HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works November 9 2011WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works and Safety Committee
November 9, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Barbara Brenner called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL (2:00:56 PM)
Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann and Tony Larson.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Sam Crawford, Carl Weimer and Bill Knutzen.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION WITH ASSISTANT CHIEF DEPUTY PROSECUTOR DANIEL GIBSON
REGARDING UPCOMING FRANCHISE AGREEMENT NEGOTIATIONS (AB2011 -334)
Dan Gibson, Prosecutor's Office, gave a staff report and stated the question is which issues
are important to the Council and what position should the County take in the franchise negotiation.
The primary issues seem to be regarding the franchise fee and the public, education, and
government (PEG) broadcasting. He would like a forum for Council priorities to come together, so
he can take them to negotiations.
Brenner stated and there was discussion of setting up an advisory committee to work on
this agreement.
The following people spoke:
• Stan Calhoun stated Comcast doesn't have a history of providing everyone with the
same service, as the contract requires it to do. His current service providers can't
bundle services like Comcast can do. Write the contract so it allows the County or
consumers to choose which channels will be available. Make sure Comcast is
required to serve all homes in the county.
• Dennis Lane, Whatcom Community Television and Communications Executive
Director, stated Comcast is proposing to the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) a program to provide discounted equipment for underserved students in
communities. He wants to work with Comcast in the local community to develop
that program most effectively and efficiently. However, he was told that very rural
homes would have to pay for the footage to lay the fiber to their homes. He would
like more information on the specifics of the proposed project to reach low income
students and families who live in very rural areas.
• Lynn Barton stated require Comcast to deal with complaints locally.
• Suzanne Blaise, Black Dog Productions, stated base a County franchise on completed
negotiation between Comcast and the City of Bellingham. She described the
historical context of granting franchises to television programming companies and
the contract negotiated between Comcast and the City of Bellingham. She answered
questions.
• Russ Nelson stated cable is not a utility. He described the historical context of
government requirements and regulation of utilities. The service provided is a
business decision, and it depends on money. He described the history and use of
channel 26.
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Brenner asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether Comcast has an exclusive franchise.
• Whether the State Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) still has a role in
this franchise.
• Whether the County requires Comcast to serve all households.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether they can have one channel that is used
by the public, education, and government.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of who pays for setting up a studio for use by the
public, education, and government.
Larson asked and there was discussion of the County's leverage in negotiations and who
else could step in to fill the service.
Lane stated and there was discussion on future technology making a franchise agreement
obsolete. Lock public access in now. There will not be another opportunity. He described the
leverage the County may have in negotiations.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of how the County takes advantage of its leverage
in negotiations.
Knutzen stated he will talk to the small cities and try to coordinate efforts.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council@�.o.w hatcom .wa.us
Public Works and Safety Committee, 11/9/2011, Page 2