Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Council grants 90-day extension of cable franchise to Altice/Optimum, declares emergency to maintain service
Loading...
Summary
The City Council approved Ordinance No. 4277a to extend the current cable franchise with the provider (Seabridge→Suddenlink→Altice USA/Optimum) for 90 days and declared an emergency to maintain service during final contract negotiations.
The City of Muskogee City Council approved Ordinance No. 4277a, granting a 90-day extension of the existing cable franchise agreement to the provider that began as Seabridge Acquisition LP and later operated as Suddenlink and Altice USA (now doing business as Optimum). The extension continues the terms of the current franchise while the city and the provider finalize a new five-year agreement.
City staff said the extension preserves cable and internet service continuity and asked council to declare an emergency under the ordinance so service would not be interrupted during negotiations. The council approved the ordinance on first vote and then approved the emergency declaration. Voting on both the ordinance and the emergency declaration recorded two no votes from Councilor Dan Hall and Deputy Mayor Derek Reed; remaining councilors voted yes.
Staff stated they were “almost finalized” on the new five-year agreement and requested the 90-day extension to allow time to complete negotiations and contracts. The extension was presented as necessary for public health, safety and welfare to avoid service disruption.
The ordinance and emergency declaration passed by roll call and the council chair stated the item passed. The full franchise terms and the forthcoming five-year agreement were not read into the record during this meeting; staff said a finalized agreement was imminent.
