Auburn council approves renewal of Verizon New York cable franchise; affirms support for local media access

The Auburn City Council voted Thursday to authorize Mayor James Genentino to sign a franchise renewal agreement with Verizon New York Inc., approving a nonexclusive franchise to operate a cable system in the city’s public rights of way.

Councilors said the renewal continues a funding pathway for Auburn Regional Media Access (ARMA), the city’s community media operation, and affirms Verizon’s technical and financial qualifications under federal and state cable rules.

The council’s action follows a written franchise filing on May 1 and a public hearing on May 15. The resolution, introduced as Agreement Resolution 61 of 2025, cites the city’s authority under Title 6 of the Communications Act of 1934 (as amended), Article 2 of the New York State Public Service Law, and the applicable parts of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations. The text directed the mayor to sign the franchise in a form approved by corporation counsel and to execute related documents to finalize the grant.

Councilor Cuddy reviewed the local history of the cable commission and said the 2010 franchise helped create Auburn Regional Media Access. She said ARMA “functions as the community calendar” and provides access to video equipment and streaming for city events. She thanked ARMA representatives Steve Keeler and Joe Salzone, who were present.

The council called the roll and voted in favor: Councilor Kent — yes; Councilor Overstreet Wilson — yes; Councilor Cuddy — yes; Councilor Calarco — aye; Mayor James Genentino — aye. The motion was sponsored by Councilor Cuddy and seconded by Councilor Overstreet Wilson.

The resolution states the council found Verizon legally, technically, and financially qualified to meet the city’s cable-related needs and that Verizon would meet nondiscrimination requirements in statute and regulation. The resolution and the attached franchise agreement will be filed and maintained in the city’s records.

The approval does not, in this resolution, specify future fee amounts or the precise distribution formulas for franchise fees; the resolution incorporates the form of the agreement filed with the city and leaves detailed financial mechanics to that agreement and related documents.

Councilors and ARMA representatives said the continued franchise relationship is intended to preserve public access programming and meeting streaming services the city currently receives, including live streams of council meetings and community events.

Next steps: the mayor will execute the agreement in a form approved by corporation counsel, and the city clerk will maintain the agreement with the city’s official records.