Minutes 2005 1205 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES Page 3 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-December 5, 2005 Lou Filipovich, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, commenting that this project is funded through tax revenue. He stated that the Public Utilities Commission is the agency which has the power to negotiate these rates. There being no further comments :from the public, and without objection, the Public Hearing was closed. Mr. Jermanis commented that the City of San Leandro does not control cable TV rates, but instead issues a franchise which allows cable TV vendors to use the public right-of- way to conduct their business. He noted the Mission Bay residents are in a unique situation. City Attorney Jayne Williams commented that the franchise agreement is between Comcast and the City, and not individual homeowners associations. Although Mission Bay's situation is unique, she did not believe they could negotiate a separate agreement. Ms. Williams stated that she would look further into the issue. Mr. Jermanis indicated that the City will raise the issue of a senior rate, even though Comcast has indicated that they no longer offer senior rates. Staffwill keep the Council apprised as negotiations progress. Mayor Young asked if the Council will discuss the subject again prior to a new agreement with Comcast. Mr. Jermanis stated that the Council could choose to have further discussions at another meeting or hold a work session. Mayor Young noted for the audience that the public will have additional opportunity in the future to comment on the proposed agreement. Councilmember Santos pointed out that the agreement with Comcast is non-exclusive, and nothing prevents the City :from negotiating with another cable firm. He commented that the City should seek competition for cable service. Council member Grant inquired about the following: how the fiber optic ring connecting City facilities would save $70,000; the current 3 Mbps speed of Internet service and how long it would take before the City fell "behind the curve"; why there has been a reduction in subscribers; and channel/program offerings. Councilmember Grant noted that in the staff report, it stated Comcast would not offer senior discount rates to new customers, and she asked if the City was a new customer. Staff and Ms. Guillen attempted to address the questions. Mr. Jermanis indicated that the next :franchise agreement would be considered a "new" agreement, and he would ask Information Services Manager Rayan Fowler to respond more fully to Councilmember Grant's technical questions. Councilmember Grant stated that she would like to ensure the City negotiates for the best possible service so that it will carry the City through until the next agreement. She commented that she would also like to see community services offered, such as TV and cable production classes at the high school or increased technology access through the libraries.