A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING CONTINUED AUTHORITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS REGARDING FRANCHISING OF CABLE TELEVISOIN SERVICES (2005-10-24/R-8.1)

WHEREAS, the federal Cable Act has proven to be an effective model for developing and administering cable television franchises, assuring that local interests and needs are met, addressing public safety and related concerns about the use of public right-of-way, and handling customer service issues; and

WHEREAS, recent proposals Congress is consideration (S.1504, S.1349, and HR.3146), threaten to change the role of local governments in granting cable television franchises and negotiating franchise agreements with local cable operators that meet the unique needs and interests of communities; and

WHEREAS, by providing coverage of local government meetings and local news, the Town has promoted openness and accountability, a key ingredient to successful government and strong communities; and

WHEREAS, many communities throughout the country, including the Town of Chapel Hill expended substantial sums to negotiate franchises that ensure that local needs are met, including the development of local community programs and televised public meetings of community interest; and

WHEREAS, franchise fees paid to the Town are an important source of revenue, totaling over $400,000 annually and a fair way to offset the Town’s costs for acquisition and maintenance of rights-of-way; and

WHEREAS, the Town has worked diligently with cable service providers to offer service to all citizens within the franchise area without regard to location or income status;

NOW, THEREORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council opposes any federal legislation that will reduce the right of local governments to approve and administer franchised cable services; to charge reasonable franchise fees for the use of the right-of-way; to establish benefit requirements including public, educational, and governmental access channels, including funding, facilities, and equipment for such channels; and to require dedicated capacity or institutional network systems for educational and governmental purposes.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution shall be provided to Representative David Price and Senators Dole and Burr.

This the 24^th day of October, 2005.