Resolution - #00-01-030 - 01/25/2000

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• • Councilmember Hendriksen introduced the following resolution and moved for its adoption: RESOLUTION #00 -01 -030 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE RIGHT OF THE CITY OF RAMSEY TO RETAIN ITS AUTHORITY TO NEGOTIATE AWARD AND REGULATE CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISES WHEREAS, the City of Ramsey has been granted the legal authority to negotiate, award and regulate cable television franchises under both Federal Statute Title 6 and Minnesota State Statute Chapter 238; and WHEREAS, the City of Ramsey accepted the responsibility that comes with the awarding of the cable television franchise, including ensuring that the cable company meets the identified needs of the community such as community television and institutional networks and serving as a local resource to resolving customer service issues; and WHEREAS, state legislation has been proposed that would repeal Chapter 238 and revoke the City's authority to award a cable television franchise, eliminate the City as a local resource to its citizens for resolving customer service issues, and remove the City's ability to receive direct support for community television and other provisions that meet community needs; and WHEREAS, it has not been demonstrated by any means that local governments' role in cable franchising impedes in any manner the ability of cable and telecommunications companies to offer full and competitive services; and WHEREAS, the City of Ramsey acknowledges the regulatory challenge of addressing the convergence of voice, video, and data services, local governments are essential to any legislative discourse in this area and must retain authority to ensure continued local support for its community. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RAMSEY, ANOKA COUNTY, STATE OF MINNESOTA, as follows: 1) That the City of Ramsey must retain its authority to franchise companies providing cable television services and is hereby opposed to any legislation that would revoke this authority. 2) That the City of Ramsey further asserts is Constitutional rights to retain its local authority to enter into contracts to serve its community.