Minutes 10/08/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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562 October 8. 1996 Federal law has changed to recognize this reality, and one result is that rate regulation will be entirely eliminated by 1999. As you know, the regulation currently permitted is so restricted that the Council decided it would not be productive to regulate the limited basic tier of channels. The new telecommunications technology will present the City with a new set of issues, challenges, and opportunities. Consumers will soon be able to choose the services they desire from a variety of providers and the distinction between telephone and cable television compames, for example, will become blurred. Localities will be challenged to ensure that their zoning and taxing authority is protected. As an example, we have already seen a proliferation of telecommunications towers and we will want to control their location and appearance to the extent permitted by the Federal government. These issues are currently being addressed by the Planning Commission. These changes have left the Cable Television Commission with few duties. Rate regulation is not a meaningful option, and soon will not be an option at all. The Council has discussed these issues and has expressed its reluctance to ask citizens to continue to serve on a board which has few responsibilities. Accordingly, you have determined that it is best to dissolve the Cable Television Commission and to invite its members to apply for appointment to other boards. As you requested, I am placing this item on the agenda for your action." Motion by Mr. Martin, and seconded by Mr. Robinett, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 8 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA (1988) BY REPEALING ARTICLE Il THEREOF, PERTAINING TO CABLE TELEVISION COMMUNICATIONS." Ayes: Benn, Griffin, Martin, Robinett, Holley Nays: None 96-347 - Adoption of a motion to transfer $30,000 from the Grants Contingency Account for the HazardOus Materials Program. "The City of Portsmouth has been selected to continue to administer a Level III Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team for the region. The Department of Emergency Services Hazardous Materials has awarded the City of Portsmouth $30,000 to purchase equipment and supplies necessary to handle a Level I11 Hazardous Materials Incident in southside Hampton Roads. Chief Donald Newberry, Jr., has authorized these funds for materials and supplies needed by the Southside Regional Hazardous Materials Team. The cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk and Virginia Beach also provide personnel for this regional program. I, therefore, recommend that the $30,000 be transferred from the Grants Contingency Account for the Hazardous Materials Program." Motion by Mr. Robinett, and seconded by Mr. Martin, to transfer $30,000 for the Hazardous Materials Program, and was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Berm, Griffin, Martin, Robinett, Holley Nays: None 96-348 - Boards and Commissions There were no appointments.