SUBJECT: Staff Report
Title
Cable Franchise, Broadband and Small Cell Update
Body
DEPARTMENT: Administration
PRESENTERS: Gabrielle Daley, Esq. Kissinger & Fellman P.C.
TIME ESTIMATE: 50 Minutes
only required for non-consent items
FISCAL INFORMATION: N/A
Cost as Recommended:
Balance Available:
Budget Line Item Number:
New Appropriation Required:
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
The Town’s consulting attorney on the cable franchise agreement and other telecommunications matters will provide an update on the cable franchise renewal, recent State and Federal legislation regarding small cell technology, and on expanding/enhancing Broadband service in Erie.
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
Issue No. 19 on the 2019 Work Plan is “Comcast Franchise Renewal” The stated objective of that issue is, “Updated agreement that serves the interests of Erie residents, businesses and the Town, and reflects the latest provisions advantageous to the Town that have been adopted by other Colorado local governments.” Issue No. 15 on the 2019 Work Plan is “Broadband and Small Cell”. The stated objective of that issue is, “Identify the preferred approach to enhancing broadband access and competitive pricing, and update the Town’s Code provisions relating to cell tower technology.”
With these objectives in mind, Town staff contracted with Kissinger & Fellman P.C., the law firm recognized as the leader in Colorado and other states for assisting local governments with cable franchise negotiations, and telecommunications issues. Gabrielle Daley, from Kissinger & Fellman, will provide an update on their work to date.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Update on Erie Telecommunications and Cable Topics presentation
2. Link to VantagePoint January 2018 Broadband Assessment and Feasibility Study Report <https://www.erieco.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11891/Erie-Broadband-Feasibility-Study-January-2018>