated that without <br />our franchise agreements, local access would not have <br />existed. Wilson further pointed out the City of New <br />Brighton wants to be involved in regulation to ensure <br />that the information infrastructure exists in their <br />City to support high technology industries. Without a <br />local interest, it could be possible that service would <br />not exist in certain jurisdictions. <br />2 <br />