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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-28 - AGENDA REPORTS - CABLE FRANCHISE TIME WARNER (2)CONSENT CALENDAR 17riY�il SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT: Agenda Item:_ CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval: Item to be presented by: October 28, 2003 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AND TIME WARNER ENTERTAINMENT - ADVANCE/NEWHOUSE Administrative Services RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council conduct second reading and adopt AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN AN AMENDMENT TO THE CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AND TIME WARNER ENTERTAINMENT - ADVANCE/NEWHOUSE. BACKGROUND For the past two and one-half years, staff has been preparing for the renewal of the City's Cable Franchise agreements with Comcast, formerly AT&T, and Time Warner Communications. The County of Los Angeles originally granted the agreements in August of 1987, just before the City's incorporation in December of 1987. With incorporation, the City adopted the franchises set forth. At the June 10, 2003 meeting, the City Council took action to extend the expiration of the Time Warner Cable Television Franchise Agreement from August 1, 2003 to November 7, 2003. The purpose of this action was to extend the expiration date of Time Warner's Franchise to coincide with the expiration date of Comcast's Franchise Agreement. While staff and representatives of Time Warner have made progress in their renewal discussions, the complexities associated with the renewal process, coupled with current franchise issues that have yet to be resolved, dictate the need to extend Time Warner's Cable Franchise Agreement. Therefore, staff believes it is appropriate to extend the expiration of the City's Cable Franchise agreement with Time Warner to April 30, 2004. Extending the agreement with Time Warner will not modify the existing context of the agreement, other than extending the duration of the franchise, and provides adequate time for staff and representatives of Time Warner to resolve all matters associated with the Franchise renewal process. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS 1. Do not approve franchise extension. 2. Other action as determined by City Council. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with the extension of this Franchise Agreement. ATTACHMENTS Ordinance