HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230120105431933AGENDA STATEMENT
. CITY CLERK-,,-,.
Pile #
/arc-3o
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 3, 1996
SUBJECT:
EXHIBITS ATTACHED:
Telecommunications Policy Consultant for the Cities of Dublin,
Livermore, Pleasanton and San Ramon
Prepared by: Steve Honse, Administrative Assistant
1. Request for Proposal for Telecommunications Consultant
2. Proposal from Telecommunications Management
Corporation
RECOMMENDATION: 1,'�Authorize City participation in project at a cost not to exceed
$2,500.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: The City's share of the project's cost would be approximately
$2,500. Adequate funding is available in the Fiscal Year 1996-97
budget for Community Television (Rate Review), provided that
rate review services are not required.
DESCRIPTION:
Historically, the Cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton and San Ramon have worked jointly on
telecommunications issues. This cooperation has reduced expenses for each city and has led to regional
consistency on telecommunications issues. Staff from the four cities has conferred in order to develop a
joint project related to telecommunications issues. The proposed project would secure consultant services,
at a cost of approximately $10,000 ($2,500 per city), to develop policies for consideration by the cities.
Adequate funding for the proposed project is available in the Fiscal Year budget for Community Television
(Rate Review). Generally, rate review occurs in response to an petition by the cable franchise holder for a
rate increase. The proposed project is consistent with the intent of rate review in that it will consider the
appropriate policies and procedures to set fees for providers of telecommunications services. The funds
allocated for rate review, combined with savings achieved by the delay in televising City Council meetings,
are sufficient to fund the proposed project. However, if the cable franchise holder seeks a rate increase
during Fiscal Year 1996-97, it may be necessary to seek an additional appropriation at that time.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Act) resulted in a sweeping and comprehensive overhaul of
telecommunications regulations. The intent of this historic legislation was to encourage industry
competition and technological advancement. The Act requires that localities act in a manner that is
"nondiscriminatory" and "competitively neutral". While the Act clearly states these goals, it does not
explicitly define what policies and procedures are acceptable as related to management of the public right-
of-way and franchise fees. The City has an enormous investment in the public right-of-way. It is also
important for the City to consider the impact of the Act on franchise fees, which are a General Fund
COPIES TO:
Jeff Eorio, City of San Ramon; Chris Sherwood, City of Pleasanton; Ellen Axelrod, City of Livermore
ITEM NO. F. aZ