Title
Approval of an Ordinance Extending the Term of the Cable Television Franchise with Comcast of Washington IV, Inc.
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Ordinance extending the term of the cable television franchise with Comcast of Washington IV, Inc. on second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to extend the terms of the City of Olympia’s franchise agreement with Comcast Cable through December 31, 2019.
Staff Contact:
Kellie Purce Braseth, Strategic Communications Director, Executive Department, 360.753.8361
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
The City of Olympia’s franchise agreement with Comcast Cable expires on March 24, 2019. On March 27, 2018, the City Council approved an interlocal agreement to jointly undertake the franchise renewal process with the cities of Lacey and Tumwater and Thurston County.
The renewal process is underway, with the legal, technical and financial reviews all but complete. The proposed ordinance would extend the franchise agreement through December 31, 2019, and give the City additional time to complete the shared franchise renewal/negotiation process with our neighboring jurisdictions.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community has a high interest in high-quality, accessible and affordable cable services.
Options:
1. Approve the Ordinance Extending the Term of the Cable Television Franchise with Comcast of Washington IV, Inc. on second reading.
2. Do not approve the Ordinance Extending the Term of the Cable Television Franchise with Comcast of Washington IV, Inc. The City will be operating with an expired franchise agreement during the renewal negotiations process.
Financial Impact:
The estimated $26,000 renewal negotiations cost would be paid from Olympia cable franchise fees (PEG Fund).
Attachments:
Ordinance