RESOLUTION NO. RS2010-1223

A resolution requesting the CATV Special Committee to negotiate a cable television service discount for senior and disabled citizens as part of the Comcast franchise renewal process.

WHEREAS, in 1995, the Metropolitan Council granted a franchise to Televue-Systems, Inc., d/b/a Viacom Cable, to operate a cable television system in Nashville and Davidson County in accordance with Section 6.08 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws; and

WHEREAS, this 1995 franchise, currently held by Comcast, is set to expire on May 4, 2010, unless extended; and

WHEREAS, the CATV Special Committee, through its counsel, is currently negotiating a renewal of Comcast’s franchise; and

WHEREAS, many senior and disabled citizens within Nashville and Davidson County are on fixed incomes and may have difficulty affording the monthly cable television service subscriptions; and

WHEREAS, although Comcast is not the only cable television franchise holder in Nashville, it is the only franchisee that is currently providing service to the Nashville community; and

WHEREAS, Comcast currently provides discounts to senior and disabled citizens in other cities across the country; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County that the CATV Special Committee attempt to negotiate a discount for senior and disabled citizens as part of the Comcast franchise renewal negotiations.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the CATV Special Committee Comcast negotiate a cable television service discount for senior and disabled citizens as part of the Comcast franchise renewal process.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the CATV Special Committee and to Tillman Lay, Esq.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Rip Ryman