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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />JUNE 11, 2014 <br />Coleman indicated that if a new franchise is not negotiated by the time the <br />current franchise expires, Comeast would probably look to extend the <br />current franchise. Coleman pointed out that the Federal Cable Act <br />encourages cable companies to invest in communities, and he did not feel <br />it would be easy for NSCC to expel Comcast. Coleman noted that the <br />PEG fees are addressed in the Memorandum of Understanding and that <br />Comcast would not extend that document beyond the November 23, 2014 <br />expiration date. <br />With regard to the PEG fees, Montour noted that CTV 15 and the <br />community media center are very robust and pointed out that some of the <br />programs that have been produced have won national awards. He noted <br />the comparison of other cities PEG fees presented by Coleman, and <br />pointed out that Edina frequently borrows equipment from CTV 15 as they <br />do not have adequate funding to produce their own community programs. <br />Montour felt that it will be possible for NCSS and Comcast to come to an <br />agreement through the informal process. Montour indicated, however, at <br />this time it would be his recommendation as the City's Cable <br />Commissioner to act on the preliminary assessment to not renew the cable <br />franchise. <br />Blesener agreed, and indicated that if the City were to accept the franchise <br />proposal submitted by Comcast this evening, the City would likely be <br />settling for a lesser franchise than what will be negotiated by NCSS. <br />Blesener noted the needs study that NSCC did and indicated that to <br />compare needs on a national basis does not necessarily reflect the needs in <br />the Midwest. Blesener indicated that while NSCC may be asking for too <br />much as part of the franchise, a vote not to accept the Comeast proposal <br />was necessary in order to protect Little Canada at this point. He also <br />noted Comcast's assertion that NCSS cannot require PEG fees, but noted <br />that there is some mechanism that provides that right. Blesener felt that <br />the City would lose too much if it accepted Comeast's franchise renewal <br />proposal. <br />Montour introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: <br />RESOLUTION NO. 2014-6-98 — DECLARING A PRELIMINARY <br />ASSESSMENT THAT THE COMCAST OF MINNESOTA, INC. <br />CABLE FRANCHISE SHOULD NOT BE RENEWED <br />The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Keis. <br />Ayes (5). <br />Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. <br />7 <br />