Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Telecommunications topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council extends broadband franchise, requires review of future transfers
Summary
The council adopted Ordinance 686 to extend an existing broadband franchise for 10 years and approved language to require council notice/approval for transfers; staff also proposed raising the minimal annual fee which had been $500 in 2015.
The Amity City Council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 686, extending an existing broadband franchise for an additional 10 years and clarifying transfer and fee provisions.
City Administrator Nathan (speaker 1) described the request from the broadband company and recommended two main changes: council review for any transfer of franchise rights and an increase to the annual franchise fee that dated from the 2015 agreement ("the fee that we set on the franchise agreement in 2015 was either $500 per year or 5% of revenues... Every year they paid $500"). Nathan said the company asked for a 10-year extension and the city attorney recommended adding an approval step so transfers come to council for review.
The council conducted readings by title and adopted the ordinance after motion and second. The transcript records voice votes (ayes) for first and second readings and a final adoption. The ordinance, as described on the record, extends the franchise and adds council oversight of transfers and an updated annual fee structure; staff will incorporate the finalized language into the franchise agreement and return any signed agreements as required.
