HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 3455-02-2007A Resolution
NO 3455-02-2007
SUPPORTING FURTHERANCE OF COMPETITION
IN THE CABLE COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY
AS CURRENTLY PROVIDED BY
CHAPTER 66 OF THE TEXAS UTILITIES CODE
(SENATE BILL 5, 79TH LEGISLATURE, 2d C S )
WHEREAS, the City of Fort Worth (the `City") supports competition and innovation m the
cable communications industry and
WHEREAS, the City must also ensure preservation of its longstanding rights to manage the
public rights-of way and to receive fair and reasonable compensation for use of the public rights-of way
by cable service providers as well as to ensure that cable service providers maintain their longstanding
obligations to the general public, and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 5 as passed by the 79th Texas Legislature, 2d C S (now partially
codified as Chapter 66 Texas Utilities Code) granted franchising authority over cable service providers
to the State of Texas rather than to individual municipalities m which those cable service providers
operate• and
WHEREAS, Chapter 66 of the Texas Utilities Code nevertheless embodies a delicate and
balanced compromise between Texas municipalities and the telecommunications mdustry• and
WHEREAS, cable service providers operating in Texas may seek to alter the provisions of
Chapter 66 of the Texas Utilities Code; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission may pursue an order estabhshmg federal
guidelines for cable franchises m the United States that would preempt any conflicting provisions of
Chapter 66 of the Texas Utilities Code,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
WORTH, TEXAS
I.
That the City of Fort Worth opposes any changes to Chapter 66 of the Texas Uhlrties Code as rt
was passed by the 79~' Legislature, 2d C.S. (Senate Bill 5) that are groposed for consideration by the 80~
Legislature
II.
That the City of Fort Worth opposes any attempts by the Federal Communications Commission
to assert preemptive authority over the accomplishments of the Texas Legislature in its adding Chapter
66 of the Texas Utilities Code as passed by the 79~' Legislature, 2d C.S. (Senate Bill 5).
AND IT IS SO RESOLVED.
Adopted this 20th day of February , 2007
ATTEST
By
Marty Hendrix
City Secretary
APPROVED
CITY CCUI~CIL
FEB 2 0 2007
City Secretary of the
City of Port Worth, texas
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