Subject:
Title
Request to Approve Cox Franchise Extension Agreement
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
CoxCom, LLC, d/b/a Cox Communications Northern Virginia (“Cox”) and its corporate predecessors has operated a non-exclusive cable system under Town Council approved franchise agreements for many years. Cox currently has a ten (10) year Cable Franchise Agreement that will expire on February 1, 2024.
Cox has requested that the Town extend it current franchise for a term of 3 years due to expected legislative and regulatory changes. The County of Fairfax, on March 31, 2023, approved a three (3) year franchise extension for Cox. The Town Attorney has consulted with the Office of the County Attorney and recommends the Town also agree to a three (3) year extension. The Franchise extension will enable the Town to coordinate with Cox, other cable providers, and the County to address expected federal or state legislative actions that would affect cable providers and franchise agreements.
Departmental Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Finance Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Purchasing Recommendation: N/A
Town Attorney Recommendation: The proposed three (3) year Franchise Extension would keep in place all current Cox Franchise terms.
The Town Attorney has consulted with the Office of the County Attorney and recommends the Town also agree to a three (3) year extension. The Franchise extension will enable the Town to coordinate with Cox, other cable providers, and the County to address expected federal or state legislative actions that would affect cable providers and franchise agreements.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council approve extensions of the cable franchise agreement with Cox, as presented.
Cost and Financing: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Prior Funding Approval: Annual General Budget (Year), Amendments, CIP Budget (Year), or ARPA.
Decision Needed by This date: October 23, 2023
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to approve extension of the cable franchise agreement with CoxCom (Cox) for a period of three years, "
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.