1992-10-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The regular n~cting of the Village Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, October 14, 1992 at 7:30 P.M. in the Village Hall. Present: Mayor Hinzmann, Tr. DiDcmizio, Tr. Kcmornik, Tr. Shay, Tr. Bain and Att. Viglotti. .Absent: Tr. Napoleon and Tr. Usavich (Both absences due to personal reasons). Agenda: Discussicn on CATV proposal with representative of New York CuL,~ssien on CATV: Att. Viglotti discussed previ~_s happenings on this issue regarding problems which existed in the areas of franchise ,fees and State approval of the last 3 year contract. He stated agr~-~alent has been reached that, as of this past August, we will receive the 5% franchise fee and discussed a proposed 10 year contract with US Ca~levision and this included retroactive payments for back franchise fees. . Att. Viglotti reported US Cablevision was receptive to entering the same agreement they had with the Town of Wappinger and C~a~,~ssion has reviewed this proposal and reDonded. He stated Village was concerned with long term contract and exclusive rights clause and ~r. John Figliozzi, member of New York Ccmmission on CATV, was present to discuss same and answer questions. Mr. Viglotti re~orted long term contracts are viewed favorably by the Cable C~Ltission and no cable c~ntract is exclusive, in na~,~e, by State law. ~{r. Figliozzi reported Art. 28 of the Executive Law, which governs cable contracts within the State, requires that all contracts be non-exclusive. He stated that if a nuniciDality wishes to grant a similar right to other parties they have the right to do so and the fact that we have a-contract does not bar ms frcm seeking new pro_~sals or n~¢ develo~nents. Tr. Bain inquired as to what impact new Fedearl legislation would have on cable television control? d · 4r. Figliozzi state there w~uld be no major changes as the rates are subject to local controls. He disc ussed the various asnects of the new legislation and staf~d the area of most concern was the Expanded Basic package but there would be an el~nent of control and regular_ions. Tr. Bain questioned if f~here were any clauses, statements or rules we would have to abide by should a contract be entered into. Att. Viglotti reported cable cc~pany sets rates and we control the franchise fees. He discussed the present c~ntract which had increased the franchise fees frcm 3% to 5% but, due to-lack of.~State a~proval, has not becc~e effec tire until this ~ast August. Mr. Viglotti reported n~roposal would reflect a change whereby the percentage number would be changed ~erein the 5% would be based on the total gross receipts.