19900213 r-90-5RESOLUTION NO. R-90-..~
RESOLUTION TO COMMUNICATE COUNCIL SUPPORT FOR
FEDERAL LEGISLATION DESIGNED TO RETURN TOLOCAL
GOVERNMENTS REGULATORY AUTHORITY OVER CABLE
OPERATORS IN REGARD TORATES, TECHNICAL SERVICE
DELIVERY CRITERIA, FRANCHISE AWARD AND RENEWAL
PROCEDURES
WHEREAS, cable television has become an integral part of the
communication system of the City of Fairfax; and
WHEREAS, the best interests of the public are served by
quality, yet affordable cable service; and
WHEREAS, the Cable Franchise Policy and Communications Act of
1984 substantially reduced local government regulatory authority
over cable operators; and
WHEREAS, cable television basic service rates have
dramatically increased subsequent to deregulation; and
WHEREAS, current law and regulations do not adequately
safeguard the City's right of denial of franchise renewal; and
WHEREAS, anti-competitive actions on the part of some cable
operators threaten entry into the market of competing and
alternative information systems; and
WHEREAS, federal law precludes franchising authorities from
requiring improvement in poor signal quality; and
WHEREAS, traditionally free local broadcast television may be
threatened by the unregulated operation of monopolistic cable
operators; and
WHEREAS, the results of the Cable Franchise and Policy
Communications Act of 1984 have, in part, been contrary to the
stated purposes;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Fairfax City Council
that the Council supports federal legislation designed to return
to local governments regulatory authority over cable operators in
regard to rates, technical service delivery criteria, franchise
award and renewal procedures, and hereby authorizes and directs the
City Manager to communicate Council support for such legislation
to the Virginia Congressional Delegation, the National League of
Cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and government leaders of
the surrounding jurisdictions.
ADOPTED this 13th day of
February
, 1990 .
ATTEST:
--~/- k] City Clerk