PURPOSE: 

During the Introduction of Additional Agenda Items portion of the June 27, 2006 Council meeting, Council Member Gordon asked staff to place the information discussed during the June 27, 2006 Council Telecommunications Study Session on a future agenda.  In accordance with Council policy, this item has been placed on the agenda as the first step in a two step process. 

BACKGROUND:

On June 27, 2006 staff provided Council with an overview of recent state and federal telecommunications related legislation, a request from AT&T for implementation of their Fiber-to-the-Node (FTTN) program entitled Project Lightspeed, a status update on the current cable franchise agreement negotiations and the potential fiscal impacts to the General Fund resulting from existing legislation, litigation and changes in technology.  The staff report and Power Point presentation from the Study Session are included as attachments to this report.

As part of the Study Session, a majority of the Council concurred with staff�s recommendation to begin negotiations with AT&T for the purpose of developing an agreement for the expeditious implementation of Project Lightspeed.  Staff met with AT&T on Monday, July 3, 2006 and has begun to solidify deal points for a potential agreement.  It is staff�s expectation to have a negotiated draft agreement with AT&T ready for Council review, input and approval within the next 30 days.

RECOMMENDATION:

Pursuant to Council direction with regard to Council requested agenda items, staff has agendized this item for additional Council discussion and direction.  It is staff�s recommendation that Council discuss the various developments in the telecommunications industry and direct staff as appropriate.

Attachments

Telecommunication Study Session

H:\My Documents\Telecommunications Update - First Step.doc/kb

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