02-18-14 Jt Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 18, 2014 2 viability of these programs will depend on how negotiations with Comcast are resolved. She discussed the Comcast negotiation situation in detail with the Council. She indicated that the Cable Commission had concerns with the rates being charged by Comcast, and she explained a rate review was conducted. Specifically, the Cable Commission questioned how Comcast was paying franchise fees for customers that had bundled cable packages. Comcast has since appealed the rate orders to the FCC. At this time, a stay has not been ordered by the FCC, and Comcast is awaiting further court action. Ms. Wilson indicated that Comcast is questioning the open meeting law for the Cable Commission meetings. She explained that the atmosphere for negotiation has been hampered, and for this reason, a formal process for negotiations has begun. She believes that the number of Comcast cable subscribers is on the decline. She provided further information on the Time Warner and Comcast merger and noted that she anticipates having more information on the franchise situation in April. Councilmember Werner asked for more information on the cable convertor box. Ms. Wilson explained that as part of the Comcast agreement, these boxes were initially supplied at no charge. Since January of 2013, customers are now charged $1.99 per month for the use of the convertor box; however, this rate order is currently being reviewed by the FCC. Councilmember Werner questioned why Comcast subscribers who have been customers for years are being charged fees to drop services. Ms. Wilson discussed the tiered rate system and stated that there is a lack of transparency when it comes to the rates being charged. There is also concern that new customers do not fully understand what they are signing up for. Many of the complaints received by CTV are from customers who sign up for bundle packages without having a clear understanding of the rates. Councilmember Holmes requested further information on the negotiation process with Comcast. Ms. Wilson discussed the formal and informal negotiation processes in further detail with the Council. She explained that it is a long process. She reported that the current franchise with Comcast expires in November of 2014. She reported that the informal and formal negotiating processes will continue as the law allows. However, if Comcast does not respond with reasonable counter-offers, the informal negotiations will cease. She noted that only four franchise cases have gone to federal court and in each of those cases, the local authority has won. It is her hope that Comcast will be cooperative while working through the negotiation process. Mayor Grant thanked Ms. Wilson for her report this evening. B. Parks and Open Space Zoning Associate Planner Bachler requested that the Council review the proposed list of properties to be rezoned to Parks and Open Space District or Conservation District. The parks managed by the City and Ramsey County were described noting that their current zoning is R-1 or R-2. He explained that last fall the Council approved two ordinances that created two new zoning districts: