07-28-25-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JUNE 23, 2025 4 MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried (3_0). 9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities Finance Director Yang stated water customers whose accounts are 90 days past due were informed that the City intends to certify delinquent charges to Ramsey County to be collected with property taxes. These customers have the right to a hearing in front of the City Council to discuss this matter prior to certification. Mayor Pro Tem Monson opened the public hearing at 7:14 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Pro Tem Monson closed the public hearing at 7:14 p.m. B. Cable Franchise Extension Agreement Renewal City Administrator Jagoe stated the North Suburban Communications (the "NSCC") is a municipal joint powers commission that negotiates and administers the cable franchises on behalf of its nine member cities. Following a long and contentious franchise renewal process, the NSCC and Comcast agreed upon a renewed cable television franchise in 2017. All of the member cities adopted ordinances approving the cable television franchise and Comcast accepted it. At the time, the 2017 cable television franchise was considered one of the best, if not the best, cable television franchise in the metro area. In 2025, it remains one of the best, if not the best, cable television franchises in the metro and it continues to meet the needs of the member cities as it relates to the provision of cable service. City Administrator Jagoe explained in 2024, Comcast sent a notice to the NSCC that it desired to renew the cable television franchise which had a term through 2027. Shortly after receiving the notice, the NSCC adopted a resolution commencing the renewal process and sent a letter to Comcast in response to Comcast agreeing to pursue the cable television franchise renewal through the informal — contract negotiation — process as contemplated in the federal cable act. In 2025, NSCC counsel and Comcast tentatively agreed on a cable franchise renewal extension that would extend the current terms and conditions of the cable television franchise through 2032. The NSCC recommended adoption of the Franchise Extension Agreement Ordinance by the City and all of its member cities at its meeting in May. The City Council will be asked to make a formal decision regarding the Comcast Cable Franchise Extension Agreement Ordinance under Agenda Item I IB. Councilmember Weber thanked staff for the thorough staff presentation. He commented on the value the City was receiving through the franchise agreement.