HomeMy WebLinkAbout6A Merger Triax/DD Cable
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AGENDA #:
PREP ARED BY:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
INTRODUCTION:
DISCUSSION:
ISSUES:
ALTERNATIVES:
STAFF AGENDA REPORT
6A f\~ \
FRANK BOYLES, CITY MANAGER X
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER PRO
OF TRIAXlDD CABLE COMPANY
JUNE 17, 1996
The cable television franchise agreement between the City of
Prior Lake and Triax Midwest Associates provides that the
City must consent to a transfer of the cable television
franchise. We have received an application by Triax Midwest
Associates, L.P., D.D. Cable Partners, L.P., and D.D. Cable
Holdings, Inc. d/b/a Midwest and Northland Cablevision for
such a transfer.
Thomas Creighton, with the law firm of Burnick and Lifson,
has historically represented Prior Lake on cable television
matters. I have attached a May 16, 1996 letter from Mr.
Creighton which instructs the cities served by his firm to open
a Public Hearing on or before June 17. The City Council is to
open a Public Hearing and continue it until further notice from
Burnick and Lifson. In the meantime, it is Attorney
Creighton's intent to review the provisions of the proposed
transfer. Among his priorities is to assure that reimbursement
of City expenses is paid for by the petitioner.
Mr. Creighton will be present at a subsequent hearing to
further discuss the cable transfer issue.
The Council has the following alternatives:
1. Open the Public Hearing and continue it pending
notification from the attorney's office.
RECOMMENDATION: Alternative #1. I am advised by the attorney that there is little
leverage available for the City under the terms of our franchise
agreement and other state and federal laws to appreciably
16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
improve the conditions of our existing franchise agreement.
Instead, Mr. Creighton has suggested that it would be
appropriate for the cities of Prior Lake and Savage and the
school district to approach the companies once the transfer has
taken place in an effort to initiate a more productive
relationship than has existed in the past.
ACTION REQUIRED: Open the Public Hearing and continue it until further notice
from the attorney's office.
Attachment
AG60617.DOC
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
(to be published in the June 8, 1996 Prior Lake American)
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on June 17, 1996 at 7:30 o'clock p.m., or as soon
thereafter as individuals may reasonably be heard, at Prior Lake Fire Station I, 16776 Fish
Point Road, the City of Prior Lake will open a public hearing to receive input regarding
the proposed transfer of ownership of Triax Midwest Associates, L.P., Dn Cable
Partners, L.P., DD Cable Holdings, Inc., and its subsidiary d/b/a Midwest Cablevision.
Individuals wishing to present information should attend.
(for publication in the Saturday, June 8, 1996 Prior Lake American)
PHNTRIAX.DOC