11-26-1984 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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C�u C BEET NG. _ TO: ALL CLERKS FROM: Joel Jamnik, Legislative Counsel RE: Cable Television 1� I CI i Y OF ORGivC� I As you probably already know, President Reagan signed the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 on October 30, 1984. It is important to note, however, that the bill goes into effect on December 29, 1984. It is essential that cities exercise great caution before making any changes in the provisions of existing franchises, particularly changes requested by the city's cable operator. While the legislation will eventually require some changes in the relationship betweer, cities and cable operators, it has no immediate effect for - existing franchises for two reasons. First, the legislation is not effective until the end of December arid, second, it grandfathers many provisions of existing franchises. Ir, those areas in which changes are necessary, the changes are gradually phased in over an extended period of time. The authority to regulate basic service rates, for example, is grandfathered for two years in existing franchises and franchise renewals. No changes should be made without consulting the new legislation. The League hopes to have a comprehensive guidebook on cable (published by the National League of Cities) available some time before the legislation s effective date. In a relate, cable matter, the State Cable Communications Board rx1l— be wlU*%ting comments for its December and January meetings need for or desirability of a separate rule or set of rules regulating the m'inicipally owned or operated cable television systems. Last week the City of Windom received confirmation from the board as the owner and operator of the system within the city by means of granting the city variances from the existing rules. Not surprisingly, private cable operators who do not like the idea of municipally owned systems; raised the question whether separate rules relating to municipal ownership of cabl? systems ought to be enacted. If you wish to make formal or informal comments on this sub,)ect or if your• City may be interested in a municip.•1 system, either upon orlgl►,al construction or on renewal, please contact Stan Peskar or myself at the League offices.