HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 01-21-1997 - 5b 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Action Agenda
Item No. ter-b
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: January 21, 1997
SUBJECT: Resolution- Extension of Time Warner Cable TV Franchise
DEPARTMENT: Manager's Office PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N)
0`1 BUDGET AMENDMENT: (Y/N)
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Resolution Albert T. Kittrell, Assistant County Manager
TELEPHONE NUMBERS: --ext. 2300
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 227-2031
PURPOSE: To consider adopting a resolution extending the County's Cable TV Franchise with
Time Warner.
BACKGROUND: The Cable TV Franchise Agreement with Time Warner was set to expire on
February 24, 1996; however, on February 3, 1996 the Board adopted a resolution extending Time
Warner's Franchise Agreement 12 months. During the calendar year 1997, staff, county attorney
and Cable TV Advisory Committee representative met several times to negotiate a new franchise
agreement. Although the negotations began relatively slow,the last negotiation session for the
calendar year,held on November 20, 1996 was productive and positive. It is anticipated the County
and Time Warner will agree on terms of a new franchise within the next few months.
At the January 8, 1997 Cable TV Advisory Committee Meeting,members suggested extending
Time Warner's-Franchise Agreement an additional 12 months. The extension would give the
County negoti*qu team ample time to negotiate a new agreement. The additional time would also
allow the TJCOG Cable Consortium regional negotiation process with Time Warner to be
completed.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adopt the resolution
extending Time Warner's Cable TV Franchise until February 24, 1998.
A RESOLUTION GRANTING A FRANCHISE EXTENSION OF 12 MONTHS TO TIME WARNER CABLE TO
PROVIDE CABLE SERVICE TO UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF ORANGE COUNTY,NORTH
CAROLINA,NC-0276
BY ORANGE COUNTY:
Whereas, Orange County adopted an ordinance granting a non-exclusive franchise to Village Cable in
November 1980,to provide cable television service to citizens in unincorporated areas of the county, and the franchise
was subsequently transferred to Carolina Cable(Prime Venture 1)July 8, 1986; Cablevision(ATC)April 6, 1992; and
most recently to Time Warner Cable;
Whereas,the current franchise ordinance was set to expire on February 24, 1996, and extended on February 5,
1996 by 12 months;
Whereas,Orange County recognizes that the public interest is served by extending the term of the franchise to
enable Time Warner Cable an additional 12 months to allow the County and cable operator to conduct comprehensive
franchise renewal activities;
Whereas,the County recognizes that the public interest is served by extending the term of the franchise to
enable Time Warner Cable to prepare and submit to the County a detailed technology upgrade plan for the County, in
preparation for refranchising; and,
Whereas,it is understood that the resolution to extend the term of the franchise to February 24, 1998, does not in
any way serve to prejudice any franchise renewal rights of Time Warner Cable,nor require the refiling of any notice of
intent to renew the franchise, granted pursuant to the County's cable franchise ordinance.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED:
That,the County hereby approves a 12-month extension of the County's cable franchise ordinance with Time
Warner Cable,NC -0276,to expire on February 24, 1998 and,
That,this action shall be entered into the Minute Book of the Board of Commissioners.
Adopted this the day of 1997.
Attest: By:
Clerk Chairman
county seal
Attest: By:
President,Time Warner
Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville Division
corporate seal