HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-048 RESOLUTION NO. 2006-048
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ATASCADERO
REGARDING TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
AND VITAL CITY INTERESTS
WHEREAS, technological advances in telecommunications services are outpacing the
current state and federal regulatory framework for those services, and
WHEREAS, the new telecommunications services will be vital to the businesses,
households and the public safety of local communities, and
WHEREAS, Congress and the California state legislature are beginning a serious debate
on a new regulatory framework for telecommunications services in the 2006 legislative session,
and
WHEREAS, financial resources that cities receive under the current regulatory
framework for telecommunications services are vital to support local public services such as
public safety and transportation, and
WHEREAS, the taxpayers have a financial interest to protect in the public's right-of-
way; and
WHEREAS, fair, level playing-field competition among telecommunications providers
is important to delivering telecommunications services at the best price for our citizens, the
consumers, and
WHEREAS, telecommunications industry services to a local community such as Public
Education and Government (PEG) channels, INET services to local schools and E911 and 911
public safety services to local citizens are important services to maintain.
NOW,THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Atascadero, this 23rd day of
May, 2006 does hereby adopt the following principles for Congress and the state legislature to
consider in its debate over a new telecommunications regulatory framework:
REVENUE PROTECTIONS
• Protect the authority of local governments to collect revenues from telecommunications
providers and ensure that any future changes are revenue neutral for local governments.
• Regulatory fees and/or taxes should apply equitably to all telecommunications service
providers.
• A guarantee that all existing and any new fees/taxes remain with local governments to
err support local public services and mitigate impacts on local nghts-of-way
• Oppose any state or federal legislation that would pre-empt or threaten local taxation
authority
RIGHTS-OF-WAY
• To protect the public's investment, the control of public rights-of-way must remain local.
• Local government must retain full control over the time, place and manner for the use of
the public right-of-way in providing telecommunications services, including the
appearance and aesthetics of equipment placed within it.
ACCESS
• All local community residents should be provided access to all available
telecommunications services.
• Telecommunications providers should be required to specify a reasonable timeframe for
deployment of telecommunications services that includes a clear plan for the sequencing
of the build-out of these facilities within the entire franchise area.
PUBLIC EDUCATION AND GOVERNMENT (PEG) SUPPORT
• The resources required of new entrants should be used to meet PEG support requirements
in a balanced manner in partnership with incumbent providers.
• For cities currently without PEG support revenues, a minimum percentage of required
support needs to be determined.
INSTITUTIONAL OR FIBER NETWORK(INET)
• The authority for interested communities to establish INET services and support for
educational and local government facilities should remain at the local level
PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES
• The authority for E-911 and 911 services should remain with local government, including
any compensation for the use of the right-of-way All E-911 and 911 calls made by voice
over internet protocol shall be routed to local public safety answering points (PSAPs),
i e., local dispatch centers.
• All video providers must provide local emergency notification service.
CUSTOMER SERVICE PROTECTION
• State consumer protection laws should continue to apply as a minimum standard and
should be enforced at the local level. Local governments should retain the authority to
assess penalties to improve customer service
OTHER ISSUES
Existing telecommunications providers and new entrants shall adhere to local city
policies on public utility undergroundmg.
NOW BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the
Congressional Representative and all state legislative representatives for the City of Atascadero
as well as all appropriate local media outlets.
On motion by Council Member Luna and seconded by Council Member Clay, the
foregoing Resolution is hereby adopted following roll call vote-
AYES Council Members Clay, Luna, Pacas, Scalise and Mayor O'Malley
NOES None
ABSENT None
ABSTAINED None
ADOPTED- May 23, 2006 CIT--OF ATAS ADFO
----N-- 41
Tom O'Malley, Mayor
ATTEST
By ��7z
Marcia McClure Torgerson, C.M. .,
City Clerk
APPROVED ' S TO FORM.
By
Patn , City Attorney