HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/05/93CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
April 5, 1993
6:00 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Roll Call: Mayor Manning, Angel, Buck, Lemke, Budak, Fox, Dell and
Wright.
The Mayor stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the
Cable Commission's request for adoption of a proposed resolution
which would establish the annual Cable Commission budget for FY
1995 and beyond to include all franchise fees received by the city
in excess of $140,000. Said resolution was tabled by the City
Council on March 22nd to allow discussion of same.
Chuck Angel, Chairperson of the Commission, stated that the purpose
of the added funds was to continue the Commission's efforts to
cable cast city council meetings and expand the use of cable to all
facets of city government. The Commission has been somewhat
stymied in their efforts due to lack of funding. He asked that a
portion of the cable franchise fees be diverted to the Cable
Commission instead of being used to lower the general fund levy.
This past month, the city received franchise fees of $181,000. Mr.
Angel stated that the Commission has submitted budgets the past
three years and has received $2000, $9660, and $10,660,
respectively. He asked that the Council make a decision so that
the Commission can plan its future or drop the issue entirely.
In response, Mayor Manning questioned whether the Cable Commission
at its April 1st meeting had considered other alternatives. Mr.
Angel reported that the Commission desires to proceed with the
original request of funds in excess of $140,000.
Councilperson Buck stated that he did not have a problem with the
additional monies for the Commission but questioned which city
general fund department would be reduced to allow diverting the
cable fees to the Commission. Councilperson Angel supported the
use of all cable franchise fees by the Commission. Mr. Burger
stated that the franchise/ordinance provides no specifics on the
use of the franchise fees and only states that the gross revenues
from the operations be included as a part of the fee.
Councilperson Lemke supported the use of franchise fees by the
Cable Commission. Councilperson Dell, speaking as a former member
of the Commission, stated that the Commission has been very active
and the monies appropriated to the Commission over the years which
approximates $50,000 - $60,000 is grossly unfair for the work that
they have done.
Mr. Burger stated that franchise fees are paid by the company to
the city to reimburse the city for use of public rights-of-way and
not for the sole use of the Commission.
Mayor Manning inquired as to the status of an independent audit to
determine whether additional fees are due the city. Staff reported
that the Waterloo Commission is working with the Cedar Falls Cable
Commission as a joint effort. The auditor would work on a
contingency fee basis.
In response to a question by Councilperson Dell, Mr. Angel stated
that many cities utilize their franchise fees for operation of
Cable Commissions including the cities of Dubuque, Davenport, Cedar
Falls, Story City and others. Councilperson Lemke stated that
citizens have requested that more city meetings be carried on local
cable channel 2 amplifying the need for continued efforts by the
Commission. Mr. Angel reported that the Commission is very anxious
to "sell the community" and that this is a golden opportunity to do
so.
Mayor Manning questioned whether the franchise fee percentage could
be increased. Mr. Angel responded that the new cable legislation
City Council Work Session
April 5, 1993
Page 2
allows the city to reopen its franchise agreement and possibly
raise the fee from 3% to 5%. The city's franchise agreement with
TCI expires in the year 2003.
Shirley Koslowski, a member of the Cable Commission, supported the
additional monies for the Commission noting that the Commission has
difficulty, without a full-time staff member, to monitor the
activities of cable channel 2 including its use by the cable
company for advertising purposes.
Bev Trost, a member of the Cable Commission, stated that two issues
are of concern. The first is whether or not the city will continue
to use the franchise fees to provide property tax relief and
secondly, is the city willing to provide an operating budget that
allows the Commission to develop beyond its currently volunteerism
level.
Mr. Angel discussed the urgency of finding a full-time staff member
since he soon will not be able to provide volunteer support on an
ongoing basis.
Commissioner Koslowski stated that if the City Council is willing
to look forward and provide a financial future for the Commission,
the Commission can then move forward with their programming goals
and objectives.
It was agreed that the proposed resolution establishing the F.Y.
1995 budget to include all revenues received by the city in excess
of $140,000 be presented to the City Council on Monday, April 12,
1993 for consideration.
With no further business before the Council, the meeting was
adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Larry P. Burger
City Clerk/Auditor