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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,June 16, 2014 Page 27 advised that nine of the ten member cities had now voted to preliminarily deny the Comcast proposal. Comcast/Mr. Coleman Response In assuming the City will preliminarily deny the franchise, Mr. Coleman cau- tioned that the City not consider that this was a step taken lightly, even though under the Federal Act, not voting would essentially accept the agreement and re- move their involvement in informal negotiations. Mr. Coleman opined that it was unfortunate that the City was in this position with time deadlines in place. Mr. Coleman again reviewed the context of remaining issues, and the formal and informal processes as driven by FCC Order 621. Mr. Coleman opined that the proposed franchise agreement provided fair operating support for the NSCC, fur- ther opining that the provisions of the original MOU and agreement had way out- lived their original anticipated value, and therefore Comcast was not interested in renewing or extending that agreement. NSCC/Ms. Wilson Response In deference to time, Ms. Wilson opined that there remained a considerable amount of leeway within the federal law referenced by Mr. Coleman, especially during informal negotiations. Ms. Wilson advised that many cities have initiated formal review processes, including a group of cities in the State of Oregon. MS. Wilson advised that overall cities and the NSCC were frustrated with the formal negotiation process by Comcast. McGehee moved, Willmus seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11157 (Attach- ment B) entitled, "Resolution of Preliminary Assessment that the Comcast of Minnesota, Inc. Cable Franchise Should NOT be Renewed." Councilmember McGehee opined that she was disheartened by the conversation and continued debate tonight, and disappointed that it's come this far. While it was clear there are some negotiations still going on at this point that may actually lead to resolution, Councilmember McGehee stated that she didn't like the idea that the City Council was put in this position, nor suggestions that a litigious path may be necessary, which would ultimately cost everyone. Councilmember McGehee opined that there was room on both sides for negotiation, and consider- able leeway as well, with Comcast improving their offer and NSCC asking for less. Councilmember Etten concurred with some of Councilmember McGehee's com- ments, and noted the frustration he heard from both parties, and the need to con- sider that level of frustration moving forward in future years. Councilmember Et- ten opined that the program offerings on access channels were important to con- nect families and communities, and recognized the Internet program offered by Comcast for families with limited financial means to help bridge the digital di-