Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Telecommunications topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council adopts nonexclusive Comcast franchise ordinance after debate on municipal service limits (6–1)
Summary
After a discussion about municipal broadband and nonexclusive terms, the council approved Ordinance Y82 granting Comcast a nonexclusive franchise to construct and operate cable infrastructure; the ordinance passed 6 yays to 1 nay on final reading.
Council approved second and third readings and final passage of Ordinance Y82 to grant Comcast a nonexclusive franchise to construct and operate cable system infrastructure in the franchise area. Mark and department staff said Comcast is proposing a significant infrastructure investment and staff have been working on an attachment agreement to accompany the franchise. "They're making a really big investment because they're running all the infrastructure out here," Mark said.
Some council members raised concerns that approving the franchise could make future municipal service conversations more difficult. One council member argued the deal would effectively "monopolize" opportunities for municipal services; another council member and staff emphasized the franchise is nonexclusive and that state law requires accommodating valid vendors on equivalent terms. On final roll call the ordinance passed with six yays and one nay (Council member Bilox voted nay); the mayor declared Ordinance Y82 adopted.
