HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 11938 (League of CA Cities Support Telecommunication Srvs)RESOLUTION NO. 11938
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL SUPPORTING
THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES POLICIES AND PRINCIPLES REGARDING
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
WHEREAS, technological advances in telecommunications services (data, video and voice) 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 rights-of-way; and
WHEREAS, fair 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, Institutional Network (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 Council of the City of San Rafael, does
hereby adopt the following principles, as recommended by the League of California Cities, as a
framework that should be considered as Congress and the state legislature debate over new
telecommunications regulatory proposals:
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
support local public services and mitigate impacts on local rights-of-way.
• Oppose any state or federal legislation that would pre-empt or threaten local taxation
authority
Rights-Of-Wav
• 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 rights-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 Safetv Services
• The authority for E-911 and 911 services should remain with local government,
including any compensation for the use of the rights-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 undergrounding.
I, JEANNE M. LEONCINI, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of
said City on the 17`h of April, 2006, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips and Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Miller
E�M. LEONCINI, City Clerk