02-19-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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' , - �I 1 'Ta: rilounds View Planning Conunission ,, Froffi: Pamela Shetdon, Commttnity Development Director � - -. Sub,��cta L�gislatio� of jJse of �tOW for Teiecommunication L' es I)ateo February 19, 1997 I coniacted th� League of I+/linnesota Ci#ies to get a status repori on this issue, and ta.lked with Jim MiIler. I�e said that the League was very involved in coordina�ing th� cities' efforts io dea� with this issue. The League effort bega.n last summer U.S. �est took legal actian againsi the Cit� of �edwood Fa11s because of requirements to: -� put fiber optic cable in concreie ducis to protect it pay a nominal franchise fee for use of the right-of-way (ROW} �. U.3. VV°est filed a. lawsuit and they aJ.so filed a complaint with the PubIic Utilitzes Cornenission. ,� The caurt so far has agreed with U. S. at the trial court and appellate court Ievel. The casa wilt �� on io the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the League formed a task �'orce and requested voluntary cantributions from its 813 members ta fund a legislative effori and hire an outside Iobbyist. Ninety percent of ihe members sent in coatribuiions. Jim did not Imow far sure if ivlound5 V evu sent a contribution, but he believes we did. Th� League has prepared a model ordinance which they intended io distribute to their members, but ii has been put on hold since the appellate court found in favoc of U. �. West. The League is working on revising the ordinance to try a.nd addressed the points brought up in the court's decision. They hope to distribute it soan. There are three bills in the legislature. He said that the House appears more sympathetic to the cities' cause than the Senate. It appears that the House wiii take the lead on tkus issue. The il�re� biIls represent a ciiy perspective, industry perspective and a comprornise position. The "industz`�' bill was prepared by the Telephone Association is discussed in a recent League article, which is attached. c:�o�cE�wrw�nvv��s��,arrco�n�r_coM.su.