HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 03261991 - 1.51 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS E,1....
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_. Contra
Costa
FROM: •:, t
Phil Batchelor, County Administrator : .,
Count
March 26 1991 - - =''4 y
DATE: � sTq-couN`r'i -
SUBJECT: COUNTYWIDE INTERCONNECTED CABLE TELEVISION CHANNEL
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECO14M ENDATIONS:
Accept report confirming the economic and technical feasibility
of the countywide interconnected cable television channel and
Direct the Franchise Administrator to continue to take the steps
necessary to activate the channel by January 1992 .
FISCAL IMPACT:
Costs for the interconnected channel will be paid by the Cable
Operators in compliance with the County Cable Ordinance.
Additional channel expenses will be funded by the County from the
Community Access Trust Fund.
BACKGROUND:
In 1986, the Board of Supervisors approved the Community
Television workplan. This workplan was developed in consultation
with citizens, cable operators and city representatives. It
included a directive to establish a countywide interconnected
cable television channel.
During the last five years staff conducted a survey that
demonstrated citizen interest in such a channel; developed County
production capabilities; and .contracted with Hammett and Edison
to conduct a technical feasibility study for the interconnect.
Recently, Hammett and Edison confirmed that all proposed
microwave paths are available to establish the interconnected
channel. They are preparing license applications and will submit
them to the FCC. Once licenses are approved the County can begin
construction of the interconnect. Approval takes 60 to 90 days.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE:
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
_ APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE S: L G*
ACTION OF BOARD ON APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
X UNANIMOUS(ABSENT —'' ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
March 26 ,.- 1991
cc: via County Administrator ATTESTED
PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
BY ./A Q�i/% DEPUTY
M382 (10/88)
In addition, staff has been negotiating cooperatively with the
cable operators to develop detailed provisions in the new County
Cable Ordinance for the interconnected channel. The cable
operators submitted an interconnect funding proposal to the
County in response to the County' s outline of three acceptable
funding alternatives. Partially due to the entrance of a new
entity (TCI now wholly owns Televents,Inc. ) , the cable operators
positions are now split in their support on interconnect funding.
Currently, County Cable Ordinance 82-28, Section 58-8. 018 states
that cable operators may be required to interconnect their sytems
if it is technically and economically feasible. The time frame
for completion of the interconnect may be established by the
Board.
The technical feasibility of the interconnect has been determined
by Hammett and Edison. The costs to construct the interconnect
and for a playback facility should not exceed $400,000. The cost
is reasonable for this type of microwave system by industry
standards.
Furthermore, contributions to the County for facilities and
equipment for Community Television is in line with the
requirements of the 1984 Cable Act and would be comparable to
contributions made by the cable operators to other public
entities in Contra Costa County.
Staff will continue to negotiate in good faith with the cable
operators. However, it may be necessary to invoke provisions of
the cable ordinance for certain cable operators to insure
activation of the interconnected channel by January 1992, in,
accordance with the timeline established by the Board in its
review of the 1991 Contra Costa Television (CCTV) Workplan.