07-22-2013 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 8, 2013 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 11 of 13 (9. CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE ORDINANCE NO. 110, Continued) Levang noted access to public programming is important and the City will do everything in its power to continue that. Currently the LMCC is saying they will cut Orono and other member cities from their programming if they pursue direct franchising. Levang indicated the City will continue to work with the LMCC in an attempt to retain public access and that one of the options is perhaps paying for that service on an ala cart basis. Levang noted this was not an easy decision and that the Council has worked many, many hours negotiating the agreement. Printup stated he would like to thank Council Member Levang and Mayor McMillan for all their work on this agreement. Printup stated he is committed to transparency and that when he first started on the Council, the meetings were not taped and the school board meetings were not taped. Printup stated he wants to be sure that people understand that as it relates to transparency, the Council meetings will still be broadcast and there will be transparency at the government level. As it relates to the school board meetings, sporting events, and other community events, Printup stated in his view the ability is there to continue that service and the Council is committed to continuing to provide that service. McMillan stated approximately 30 years ago, when the LMCC was first formed, the cities were small and video was in its infancy. Currently there are a couple of cities in the LMCC whose franchise fees are upward of $60,000 and other member cities who pay $10,000 for basically the same service. In addition to the big difference in the fees paid by each member city, there are approximately five cities that are not totally built out, which have created some real differences within the 17-member JPA. McMillan stated as a result of that, she came to the conclusion that now is the time for Orono to have a direct franchise. Currently the Cities of Medina, Mound, and Wayzata have a direct franchise and then contract with the LMCC to have their government meetings taped and played back on the Internet. McMillan stated personally it is not as much about leaving the LMCC as it is about having a direct franchise. Based on a number of reasons, the time has come for Orono to have its own franchise. McMillan stated she would like to thank Mediacom for coming to the City and offering to help with the build-out. McMillan indicated the LMCC kept asking the City Council for input but that she feels the City’s input over the past six to nine months has not been heard. In addition, the City of Medina started giving the LMCC input prior to that. McMillan stated in her view the LMCC’s approach is to maintain the status quo, but if they do not change voluntarily, change will happen regardless. McMillan commented thirty years is a long time to hold on to a business model without looking at it and making some changes. McMillan stated she would like to spend less time tonight discussing why the City is leaving the LMCC and instead spend more time discussing why the City feels it needs a direct franchise with Mediacom. One of the great things about the agreement is to provide internet access to those areas of Orono that do not currently have service. McMillan stated she would like to thank Mediacom for being a partner with Orono to make that happen. Anderson stated Mediacom is showing good faith by starting a portion of the build-out this year prior to the agreement going into effect as well as partnering with the City on the PEG fees. Item #03 - CC Agenda - 07/22/2013 Approval of Council Minutes 07/08/2013 [Page 11 of 13]