08-26-1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 269 1996 • ROLL The Council met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Mayor Edward J. Callahan, Jr., Council Members J. Diann Goetten, Gabriel Jabbour, Charles Kelley, and JoEllen Hurr. Representing Staff were Public Works Director John Gerhardson as Acting City Administrator, City Attorney Tom Radio, Building and Zoning Administrator Jeanne Mabusth, Assistant Zoning and Planning Administrator Michael Gaffron, City Engineer Shawn Gustafson, and Recorder Sherry Frost. Mayor Callahan called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. ( #1) RM DANIELS, LAKE MINNETONKA COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION - 1997 BUDGET Jim Daniels, Cable Administrator, and Tim Patrin, Cable Commissioner, were present to discuss the past year's activities and upcoming budget for 1997. Patrin reported that the activities for the year have revolved around four issues, 1) Telecommunications Act, 2) right -of -way and easement rights, 3) merger, and 4) re- franchising proposal. The Congressional legislation resulted in a major overhaul opening telecommunications to the marketplace. This will allow cable, phone, and long distance to all use the telephone lines eliminating rate battles. The Commission will no longer • regulate it. The right -of -way and easement use is being reviewed by cities. Daniels is of the belief that it will surface in the legislature in 1997. A franchise renewal is occurring in 1997 -98. A possible merger will free up funds for Triax, who has asked for an early renewal. This will allow the technology available in fiber optics and cable to be state of the art for Orono. Jabbour asked if bids were open and if the RFP procedure would be followed. Patrin said the Commission is open to it. Daniels said the franchises are non - exclusive and were looking at opening it up to others. The new north studio location was negotiated with Triax. The cable commission took over the access area relieving Triax of running the studio. Daniels and Patrin feel the cable commission is capable of a better performance. A new location for the studio is to be announced soon. Patrin said the budget for 1997 is similar to 1996 with small increases in franchise fees. The fee of $49.20 is a result of the north studio and growth in subscriptions. The operating expenses are up because of the employment of a person for the studio. There are also legislative fees. The budget shows an overall increase of 2% and is being submitted to the Council for approval. •