City Council Meeting Date: February 4, 2020
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Kurt Wolf, IT Manager
Title
Consideration of Resolution Granting Spectrum Mid-America LLC (a/k/a “Charter”) a Franchise Extension through July 7, 2020.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council consider approving the attached Resolution granting Charter Cable Partners, LLC a franchise extension through July 7, 2020.
Summary Report:
The existing franchise agreement with Charter expired on January 31, 2020. The proposed Resolution grants an extension of our franchise with Charter through July 7, 2020.
Staff has been working with Attorney Brian Grogan of Moss and Barnett in negotiations with Charter Cable Partners. Mr. Grogan is an experienced communications and technology law attorney. He has worked on behalf of many cities in Minnesota related to these cable franchise agreements and other areas.
During a conference call with Brian Grogan, the City, and Spectrum, it was determined that the City should see a response to the proposed agreement sometime in late January or early February, 2020. This extension should give us time to work on this agreement with Spectrum.
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
There are no known financial impacts.
Tentative Timelines:
Franchise Expiration - January 31, 2020