Executive Summary
Meeting: Study session Meeting date: September 14, 2020 Written report: 7 Executive summary Title: Comcast franchise renewal update Recommended action: **Due to the COVID-19 emergency declaration, this item is considered essential business and is Categorized as Time-Sensitive** • The report is presented for information only. No action is required. Policy consideration: Is the progress on the franchise renewal in keeping with council expectations? Summary: The city’s current franchise agreement with Comcast expires in January 2021. Upon receipt of Comcast’s request to renew its cable franchise in the city, the city notified Comcast of its intent to conduct informal renewal negotiations in accordance with the federal Cable Act. To prepare for negotiations, the city evaluated Comcast’s past performance under the existing franchise and conducted a needs assessment to determine the future cable-related Public- Educational-Government (PEG) community needs and interests of the city. This is the criteria prescribed by the Cable Act. Following the conclusion of the needs assessment, the city’s cable franchise attorney developed a draft franchise agreement, which the city plans to submit to Comcast for consideration. Financial or budget considerations: The final franchise agreement will determine the franchise fee, based on a percentage of gross revenues derived from cable service and PEG (public- educational-government) capital funding to be received by the city over the next franchise term, expected to be 10 years. Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to build social capital through community engagement. Supporting documents: Community needs assessment report and appendices October 28, 2019 council study session report Prepared by: Jacque Smith, communications and marketing manager Reviewed by: Clint Pires, chief information officer Brian Grogan, attorney at law, Moss & Barnett Approved by: Tom Harmening, city manager Study session meeting of Sept.
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