HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-12-10 City Council Workshop Packet
PLEASENOTESTARTTIME
PLEASENOTESTARTTIME
AGENDA
MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL
MANAGER WORKSHOP
5:30P.M. Monday,December 10,2018
City Hall, Council Chambers
A.CALL TO ORDER
B.ROLL CALL
C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
D.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
E.NEW BUSINESS
1.Update on Cable Franchise Renewal Negotiations
F.ADJOURNMENT
RULES OF CIVILITY FOR THE CITY COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND OUR COMMUNITY
Following are rules of civility the City of Maplewood expects of everyone appearing at Council Meetings -
elected officials, staffand citizens. It is hoped that by following these simple rules, everyone’s opinions can be
heard and understood in a reasonable manner. We appreciate the fact that when appearing at Council
meetings, it is understood that everyone will follow these principles:
Speak only for yourself, not for other council members or citizens -unless specifically tasked by your
colleagues to speak for the group or for citizens in the form of a petition.
Show respect during comments and/or discussions, listen actively and do not interrupt or talk amongst each
other.
Be respectful of the process, keeping order and decorum. Do not be critical of council members, staff or others
in public.
Be respectful of each other’s time keeping remarks brief, to the point and non-repetitive.
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CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOPSTAFF REPORT
Meeting Date December 10, 2018
REPORT TO:
Melinda Coleman, City Manager
REPORT FROM: Mychal Fowlds, IT Director
PRESENTER:
Mychal Fowlds, IT Director
AGENDA ITEM: Update on Cable Franchise Renewal Negotiations
Action Requested: Motion Discussion Public Hearing
Form of Action: Resolution Ordinance Contract/Agreement Proclamation
Policy Issue:
The City is currently engaged in negotiations with Comcast regarding their cable franchise
agreement. Cable attorney Bob Vose will be present to give an update on the proceedings to
Council.
Recommended Action:
None.
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact? No Yes, the true or estimated cost is $0.00
Financing source(s): Adopted Budget Budget Modification New Revenue Source
Use of Reserves Other: N/A
Strategic Plan Relevance:
Financial SustainabilityIntegrated CommunicationTargeted Redevelopment
Operational Effectiveness Community Inclusiveness Infrastructure & Asset Mgmt.
The City enters into a number of agreements and contracts with a variety of entities. Doing so in a
timely manner ensures that the City continues to operate effectively.
Background
Maplewood issued a cable franchise to Comcast in November of 1999. This franchise was for a 15
year period. In 2014, with the franchise renewal date coming due, an extension was granted
through July 31, 2018. With the new renewal date coming, and Comcast wishing to renew its
franchise, the City has begun its required work to do so.
As the City is no longer a member of a Cable Commission, it is the City’s responsibility to negotiate
the terms of the new franchise agreement itself. To assist the City in this process, Mr. Bob Vose
from the firm Kennedy & Graven has been hired. Mr. Vose has extensive experience with the cable
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franchise renewal process and on November 6, 2017 presented an overview of the renewal process
to Council. One of the steps in the renewal process that Mr. Vose explained is the process of
identifying future needs and reviewing past performance. Council directed staff to complete this
work in house initially, knowing that it could seek a consultant if need be during negotiations, and
the needs assessment presented to you on April 9, 2018 was the result of that direction.
In July of 2018 staff presented to Council that while the City was working with Comcast to come to
an agreement regarding their renewal, that had not happened and was not going to happen prior to
the July 31, 2018 expiration of their current cable franchise agreement. As such, an extension was
requested and ultimately approved that extended the current cable franchise agreement, as is,
through January 1, 2019.
Over the past 6 months staff has met with Comcast representatives to continue negotiations. We
continue to make progress and Mr. Vose will provide an update to Council.
Attachments
None.
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