Laserfiche WebLink
l~` <br />Minutes -City of San Leandro City Council Meeting -January 4,1999 Page 7 <br />A. Matter of Consideration of Resolution Approving the Merger of Tele- <br />communications, Inc. (TCI) and AT&T and Discussion Regarding Postponement <br />of Lease Extension for TCI Facility at 2850 Marina Boulevard. <br />Kathy Ornelas, Community Relations Representative, gave the staff report and <br />clarified the issues for the Council. <br />Council discussion ensued regarding the request for the merger, the need for the <br />property to be in compliance with City codes, and the lack of any signed agreement <br />with TCI that they will provide promised service to schools. The need for <br />inspections was discussed and the concern that TCI be treated like any other <br />business that is out of compliance was stressed. <br />The issue of TCI getting into the Internet field as aphone-company-based <br />business was discussed and the inability of the City to charge franchise fees if <br />CATV is provided over phone lines was noted. <br />The City Attorney pointed out that, although the City cannot impose franchise <br />fees on telecommunications, but can on Cable Television - it is a national <br />problem in which there is hope the FCC will provide clear direction and <br />definitions as they relate to these outstanding issues for cities nationwide. He <br />noted the Council cannot impose their own definitions to this franchise at this <br />time. <br />Council Member Glaze indicated he feels this kind of merger lends itself to no <br />control in the future. He does not agree with the merger and will not be <br />supporting it. <br />The Mayor indicated that, overall, the City has had a fairly good relationship with <br />TCI as a corporate citizen, and she feels AT&T will be an even better corporate <br />head. <br />Vice Mayor Galvan urged the Council to separate the issues and support the <br />merger this evening and to pursue lobbying Congress to give clear definitions <br />relating to the issue of franchise fees and telecommunications. <br />The following Motions were then introduced: <br />- Minute Order No. 99-1, Matter of Consideration of Resolution Approving the <br />Merger of Tele-Communications, Inc. (TCI) and AT&T. (1375) <br />The City Council considered the resolution regarding the merger of Tele- <br />communications, Inc. (TCI) and AT&T and, on a 3-3 vote, the motion <br />died. <br />M/S/ Galvan and Grant. Ayes: 3; Noes: Glaze, Lothrop, Nardine; Absent: <br />Loeffler <br />