Minutes 11-21-00 f41'NUTES OF THE SPECI'AL CITY COMMTSSi'ON NIEE'r~NG
HELD I'N CONIMI'SSI'ON CHAMBERS, CI'TY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORZDA
ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2000 AT 6:15 P.I~I.
PRESENT
Gerald Broening, Mayor
Ronald Weiland, Vice Mayor
Bruce Black, Commissioner
Charlie Fisher, Commissioner
Kurt Bressner, City Manager
.lames Cherof, City Attorney
Sue Kruse, City Clerk
OPENTNG
Mayor Broening called the meeting to order at 6:17 p.m.
Attorney Cherof advised that as part of the process for renewal of the Adelphia Cable Communications
Cable Television Franchise for the City of Boynton Beach, two public hearings are being conducted to
accePt input on whether:
1. Adelphia had substantially complied with the material terms of the existing
franchise, and with applicable law;
The quality of Adelphia's service had been reasonable in light of the community's
needs;
Adelphia has the financial, technical and legal capabilities to fulfill its obligations,
and
..
Adelphia's proposal can meet the future cable-related community needs and
interests, taking cost into account.
This is the second and final public hearing on this issue. Following the public hearing, the Commission
will make its determination on whether or not to renew the franchise.
Vice Mayor Weiland explained that in his line of work, he sees the reluctance of the cable companies to
properly bury their cables. He urged the City to communicate with the cable companies to urge them to
ensure the City that the cables are installed properly in accordance with the depth code.
Don Fenton questioned whether Adelphia would be offering fiber optics and telephone service on the
cable.
Wilfred Hawkins, Assistant City Manager, advised that this area of the City (Leisureville) still has overhead
lines. Fiber optics is occurring in areas west of T-95. The City will have to talk with them about their
plans to move forward with more fiber optic installation in the older parts of the City. IVlr. Hawkins said
he did not have an answer with respect to telephone service.
Mr. Fenton pointed out that there are many companies that are offering dual options with respect to fiber
optic and telephone. This would not be a good deal if Adelphia were not offering these services.
Bill Lynch, President of Boynton Beach Leisureville, reported that fiber optic was installed in
Boynton Beach Leisureville approximately 11/2 years ago. They signed a five-year contract with Adelphia
for in-house channels. They are offering options for computers, etc. Boynton Beach is very satisfied with
the service Adelphia has been providing.
MEETZNG MZNUTES
SPECTAL CZ'DY COMMI'SSI'ON
BOYNTON BEACH~ FLORI'DA
NOVEMBER 21~, 2000
Mayor Broening asked if Adelphia and Comcast have offered any evidence of a willingness to upgrade
their systems to the newer fiber optic system.
Mr. Hawkins explained that in the newer developments of the City, west of ]:-95, they have done fiber
optic installation. There is some concern about the older sections of the City. Discussions will take place
with them to see what their plans are for retrofitting the remaining areas east of :[-95.
Mayor Broening questioned when Adelphia would be taking over the Comcast franchise. Mr. Hawkins
advised that the City has not yet received a definitive answer on the FCC approval of the buy-out.
Motion
Commissioner Black moved to approve. Commissioner Fisher seconded the motion that carried 4-0.
AD3OURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting properly adjourned at 6:25
p.m.
A-I-TEST:
C:[TY OF BOYNTON BEACH
Vice Mayor h
Com'~'~ioner
Commissioner
Commissioner