Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Telecommunications Franchise topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves first reading to renew Comcast franchise, sets March public hearing
Summary
Washington Borough council voted 7-0 on first reading of Ordinance 2026-02 to renew municipal consent for Comcast of Northwest New Jersey for a 10-year, nonexclusive franchise; ordinance includes a 2% franchise fee, a $20,000 PEG capital grant and bonding and insurance requirements. Public hearing set for March 17, 2026.
Washington Borough Council on Feb. 3 approved on first reading Ordinance 2026-02, granting renewal of municipal consent to Comcast of Northwest New Jersey, LLC to construct, operate and maintain a cable television and communications system in the Borough. The motion, made by Councilwoman Musick and seconded by Councilman Infinito, passed on a roll-call vote: Ayes: 7, Nays: 0. A public hearing is scheduled for March 17, 2026.
The ordinance text sets the franchise duration at 10 years from the prior certificate, requires Comcast to pay two percent (2%) of gross recurring subscription revenues to the Borough (or a higher amount if permitted by law), and obliges the company to provide a one-time PEG access capital grant of $20,000 within six months of a Board of Public Utilities renewal certificate. Attorney Erik Peterson explained at the meeting that the term is intended to allow Comcast to recoup investments and that the consent is nonexclusive; he also noted the contract will net more revenue for the borough than the prior agreement and could enable a public service channel and free internet to municipal buildings.
The ordinance also requires Comcast to carry a performance bond of $25,000 and maintain liability insurance of $1,000,000 with a $5,000,000 umbrella policy, to restore any disturbed pavement or property after construction, and to comply with applicable state and federal customer-service rules. The text designates the Office of Cable Television (OCTV) as the municipal Complaint Officer under N.J.S.A. § 48:5A-26(b) and includes standard provisions on extensions of service (35 homes-per-mile line-extension policy), maintenance, and PEG channel carriage and quality.
