HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOW 2006-08-14 Item 3B - Discussion - City Government Access Channel and Funding Options i �J�.NSLA,
COUNCIL AGENDA SYNOPSIS
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ITEM INFORMATION
I CAS NUMBER: 06-087 IORIGIN.m. AGENDA DATE: AUGUST 14, 2006
AGENDA ITE]ITrrLE City Government Channel
CATEGORY Discussion Motion Resolution Ordinance Bid Award Public Heating Other
AIN Date 8/14/06 Afsg Date 8 /21/06 Ig Day Mfg Date Mfg Dal Alts Date Mfg Date
SPONSOR Council Mayor Adm Svcs DCD Finance Fin I.e P&R Police PIS
SPONSOR'S Staff is working with Comcast to obtain a Tukwila Government Channel. The channel
SUMMARY allows the City to keep citizens better informed of public meetings, school events, City
projects, employment opportunities, and other community events. The estimated capital
cost for the cablecasting equipment is approximately $25,000. The two options are for the
City to absorb the capital costs or have Comcast pass the cost through to the City's
subscribers.
REVIEWED BY COW Mt CA&P Cmte F&S Cmte Transportation Cmte
Utilities Cmte Arts Comm. Parks Comm. Planning Comm.
DATE: 8/08/06
RECOMMENDATIONS:
SPONSOR /ADMEN. Presentation and discussion.
COMMITTEE Forward to COW.
COST IMPACT FUND SOURCE
EXPENDITURE REQUIRED AMOUNT BUDGETED APPROPRIATION REQUIRED
$0.00 $25,000.00
Fund Source:
Comments:
MTG. DATE I RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION
I 8/14/06 1
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I 8/21/06
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MTG. DATE ATTACHMENTS
8/14/06 1 Information Memo dated August 1, 2006
1 Utilities Committee minutes from August 8, 2006
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I 8/21/06 1 I
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INFORMATION MEMO
To: Mayor Mullet
From: Public Works Directog g)
Date: August 1, 2006
Subject: City Government Channel
ISSUE
Update Council on City's plan to acquire capability to cablecast public information and City events.
Obtain Council decision on pass through of channel equipment capital costs.
BACKGROUND
As a means of enhancing communications with Tukwila residents and businesses, staff is working with
Comcast to obtain a Tukwila Government Channel. This Channel would allow the City to broadcast a
wide array of public information such as public meetings, council agendas, employment opportunities,
construction projects, and community events. Additionally, events such as Tukwila Days, Fourth of
July celebrations, special ceremonies, and school programs could be taped and broadcast over the
channel.
DISCUSSION
In accordance with Ordinance No. 1688, Comcast must provide the equipment necessary for local
government cablecasting within twelve (12) months of City's request. Staff has prepared a formal letter
requesting the Channel from Comcast.
The capital cost for the City Channel equipment (excluding equipment to record, edit, program and
televise Council Meetings) is approximately $25,000. The City has two options in covering the capital
requirements:
Option 1. City pays for the equipment using general funds.
Option 2: Comcast covers the capital cost. Per the Franchise Agreement, Comcast is
required to provide the necessary equipment but has the option to pass the capital cost
to subscribers. The pass through is approximately $.25 per month per subscriber for
two years.
In addition to the capital costs, there are operating costs associated with the Channel. These costs will
be covered using general funds.
RECOMMENDATION
Present to the Utilities Committee and Committee of the Whole for discussion and obtain Council's
approvaUdisapproval of the pass through option.
F1:ad
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II
Utilities Committee
August 8, 2006 5:00 p.m.
Present: Jim Haggerton, Chair; Pam Linder, and Verna Griffin
Jim Morrow, Director of Public Works; Frank Iriarte, Deputy Director; Bob Gibarson, Acting City Engineer; Mike
Cusick, Senior Engineer, Pat Brodin, Operations Manager, Gail Labanara, Public Works Analyst; and Diane
Jenkins, Administrative Assistant to the Council.
Business Aaenda
A. AT&T Corooration Franchise Aareernent
Mr. Frank Iriarte related that AT&T submitted a franchise packet on June 28, 2006. AT&T recently acquired Touch
America's fiber optic system and recently purchased conduits and associated fiber infrastructure from 360 Networks.
They would like to expand their fiber optics network (a map showing the expansion was reviewed). It was noted that
AT&T did want some changes to the standard agreement such as a reduction of the administrative fee from 55,000 to
$2,500, changes in the requirement to underground the utilities, challenged providing'as- builts," etc. None of these were
incorporated into the standard franchise agreement. Mr Haggerton noted that both underground and above ground are
considered part of cities' rights -of -way. He referred to the third 'Whereas, the City Council...from the standpoint of
benefits to be derived by local business He asked if AT&T was only going to provide service to businesses. Mr Iriarte
indicated that at this time, they have no installations planned for residential customers. In the future, as they seek
additional expansion, this issue could be addressed. A draft of the proposed franchise agreement was provided. There
should be no construction activity other than accessing manholes and pulling fiber along the conduit route. Unanimous
approval; forward to Committee of the Whole.
B. City Government Channel
Mr. Iriarte indicated that the City has notified Comcast of its intent to operate a dedicated government channel as
authorized by the franchise agreement. This is in addition to the public access channel. This would allow the City to
broadcast a wide array of public information such as road closures and public meeting notices to residents and
y< businesses. Ms. Linder noted that the Council has not yet decided to televise council meetings due to funding; additional
equipment would be required. Mr friarte continued and related that there will be approximately 525,000 in capital costs.
These costs could be paid from either the City's general fund or via a 25 cent fee to Comcast's subscribers. Tnere are
approximately 4,300 subscribers and they would be assessed this amount on a monthly basis for two years. Ms. Griffin
requested that Comcast be asked how this fee would appear on a customer's bill. Concern was expressed on the number
the fees and taxes placed on many services such as cell phones. Mr Haggerton conveyed that only Comcast subscribers
would be able to view this information, however, this would be another tool which could be used to facilitate
communication with residents. Unanimous approval; forward to Committee of the Whole.
C. Budaet for CWA and RCFCs
Mr. Pat Brodin reported that increases are projected for Cascade Water Alliance (CWA) for 2007 on wholesale supply and
Regional Facilities Charges (RCFCs). The philosophy for RCFCs is that 'growth pays for growth' in order to keep rates
reasonable for consumers. in 2006, the RCFC almost doubled. In 2006, the fee was 54.648 and it is being proposed to
increase to $5,297 This is based on current construction estimate of 4% rather than the original assumption of 3 A
copy of an article, 'Rising costs are hurting road projects statewide,' related that due to rising asphalt and other raw
materials, there are dramatic increases in construction projects. A copy of the member payments for the CWA was
reviewed and discussed. Mr. Morrow stated that it is the intent that all developers' costs are paid upfront or made known
to the consumer so that these costs could be financed by them, Information only.
D. Fort Dent Park Sewer
Mr. Morrow indicated the capacity of lift station #6 that services Fort Dent ParkfStarfire is over capacity A sewer flow
monitor was used during the opening weekend of the All Nations Cup and the design capacity was exceeded 10 times in
48 hours. Even though the lift station has two pumps, it is not designed for this high amount of flow, It is designed for one
pump to serve as back -up; crews alternate the pumps. This must be remedied. Because of the placement of the flow
monitors, it was determined that Starfire's flow is double the quantity estimated by Starfire consultant, Berryman and
Henigar. The graphs showing the flow were reviewed, You are required to deal with the maximum amount of flow.
Mr. Morrow explained the rationale for not up the sewer force main from lift station #6 to the Renton Treatment
Plant; it is located in the tow of the Green River levee and goes under the railroad tracks. To accommodate Starfire's
construction schedule and keep costs down (see article referenced above), the best solution would be reroute the flows
from lift station #5 along Interurban Ave. S to an existing gravity sanitary sewer Then lift station #6 could be dedicated to
Starfire Complex. Family Fun Center recently made application for Phase 3 of their project which will be smaller than
originally proposed. Mr Morrow reviewed funding for the project. In 2003, construction was estimated at 5755,000 with
Starfire contributing 5205,000 (approximately 30% of the construction cost) and King County, 5400,000. The City had
committed 5150,000. Since that time, construction costs have greatly escalated and the estimated cost for the project is
$917,500. At this time, Starfire is reluctant to make a contribution and King County reduced its commitment to 5150,000,
To make up the 5617,000 shortfall, a reallocation of projects within the Capital Improvements Project (CIP) budget was
proposed. He reviewed the reallocation of budget from traffic calming (5190,000), Codiga Farm (538,000), S. 144" St.
sidewalks/) -5 overpass (525,000), 303 Fund (5300,000) and sewer GIS inventory (590,000). With the Fort Dent revenue
($150,000) and King County's contribution (5150,000) this would total $943,000 for this project. These projects will be
funded at a later date. As a contingency, if the bids are higher than expected, funds from the winter park could also be
used. Mr. Haggerton noted that he would inquire as to why King County's contribution was reduced.
Unanimous approval; forward to Committee of the Whole.
Adjoumment: 6:10 p.m.
I Committee Chair Approval
Minutes by DJ, Reviewed by GL