Title
SECOND AND FINAL READING OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE GRANT OF A CABLE FRANCHISE TO COMCAST COLORADO IX, LLC, APPROVING A CABLE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT BETWEEN COMCAST COLORADO IX, LLC, AND THE CITY OF COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO
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Summary and Background Information:
Over the past year, Staff has worked to negotiate a new franchise agreement with Comcast. This agreement allows Comcast to operate within the City. Due to the complex and technical nature of this negotiation, Staff has retained outside counsel to assist in the negotiations. Staff has provided updates to Council and received negotiating direction throughout the year. Staff believes the agreement before Council at this meeting reflects the best possible deal between the City and Comcast. It conforms to Council's direction and provides the best value to the City and service to residents.
Once approved, the new agreement will go into effect and supersede the existing agreement. Should Council not approve of this agreement, the current agreement will remain in effect.
During the first reading, Council had several questions for Staff and outside counsel regarding the customer service standards, process for residents to file complaints, penalties for non-compliance with the stated standards and agreements, and the City's role in enforcing the agreement. The customer service standards (attached to the agreement as Exhibit A) outline the stated levels of service Comcast must provide, how residents should complain, how the City can take action on escalated complaints, and penalties if Comcast does not come into compliance with the agreement.
Staff has prepared a short slide deck outlining these processes, which is included in the packet. Staff and outside counsel will also be available to answer any questions at the meeting as well.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Jason R. Rogers, AICP, City Manager
Staff Member Presenting: John Bourjaily, Management Analyst II
Financial Impact: N/A
Funding Source: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Approve the agreement
Suggested Motion: Approve the ordinance on second reading