HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works October 25 20111
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works and Safety Committee
October 25, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Barbara Brenner called the meeting to order at 1:56 p.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL (1:56:04 PM)
Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann and Tony Larson.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Carl Weimer.
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 City of Bellingham
just addressed its franchise with Comcast. He would like to know if the Council would like
to provide input and guidance on what he should include in the negotiations.
Brenner stated don't change anything, and make Comcast give the County some
television time.
Larson asked for and there was discussion of:
• The background on the current franchise agreement.
• Whether finding another vendor is practical.
Mann asked and there was discussion of having three public access channels and a
Comcast - provided production space for citizens.
Knutzen stated and there was discussion about the different cable companies that
service county residents. Work with Comcast, who provides internet access to low- income
students. They don't need three public access channels.
Gibson stated he would like someone other than him to glean the details he should
negotiate in the contract.
Mann asked to see the City's contract.
Weimer stated ask those questions of the City, who worked on their franchise for two
years. The County doesn't know what the possibilities are. The City can be a filter of all the
options.
Public Works and Safety Committee, 10/25/2011, Page 1
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Gibson asked the Council to help him filter through the options for negotiating a
franchise.
Brenner moved to set up a task force that includes the three Public Works
Committee members and community members with expertise.
Mann stated that instead they should advertise the next committee meeting and
invite people to attend and speak.
Brenner withdrew her motion. They will hold this in committee and invite people
to attend.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 2:20 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, 10/25/2011, Page 2