January 7, 1999

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOUR BOARD:

3. Find this project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

PURPOSE OF RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Jones has requested a renewal of the subject cable television franchise. An extension of term through October 10, 2000, is requested in order to complete the negotiations of the subject franchise and to finalize a new franchise agreement.
JUSTIFICATION:

The extension of the current franchise term through October 10, 2000, will allow Los Angeles County to negotiate concurrently franchise renewals in the Green Valley, Littlerock and Palmdale unincorporated areas. Since these three areas receive cable television service from Jones pursuant to three separate franchises, negotiating these franchise renewals concurrently will result in a more efficient process and reduce duplication of effort. Further, extension of the current franchise term will allow the County to prepare a survey of subscribers in the franchise area and conduct any technical audits of the cable systems, if necessary.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There will be no cost to the County. Jones paid approximately $25,000.00 in franchise fees for the 1998 calendar year. Section 622 (b) of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 (47 U.S.C. §542 (b)), allows the County to collect a maximum of 5% of total gross revenues collected by a cable television franchisee over a 12-month period. The extension of term will continue to provide for collection by the County of the maximum allowable franchise fee.

FINANCING:

There will be no negative financial impact. Revenues will remain at 5% of total gross revenues earned by the franchisee over a 12-month period.

FACTS AND PROVISIONS/LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

The Office of the County Counsel has reviewed the attached ordinance and approved it as to form.

Pursuant to the attached amending ordinance, Jones shall continue to provide a discount to economically disadvantaged subscribers, including senior citizens, on the Extended Basic Tier for the duration of the franchise extension term.

IMPACT ON CURRENT SERVICES (OR PROJECTS):

There will be no impact on current services. Jones will continue to provide cable television service to the residents of the unincorporated Green Valley areas.

NEGATIVE DECLARATION/ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT:

The grant of this pipeline franchise is categorically exempt under CEQA pursuant to Class 1, Section (e) of the Environmental Document Reporting Procedures and Guideline adopted by your Board on November 17, 1987, and Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines.

CONCLUSION:

It is requested that the Executive Office-Clerk of the Board notify Ms. Janet Spatz, General Manager, Jones 41551 10th Street West, Palmdale, CA 93551, of the Board's action in this matter. It is also requested that conformed copies be forwarded to County Counsel, the Department of Public Works, the Auditor-Controller, and the Department of Consumer Affairs, Cable Television Franchising Division.

Respectfully submitted,

Pastor Herrera, Jr.
Director

PH:GY

Attachment

c: Chief Administrative Officer

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