January 2009 Agency Report
Telecom & Video Services Agency Report
January 20, 2009
Thank you for this opportunity to highlight some of the things that the Telecom & Video Services Agency has been involved with during the past month.
ORDINANCE REVISIONS
The Office of Corporation Counsel (OCC) and our office have been working on revising the current 851 Cable Ordinance. The purpose is to make the ordinance consistent with the state law. We previously shared the latest draft to come from OCC with our comments to the Board for its input. Eventually the ordinance will be taken up by the City-County Council.
BRIGHT HOUSE FRANCHISE FEE REVIEW
Counsel is planning on submitting a complaint with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) with respect to the impasse that we have to the Bright House 2004-2006 franchise fee audit. Counsel has advised Bright House’s counsel of the City’s plans to approach the IURC regarding the matter.
2009 BUDGET MEETINGS
The Agency has met internally and with the Board chair with respect to the Controller’s Office request that departments set aside 5% of its 2009 budget on reserve. We have identified those areas of our budget to place in the reserve should it be needed by the Controller.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS
We have a standing committee that is meeting with Councilor Jeff Cardwell to discuss where opportunities might be available to utilize City TV for purposes of promoting economic development. We have had several discussions and plan to involve the Indy Chamber of Commerce and the Mayor’s point person on economic development as we move forward.
CITY TV POLICIES & PROCEDURES
In light of the aforementioned discussion, the Agency has drafted some updates and changes to the ‘Channel 16’ Policies and Procedures document which was approved by the former Cable Franchise Board in 1996. There is some old language to clean up to reflect name changes, the fact that there are two government access channels (versus one) and provide clarity on previously established language dealing with underwriting. When we have had input internally on the document, we will present it to this Board for consideration.