Record No: Res 32095    Version: 1 Council Bill No:
Type: Resolution (Res) Status: Adopted
Current Controlling Legislative Body City Clerk
On agenda: 7/5/2023
Ordinance No:
Title: 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.
Sponsors: Sara Nelson
Attachments: 1. Att A - Comcast Letter Requesting Franchise Renewal
Supporting documents: 1. Summary and Fiscal Note, 2. Presentation, 3. Signed Resolution 32095, 4. Affidavit of Publication
CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION __________________
title
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 reques...

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