2009-05-27 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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North Metro Telecommunications Commission Meeting Talking Points May 20, 2009 ~ A public hearing on the cable commission's exercise of rights under the franchise with Comcast was continued and then closed. It was closed because Comcast and the Commission have agreed to a settlement. Comcast will pay the Commission $15,000 and will not offset any of the PEG fees spent on operating expenses against the franchise fees for the term of the current franchise. The current franchise expires in 2017. Because of recent FCC rulings it might have been possible for Comcast to subtract PEG fees spent on operating costs from franchise fees received by the cities. The amount that the cities could have lost from franchise fees over the term of the 15 year franchise could have been as much as 4.5 to 5 million dollars. This agreement gives the cities certainty that this will not happen. In exchange, the Commission agreed that this would end any disputes over the current franchise fee review, they would not perform any review for the years 2007 and 2008, and the previous resolutions finding Comcast in violation of the franchise and authorizing withdrawals from the letter of credit would be rescinded. It was a very good (maybe even spectacular) settlement agreement for the Commission. ~ The news team, Danika and Ben, interviewed Senators Betzold, Rummel, and Van de Veer, and Representatives Scott, Sanders, and Gardner regarding their take on the recent legislative session. The interviews are featured on City Scope and on an In Depth special. ~ Over 100 volunteers and public access producers attended the VIP awards at the Majestic Oaks Golf Course on May 5". The ceremony is held annually to recognize the hard work and dedication of the public to community television production. This was our largest turn-out ever. Public access in the Notth Metro has grown dramatically in the last year. In April alone, 71 students took video production classes and 68 people went on tours of the facility. ~ Staff is covering as many of the MN Thunder soccer games live as possible. The games are being shared with other community television facilities throughout the state and are streamed live via the NMTV website. NMTV has received many comments from viewers, as far away as Vancouver, who have been impressed with the quality of the coverage. ~ The City of Columbia Heights is interested in contracting with the Commission to provide them with public access services. An exploratory meeting will be held on May 28", to determine what that might entail. Ifanyone has any questions, or just wants to talk, they should feel free to call Heidi Arnson at NMTV. Direct line is 763-231-2801. Email is h-arnson@mtn.org.