Laserfiche WebLink
June 05, 2014 <br />North Suburban Communications Commission <br />2670 Arthur Street <br />Roseville, MN 55113 <br />RE: Franchise -Renewal Process <br />VIA EMAIL <br />Dear Members of the North Suburban Communications Commission (NSCC): <br />As the State's largest local chamber of commerce and a leading advocate for providing greater <br />efficiency within the delivery of public services, the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) <br />supports the joint efforts of NSCC-member cities to deliver public, educational, and government -related <br />cable -communications services in a cooperative manner. We encourage public entities to deliver public <br />services through joint powers agreements and other shared -services programs. We believe delivering <br />services in a cooperative manner not only increases access and quality but also lowers cost at the same <br />time. <br />With that being said, we are troubled that Comcast and NSCC have not been able to agree on <br />the terms of a franchise renewal under the informal franchise renewal process enumerated in 47 U.S.C. <br />§ 546(h). We have serious concerns that if formal renewal procedures continue, there is a strong <br />possibility that a costly legal battle will result, which will not serve the best interests of NSCC-member <br />communities. Accordingly, we strongly encourage members of NSCC to find a way to resolve the <br />franchise renewal through informal negotiations within the alternative renewal procedures under the <br />Cable Act. We believe negotiating the franchise renewal within this framework will produce an <br />agreement that better serves the community. <br />With kind regards, <br />Michael J. I3elaen <br />Director of Public Affairs and Legal Counsel <br />cc: City Managers of NSCC-Member Cities <br />