Council approves second-reading ordinance allowing Blue Peak to build cable system after debate over local providers

Pryor Creek — The City Council approved the second reading of an ordinance authorizing Clarity Telecom LLC, doing business as Blue Peak, to construct and operate a nonexclusive cable system in Pryor Creek, after a lengthy debate over local-provider impacts and legal publishing requirements.

Council discussion focused on two main concerns: whether granting Blue Peak access could impair an existing local provider identified in the meeting as FIT, and whether the city’s charter requirement to publish ordinances in a local newspaper is currently operable (the city has been using the Claremore Daily Progress, and legal counsel said the charter’s specific local-publication language and the related court proceedings could delay effective publication). One councilmember moved to send the matter to the Economic Development Trust Authority (EDTA) for additional study; others said the ordinance is nonexclusive and simply permits private providers to compete, which could benefit residents.

Legal counsel explained that federal law (the Communications Act) may preempt the city charter’s franchise-vote requirement and that the city must balance local charter language with federal preemption matters. Staff also noted timelines Blue Peak proposed and that delaying action could affect those deployment plans. After hearing from legal staff and council members on both sides, the council held a recorded vote and advanced the ordinance by second reading; publication and the effective date will depend on resolving the charter/publication questions and any court outcomes.

What happens next: The ordinance was approved by second reading; the city will handle publication per its legal guidance and monitor the ongoing court matter involving charter publication requirements. EDTA or staff may be asked to supply additional information on competitive impacts and feasibility if council members request it on a later date.