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Village staff set public-hearing step for Verizon franchise renewal; franchise fees and equipment drops to be reviewed
Summary
Staff said a consortium of municipalities negotiated with Verizon on a franchise renewal; the board was advised to schedule a public hearing in October or November to consider the franchise agreement and to verify that previously promised equipment drops (public-access / municipal connections) remain in service.
Village staff reported progress on franchise negotiations with Verizon and recommended the next step be a public hearing scheduled in October or November to consider the franchise renewal.
A staff presenter said the village joined a consortium of neighboring municipalities to negotiate with Verizon, hiring counsel to represent the group. The presenter said the federal regulatory structure has constrained some local bargaining positions but that the village will continue to receive franchise fees and a small grant as part of the agreement. Staff also said the franchise includes certain free drops or equipment installations at public buildings that should be audited to confirm the equipment remains in place and in use.
The presenter recommended scheduling a public hearing and then proceeding to sign the agreement after the hearing and final review. “So finally, this is ready to go. Your next step is you have to have a public hearing, and you can either have that in October, November, whatever your schedule is good for,” the presenter said. The transcript shows staff advising the board on timing and next steps but does not include a board vote on the hearing date within the excerpt.
Staff said a separate franchise negotiation with Cablevision (Altice) will come later when that company’s contract approaches renewal.
