Minutes 12/10/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 10, 2024 Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Ms. Lucas-Burke, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE GRANTING A RENEWAL OF A NON-EXCLUSIVE CABLE FRANCHISE TO COX COMMUNICATIONS HAMPTON ROADS, LLC TO CONSTRUCT, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A CABLE SYSTEM IN THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH. ” Ayes: Hugel, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Tillage, Whitaker, Glover Nays: None 24 - 370 - Adoption of an ordinance authorizing extension of the City’s Cable Franchise Agreement with Verizon through April 22, 2025. Background:  Cable companies are required to enter into Cable Franchise Agreements to provide service in localities.  The permissible terms and conditions that localities can require in Cable Franchise Agreements are strictly regulated and limited by Chapter 21 of Title 15.2 of the Virginia Code. Franchise renewals are limited even further by Section 626 of the Cable Act, 47 USC § 546. Nevertheless, there are certain terms that can be negotiated between a locality and a provider.  Portsmouth City Council granted a Cable Franchise Agreement to Verizon on July 22, 2008, and later extended the term of said agreement to December 10, 2024. Discussion:  The City and Verizon have been negotiating the renewal and are close to a full renewal agreement with terms and conditions benefiting the City to the greatest extent possible; however, it is proposed to provide a short extension to the existing Agreement prior to its expiration this month.  The extension term for the Agreement would expire on April 22, 2025. Because the negotiation is nearly complete, it is anticipated that proposed renewal of the Cable Franchise Agreement will be brought to City Council for consideration prior to the April 22, 2025, expiration date.  Providing the short extension through the ordinance proposed for Council consideration will avoid interruption of service for Portsmouth citizens who are Verizon cable customers. Financial Impact:  None Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The City Manager will execute the extension.  City staff will finish negotiating the renewal of the Cable Franchise Agreement with Verizon. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Mr. Hugel, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING EXTENSION OF THE CITY’S CABLE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH VERIZON TO APRIL 22, 2025. ” Ayes: Hugel, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Tillage, Whitaker, Glover Nays: None 24 - 371 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting an allocation of $145,252 from the State Compensation Board Technology Trust Fund and appropriating said amount in the FY 2025 Grants Fund for use by the Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk’s Office to fund technology maintenance and improvements.