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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />MAY 10, 2006 <br />Commission and Access Corporation for informational purposes. The <br />Cable Commission was founded in 1981 in order to provide member cities <br />with more bargaining power with cable companies. The Commission <br />negotiates and oversees member cities franchise agreements. The Access <br />Corporation was founded in 1991 as anon-profit corporation charged with <br />managing the community access channels, equipment, and facilities as <br />well as training people in the community in how to produce programs for <br />the channels. Wilson then reviewed the staffing and budget for each <br />organization. <br />Wilson updated the Council on the Commission's recent review of a 2005 <br />rate increase imposed by Co~ncast that implemented a new nationwide <br />system for determining their rates. Wilson noted Chat the Commission has <br />oversight authority for basic tier, equipment, and installation rates. Based <br />on the Commission's review, Comcast was required to rebate a portion of <br />that rate increase for 2004 and 2005. Wilson felt that the Commission <br />provided an important oversight function in managing rates. <br />Wilson then updated the Council on the enhancements that are being <br />worked on by the Access Corporation in terms of the institutional network. <br />Enhanced web streaming is moving forward as are other improvements. <br />Wilson finally updated the Council on pending Federal legislation which <br />greatly impacts ]ocal fianchising functions and relayed the impacts of HR <br />5252 and 52686. Wilson noted that the impacts reduce franchising fees, <br />the cities' abilities to manage their rights-of-way, as well as do not require <br />system build outs. Wilson asked that Council Members contact the entire <br />Minnesota delegation of the House and Senate voicing opposition to these <br />bills. She also requested the Council pass a resolution supporting local <br />cable and video provider franchising. <br />Mr. Blesener introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: <br />RESOLUTION NO. 2006-5-709 - ADOPTING A RESOLUTION IN <br />SUPPORT OF LOCAL CABLE AND VIDEO PROVIDER <br />FRANCHISING <br />The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Keis. <br />Ayes (3). <br />Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. <br />7 <br />