6. Franchise Agreement - Bresnan CommunicationsCity
Kalispell
Foss Office Box '1 - Kalispell, Montana -1 - Telephone 758-7000 Fax - (406) 758-7758
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and. City Councfl
FROM* James H. Patrick, City Manager
SUBJECT: Cable Franchise Agreement
MEETING E: August 14, 200
BACKGROUND: At a Council workshop on July 11, 2005, Council discussed the merits of
having a Cable Franchise Agreement. Coun ii's concern was having another tax. However, as
was explained ained then, a franchise agreement can and should address customer service standards,
local government access channel, and concerns relating to right of way maintenance and
restoration.
,after this presentation, I began working with Bresnan on a draft franchise agreement.. Since that
time, Bresnan discontinued the position responsible for filming, production and airing of Council
meetings. Bresnan has agreed to reimburse the City for the cost of those services on a temporary
basis until a decision on a franchise agreement is reached.
The City needs to determine if Council meetings should continue to be televised, and how to pay
for upgrading equipment, amortizing the cost of equipment., and paying for personnel costs.
RECOMMENDATION : That Council direct staff to conduct franchise negotiations with
Bresnan cable and set the expectations for the agreement.
Respectfully submitted,
x
la�aes H. Patrick, City Manager