10-22-2014 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Draft Staff Memo Cable Franchise Extension Amendment and Cable Franchise Transfer Background A. NSCC Resolution of Legal and Franchising Issues As the Council knows, the North Suburban Communications Commission ("NSCC") manages the City's cable television franchise on behalf of the City. On October 10, 2014, the NSCC reached an agreement with Comcast on the resolution of multiple cable franchising issues. The following are some highlights of the agreement: • Cable Franchises to be extended through December 31, 2016. • Memorandum of Understanding to be extended through December 31, 2016, which will provide approximately $3M in funding over the next 2 years. • Franchises and MOU will both roll-over (i.e. month-to-month) if not renewed by extension date (December 31, 2016). • The pending administrative hearing before the Office of Administrative Hearings, which is part of the formal renewal process will be suspended and all motions withdrawn. • The formal renewal process may recommence after July 1, 2015, or the closing of the transfer whichever occurs first. • Commitment by the NSCC and Comcast to have at least monthly meetings for the informal cable franchise renewal process. • NSCC will receive 1 HD channel with provisions for channel placement and quality. • NSCC will have access to the Electronic Programming Guide. • Refund of approximately $49,000 total to cable subscribers. • PEG Capacity and Rate Order Violation Notices will be withdrawn. • I -Net status quo, except Comcast will not be required to extend it to new locations. • Consent to the Transfer Application. This agreement is contingent upon the NSCC member cities (1) approving the extension of the cable television franchise ordinance through December 31, 2016; and (2) approving the pending 1