CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION __________________
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A RESOLUTION authorizing commencement of cable franchise contract renewal proceedings in accordance with the provisions of 47 U.S.C. Section 546 and written request from Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC.
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WHEREAS, Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (“Comcast”) currently provides cable services in Seattle, in accordance with a franchise agreement authorized by Ordinance 124957 that expires on January 20, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Section 626 of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 (“Cable Act”), 47 U.S.C. Section 546, establishes both formal and informal procedures that govern the franchise renewal process; and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle is the franchising authority for cable services within its city limits; and
WHEREAS, 47 U.S.C. Section 546(a) provides that, during the six-month period which begins with the 36 months before franchise expiration, the franchising authority shall, at the request of the cable operator, commence proceedings which afford the public in the franchise area appropriate notice and participation, for the purpose of identifying the future cable-related community needs and interests and reviewing the performance of the cable operator under the franchise during the then-current franchise term; and
WHEREAS, in a letter (Attachment A to this resolution) received by the Office of Cable Communications on February 21, 2023, Comcast formally requested that the City commence formal renewal proceedings in accordance with the requirements of 47 U.S.C. Section 546(a) through (g), but also indicated its desire to reach a mutually satisfactory franchise renewal agreement with the City through informal negotiations as per 47 U.S.C. Section 546(h); NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT:
Section 1. The letter from Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (“Comcast”) dated February 21, 2023, formally requesting the commencement of renewal proceedings under Section 626 of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 (47 U.S.C. Section 546), was submitted in a timely manner and is hereby acknowledged.
Section 2. The Mayor or the Mayor’s designated representative is authorized to implement the necessary processes and procedures to enable the City to comply with all of its obligations under 47 U.S.C. Section 546.
Section 3. The City hereby commences proceedings to afford the public in the franchise area appropriate notice and participation for the purpose of identifying future cable-related community needs and interests and to review the performance of Comcast under the franchise during the current franchise term.
Section 4. Pursuant to the request by Comcast, the Mayor or the Mayor’s designated representative is authorized to study the feasibility of an informal franchise renewal process pursuant to 47 U.S.C. Section 546(h), while reserving the City’s right to implement the formal processes outlined by 47 U.S.C. Section 546(a) through (g).
Adopted by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2023, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this ________ day of _________________________, 2023.
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President ____________ of the City Council
The Mayor concurred the ________ day of _________________________, 2023.
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Bruce A. Harrell, Mayor
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2023.
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_____________________________, City Clerk
(Seal)
Attachments:
Attachment A - Comcast Letter Requesting Franchise Renewal