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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFRA1978-0134 - Other - 3H Cable Communincations Consultants - Advise on Cable Franchise Transfer - 02/27/1986 A D' ON OF 314 MANAGEMENT & CONSULTANTS,I CC able Communications Consultants 4517 CALIFORNIA AVENUE SOUTHWEST, SUITE B ❑ SF.ATTLE, WASHINGTON 98116 ❑ (206) 935-9040 February 27, 1986 Barry Marshall Division VP & Chief Operating Officer TC 1 West, Inc. 1215 114th Ave. S.E. Bellevue, WA 98004 Dear Mr. Marshall: We have received Group W's letter officially requesting the transfer of their cable franchise within the City of Kent to TCI Cablevislon of Washington, Inc. We would like to advise you that Kent Ordinance #2093 requires that an approval be granted only after a public hearing and if it is determined to be in the best interest of the City. With this in mind, there are four questions the City must ask of the proposed transferee. They are as follows: 1) Does the . future operator have the financial resources to construct and operate the cable system within the City of Kent? 2) Is the future operator known to have a solid character background which would allow it to operate the cable system within the City of Kent? 3) Does the future operator have a willingness to use its financial resources and abilities to operate a cable system in the City of Kent that matches specifications set forth In city ordinances? 4) Is the future operator willing to fulfill those commitments to which Group W Cable is legally bound? There is little question that TCI, as the largest cable operator in the world, has the financial resources and character background to provide the City of Kent the type of cable services that are required. However, in order to determine TCI's willingness to use Its resources and fulfill previous franchise commitments made by Group W, the City of Kent will need a written response concerning the following issues: a) All residential areas within the City of Kent will be served by cable. This has been committed to by previous Group W managers, both verbally and in writing, for the years 1983 and 1984. To date construction is not yet complete. Barry Marshall Page 2 February 27, 1986 b) The cable system will be upgraded so that all subscribers within the City limits have identical service available to them. This has also been promised many times, both verbally and in writing. As yet there are still sections of the City limited to a 12 channel system which is obsolete. c) In writing, Group W has agreed to an increase in the franchise fee from the present 3% to the limit of 5% as established by the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984. Although the City has taken no action in this regard, it is expected that the Council will be looking into this possibility within the coming months. In addition, the City will be looking at the usage of an access channel and is interested in TCI's willingness to provide Kent an access channel. tioned Issues We request that you respond to our office, 'n writin , on the the transfer proceedings in anexpedient as soon as possible so that we may conclude manner. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. Sincerely, 9Pr O (CATIONS CONSULTANTS t/Director LAH:smw cc: Mike Webby, Administrative Assistant John Stevens, Group W Cable TV